Posts by Leah Shaffran
Why Fall is The Best Season for Fly Fishing in Aspen
When the aspens turn golden and the air chills just right, something magical happens in Aspen’s rivers: fall becomes prime time for fly fishing. For anglers who want a mix of solitude, aggressive trout, and beautiful scenery, few seasons beat autumn. Below, we’ll walk through why fall stands out, how conditions shift, and how you…
Read MoreWhy the Smuggler Mine Tour Is Aspen’s Best‑Kept Secret
Just minutes from downtown Aspen, tucked into the side of Smuggler Mountain, lies one of the area’s most unique experiences: the Smuggler Mine Tour. It’s not your usual tourist hike or lookout point, it’s a real mine with stories, shafts, and character. Here’s why this tour deserves more attention, and why it may just become…
Read MoreCatch and Release: Sustainable Fishing Practices in Aspen, CO
Aspen’s clear, high-alpine rivers are home to healthy trout populations, and preserving them starts with one practice that every angler should adopt: catch and release. At Elk Mountain Aspen, our guided fly fishing trips uphold sustainable practices to ensure future generations can fish these waters. Here’s why catch-and-release matters, and how to do it properly.…
Read MoreWhy SUP in Aspen is a Must-Try Summer Activity
If you’re looking for a summer activity that combines mountain scenery, a gentle workout, and peaceful time on the water, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Aspen checks every box. It’s accessible, refreshing, and a totally different way to experience Colorado’s high-alpine beauty, and at Elk Mountain Aspen, we make it easy for beginners and families to…
Read MoreThe Numbers vs Pine Creek: Which Arkansas River Rafting Trip Is Right for You?
If you’re looking for Colorado’s most thrilling whitewater, two legendary runs on the Arkansas River stand out: The Numbers and Pine Creek + The Numbers. Both are steep, fast, and packed with adrenaline, and both are guided by Elk Mountain Aspen as full-throttle rafting experiences a couple of hours from Aspen. But there are key…
Read MoreWhat to Expect on a Smuggler Mine Tour in Aspen
Most visitors come to Aspen for the mountains, but just below the surface lies one of Colorado’s richest stories. The Smuggler Mine, perched just above downtown Aspen, is more than a historic site — it’s an immersive tour that takes you deep into the heart of the Rocky Mountains and the silver boom that built…
Read MoreInflatable vs. Hardshell Kayaks: Best for Beginners in Aspen?
If you’re considering a river adventure in Aspen and wondering whether to choose an inflatable kayak or a traditional hardshell, you’re not alone. Many first-time paddlers ask: Are inflatable kayaks good? Are they safe? And how do they compare to hardshells on Colorado rivers? The short answer? Inflatable kayaks are an ideal starting point for…
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