Posts by Leah Shaffran
Best Family Activities in Aspen Snowmass This Summer
Aspen and Snowmass may be famous for world-class skiing, but summer in the Roaring Fork Valley is its own kind of magic. From the banks of a Gold Medal trout river to the tunnels of a 19th-century silver mine, the valley offers families the kind of experiences you simply can’t find at a typical resort…
Read MoreWhat to Pack for a Colorado Fly Fishing Trip
There’s nothing quite like fly fishing in Colorado. From alpine streams and freestone rivers to tailwaters and secluded mountain lakes, the state offers some of the best trout fishing in the country. But Colorado’s rapidly changing weather, high elevation, and varied terrain mean preparation matters just as much as technique. Whether you’re heading out for…
Read MoreWhen Is the Best Time to Raft the Gunnison River? A Seasonal Guide
The Gunnison River offers some of the most remote, scenic, and rewarding rafting experiences in Colorado. Whether you’re drawn to the towering cliffs of the Gunnison Gorge, the wild brown trout fishing, or the chance to log river miles on a multi-day expedition, timing your trip right is essential. Rafting season varies depending on your…
Read MoreTips for Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado
Winter in Colorado isn’t just for skiers. For anglers willing to layer up and think differently, it’s also a surprisingly productive time to fly fish. While the conditions are colder and the fish are more sluggish, fewer crowds and crystal-clear water make for rewarding days on the water, especially when you’re armed with the right…
Read MoreWhat to Expect on a Black Canyon of the Gunnison Fly Fishing Raft Trip
Why the Gunnison Gorge is Worth the Effort: Epic Views, Remote Access, and Incredible Fly Fishing Tucked within the awe-inspiring Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, the Black Canyon is not your average river trip. It’s remote, wild, and permits are limited, which means planning ahead is key. If you’re looking for a true backcountry rafting…
Read MoreWhy 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…
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