Riding the Silver Queen Gondola Up Aspen Mountain ('Ajax'): Summit Views, Disc Golf & Sundeck

Rising directly out of the southern blocks of Downtown Aspen, just two blocks from the Wheeler Opera House and Little Nell Hotel at 601 East Dean Street, Aspen Mountain (called 'Ajax' after an 1880s silver mine on its peak) is crowned by the Silver Queen Gondola. For non-skiers in winter or hikers in summer and autumn, riding this 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) single-stage gondola is a highlight of the Colorado Rockies.

1. The 14-Minute Ride to 3,417 Metres (11,212 Feet) & Summit Activities

In 14 silent minutes, your 6-passenger cabin climbs 996 vertical metres (3,267 feet) up the steep face of Ajax to the summit terminal at 3,417 metres (11,212 feet):

• 3-Day Sightseeing Pass Value: buying a summer or autumn Sightseeing Ticket (check the official site for current fares) gives you 3 days of unlimited gondola rides at both Aspen Mountain and the Elk Camp Gondola in Snowmass.
• What to Do at the Summit (Mid-June to Early Oct):
  1. Richmond Ridge Trail & Free ACES Nature Walks: follow the gentle gravel road along Richmond Ridge for 360-degree views toward 4,348m Castle Peak, the Maroon Bells and Independence Pass. Join a free 45-minute Guided Nature Walk with a Naturalist from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) in late morning or early afternoon.
  2. World's Highest Official 18-Hole Disc Golf Course: borrow free loaner discs from the summit guest services hut.
  3. Mountaintop Yoga & Sunday Bluegrass Concerts: weekday morning yoga runs on the summit deck for a small fee, and every Sunday afternoon all summer a live Colorado bluegrass band plays on the lawn outside the Sundeck Restaurant.

2. Hiking the Ute Trail to Ute Rock (or All the Way Up Ajax)

For a shorter 45-minute hike right from town, walk to the Ute Trail at Ute Avenue on the eastern edge of downtown and climb 300 vertical metres (0.9 miles) up switchbacks to Ute Rock, a granite outcrop looking straight down onto the street grid of Downtown Aspen. Energetic hikers can continue all 3,267 vertical feet up the Summer Road trail to the summit and ride the gondola down for a reduced foot-passenger fare.