Aspen in September is a special season for locals and tourists alike. The large summer crowds have thinned, and the vibrant locals’ scene revives while the valley begins taking on its bright golden autumn hue.
We’re confident you won’t be disappointed if you visit Aspen in September. Peak foliage is difficult to forecast since it varies year to year, but it normally falls between the third and fourth weeks of September in this section of Colorado.
So, what else do we love most about Aspen in September? Read on to find out.
Crowd-less Aspen in September
Since most schools are back in session once September arrives, most summer vacations have come to an end. This means fewer tourists are wandering around Aspen during what we call our “secret season.” The locals come out of hiding, and the town becomes even more charming. You’ll also find that restaurant reservations become easier, lines become shorter, the roads are less crowded, and you’re able to enjoy more of the Aspen it was meant to be.
September Temperatures in Aspen
Daytime September temperatures in Aspen are typically in the low 70s and sunny, with afternoon thunderstorms being a common occurrence. At night, the temperatures can drop into the mid 30s and low 40s, so you’ll want to be prepared for any scenario. Regardless of how warm or cool it feels, you’re almost guaranteed to see golden Aspen leaves everywhere.
September’s Fall Colors in Aspen
If you’re eager to see the golden aspen leaves covering nearly every mountain you see, September is the perfect time to visit Aspen. The mountain ranges look as if they’ve been painted in gold. A few of the town’s namesake trees turn gold by the second week of September. And, depending on the weather, entire valleys of aspens flash bright yellow during the third or fourth week of the month. It’s a breathtaking experience to be completely surrounded by the rich, warm hues of millions of fluttering aspen leaves.
September Events in Aspen
While September doesn’t see as many to-die-for activities as the busy summer season, there are a few annual events which the valley eagerly anticipates. Aspen’s main September events are the weekly Aspen Saturday Market, Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) Labor Day Experience, the Snowmass Balloon Festival, and Aspen Ruggerfest. If that’s not enough to entertain you, get tickets for an upcoming September performance at the Wheeler Opera House, Theatre Aspen, or the Belly Up.
September Music at Aspen’s Belly Up
Appearing on Rolling Stone’s list of “Best Clubs in America,” Aspen’s Belly Up has been well-known for drawing quality high-profile performers since it opened in 2005. Major performers on tour tend to make time to stop in Aspen. During September, once many of the tourists have fled town, be sure to catch a live September performance (or a few) in this uniquely intimate underground venue.
Hiking in Aspen in September
The Ute Trail is a short yet punishing exercise for the legs and lungs. You’ll climb 1,000 feet in just one mile to a rock ledge with panoramic valley views. You’ll not only be surrounded by changing colors on the trees flanking the trail — the entire town will be awash with autumn colors, too.
The reward sometimes comes from that kind of struggle, but on the 1.8-mile climb to Crater Lake, it’s mostly rewarding. You’ll ascend just 500 feet of elevation gain to reach a small, clear alpine lake with views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak.
Note: If you’re prone to altitude sickness, be sure to allow yourself a few days at the start of your vacation to acclimate before engaging in any vigorous activity!
Aspen History Tours in September
During September, the Aspen Historical Society continues to run a variety of guided downtown Aspen tours. Their ongoing offerings include historic downtown walking tours, History Coach tours, Wheeler Opera House tours, Red Butte Cemetery tours, Victorian West End walking tours, Hotel Jerome History Tours, Little Nell Garden Tours, Independence Ghost Town tours, and more.
September Nature Tours in Aspen
For nearly 45 years, ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) has guided tours, hikes, and ecological programming around the Aspen valley. Their September programming includes farm tours, outdoor yoga, birding trips, and other activities on a daily and weekly basis. Explore and appreciate the beauty of September in the White River National Forest thanks to ACES’ dedicated local guides and naturalists.
Where to Stay in Aspen in September
During September, you’ll often find top vacation rentals available for a fraction of the high-season rates. Ready to visit Aspen in the fall and enjoy a more relaxed local vibe? Contact Aspen Luxury Rentals to explore our favorite Aspen vacation rentals today.