Girl in forest taking photos

The Most Instagrammable Spots In and Near Aspen You Haven’t Discovered Yet

Aspen Colorado is an amazing place to visit. To get there, you’ll have to land in Eagle Airport. To get from Eagle Airport to Aspen, it will be about a one hour drive give or take, and then the adventure begins! Aspen is well known for its luxury, world class, ski resorts along with the best mountain views and hiking trails. The scenery and the nature no matter the season you arrive in is truly breathtaking. With that being said, there is going to be plenty of eye capturing moments even from travelling from Eagle Airport to Aspen where you’ll be able to take instagram worthy pictures or videos of the beautiful Colorado landscape. Moreover, if hiking and exploring is more up your alley, you’re going to find a ton of places deemed photo worthy which will leave you will a photo album you’ll never forget and one that you’ll be proud to post all over your social media. Follow along in this article as we tell you about some of the best instagrammable spots in and near Aspen that you’ve probably never heard of!

1. The Grottos Ice Caves

The Grottos Ice Caves are truly eye capturing. They are located about nine miles east of Aspen and shouldn’t take long for you to get to. It’s one of those hidden gems where, if you take a picture here, people won’t just be complementing you on the scenery and the background but they’ll almost definitely ask, “where did you take that picture?”. The caves are something else and are extremely enchanting especially in the winter time when the ice formations are at their peak. In the summer, alternatively, it’s also quite nice as there are plenty of nice rocks and the outlining of the caves are much more clearer. A great travelling tip to any of you wanting to go visit the Grottos Ice Caves, is to head out in the afternoon when the sun is out so that way you’ll be able to capitalize on all that glorious sunlight so you can take the best pictures possible.

2. Smuggler Mountain Observation Deck

Another great spot to take photos is at the Smuggler Mountain observation deck. If you’re into hiking then this is an adventure you’ll want to embark on. At the Smuggler Mountain Road, you can get in some good exercise by hiking up the trail meanwhile capturing some of the best, more picturesque photos you can imagine. If you are fit, in good health, and up for the challenge, at your own leisure you can try to go the the top or as high as you can and you can then take an even more picturesque photo. 

3. Independence Ghost Town

If you like historical buildings and history, then you might like the Independence Ghost Town. The Independence Ghost Town is located along the Independence Pass and its a very well preserved mining town from the 19th century. It’s a great time piece and if you like antique furniture or things, you’ll enjoy looking at the wooden cabins, the mining equipment, and even the way the all the infrastructure was built. The scenery on top of everything else adds a very nice touch to the ambience. To summarize it up, the Independence Ghost Town is the perfect combination between old structures and the natural landscapes that creates such a unique and compelling view. 

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4. Ashcroft Ghost Town

A great historical site in the Ashcroft Ghost Town which is about 11 miles south of Aspen. It also was once a silver mining town at the peak of its time. However, today, we know it for being a historical site in Colorado surrounded by the Elk Mountains. There are plenty of wooden structures and amazing scenery which makes for the perfect place to capture amazing photos for your social media.  

5. Cathedral Lake Trail

If you’re more active and are able to hike you’ll love Cathedral Lake. Cathedral Lake is such a rewarding experience because the trail may involve quite a bit of exercise, but the views of the mountains, the meadows and the lake are all worth it. The waters are very clear and almost have a turquoise colour and makes for an amazing photo or even background! If you love nature photography, this is definitely a spot you’ll want to go to as you can take breathtaking pictures all the way through the trail. 

6. Hunter Creek Valley

Hunter Creek Valley is much more on the quieter side. Hunter Creek Valley isn’t as popular but yet offers amazing views of historical structures, meadows and scenery. The atmosphere is nice and calming which makes it perfect for a photo shoot.

7. Maroon Creek Trail

The Maroon Creek Trail is also another quiet gem. Unlike the Maroon Bells which are much more of a tourist attraction, the Maroon Creek Trail is much less crowded and has a beautiful forest, with peaks and meadows. If you love nature, you’ll love the Maroon Creek Trail. 

8. Pine Creek Cookhouse

Pine Creek Cookhouse is known mainly for its fine dining experience however, this is also one of the best spots to take breathtaking capturing photos. The reason is, the log cabin has a backdrop of the beautiful meadows and peaks of Colorado. Whether you’re there to eat, or capture pictures, it’s a spot you do not want to overlook. 

9. Castle Creek Road –

Castle Creek Road is a more popular route in the area that offers a drive with some of the most photo worthy spots you’ll ever see. The scenery from the mountains, rivers, wildflowers, and historical buildings that you’ll see will give you plenty of opportunities to take pictures for your social media. If you’re going to Castle Creek Road make sure you have lots of storage on your camera or phone because you’ll need it. 

10. The Benedict Music Tent

Colorado has a big cultural scene especially when it comes to music. Aspen, embraces this as well and offers the Benedict Music Tent. The Benedict Music Tent is a very interesting architectural piece and it is definitely photo worthy. The tent has a sleek and modern design while it’s surrounded by greenery and an amazing backdrop. If you love architecture or unique structures, the Benedict Music Tent will give you plenty of subject matter to work with.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen through this article there are plenty of amazing places to take the best photos for your social media in Aspen. Aspen boasts amazing mountains, hiking trails, lakes, rivers, and scenery that you just can’t find practically anywhere else. The historical ghost town sits and The Benedict Music Tent make for a perfect photo-shoot if you also love architectural photography. If you love nature photography, then there’s plenty of opportunity to take authentic photos on any of the amazing hiking trails. With that being said if you’re ever in the area and are trying to get from Eagle Airport to Aspen, give us a call here at Epic Limo Vail. We would love to bring you around and provide the best shuttle experience possible.