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Why choose Aspen as a vacation destination? I wouldn't! Nope! Me, I would travel and stay at Snowmass Village. With only 7 miles between Aspen and Snowmass, you can enjoy the ambiance of Aspen but you will be staying in an absolutely delightful pure mountain village.

The middle of August until the end of September is the best time to be in Colorado as the aspen trees will have begun to change, the days are warm in the sun but cool in the shade and the star filled skies at night are absolutely clear - perfect for a light jacket and a walk down the main street of Snowmass Village. If you prefer a more upbeat night life, go to downtown Aspen and the clubs, restaurants and bars will be open - you can party with the local folks who live there year round. The prices and discounts are still at off season rates. There are no big crowds of celebrities being snow bunnies on the slopes, no crowds out at night. You might even be able to enjoy a lunch in an outside caf and not have to wait for a table. Hey people you can't beat that! (Oh but I can!)

Independence Pass will still be open so you must schedule some time to drive to the top. Independence Pass is one of the highest paved roads in North America but is closed during the winter, because of the snow and hairpin curves. The view at the top of the Continental Divide is some thing breathtaking. From the top, going downhill, on Highway 82 towards Aspen, are hidden campgrounds with only 10 to 12 spaces. So if you are into camping, there is one hidden across from the trail head for the hike to Maroon Bells. What - no one has told you about Maroon Bells?

Maroon Bells is a mountain range with the middle mountains forming a perfect V which is reflected in the most perfect lake at the foot of Maroon Bells - a photographer's dream because mere words can not be found to describe it! So, grab your camera and take a day hike to Maroon Bells, but don't tell anyone about the camping site - shhhhh - our secret!

There is one more activity that you might want to consider but it closes sometime in September. A van will take you 40 miles to Glenwoods Springs to go on a day trip of white water rafting, complete with a chicken box lunch at noon. You will get wet and you will get sunburned, so take necessary precautions.

Now, if my vacation is too much excitement for you city people - there is still the balloon rides, exploring trails on horseback, golf and music festivals. But for me - Maroon Bells, and white water rafting makes this area of Colorado truly God's country!

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