Just moved to Aspen & the Roaring Fork Valley, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.
Every Thursday evening
Independence Run & Hike, 901 Highway 133, Carbondale
A relaxed 4–5 mile route around Carbondale with drinks and snacks afterward. All paces welcome, from first-timers to veterans; bring a headlamp in the darker months.
Most Wednesdays through the summer (weather permitting), alternating road and mountain bike events
Varies — venues from Aspen to Glenwood Springs
18–20 races a summer, from short mountain time trials to 50-mile road races, with categories for every level. Guests can drop in per race; free for racers under 18. Locations and exact start times rotate weekly — check the schedule.
Open daily in winter, conditions and grooming permitting
Trailheads connecting Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt (Aspen and Snowmass Cross-Country Centers)
60+ miles of free groomed trails for classic and skate skiing — one of the largest free Nordic systems in North America. Some segments are dog-friendly; check the grooming report.
Weekly, rotating among Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt, and Aspen
Runners of all speeds welcome. The exact day and location rotate each week — check the club’s calendar or Facebook for the next run.
Tuesdays
Aspen (ends at a local bar)
A social 3–5 mile run capped with a stop at an Aspen bar. Confirm the meet-up spot and time via the group’s Facebook page.
Group runs scheduled through the season via the Facebook group
Roaring Fork and Crystal valley trailheads
All ability levels welcome on local trails. Switches to Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Watch the Facebook group for the next outing.
Wednesday mountain bike rounds within the alternating summer series
Varies — valley trail venues
The mountain bike half of the club’s Wednesday series — formats from 10-minute time trials up. Categories for all abilities; under-18s race free. Confirm each week’s venue and time on the schedule.
Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association
Seasonal volunteer trail-work days through spring–fall
Trailheads valley-wide (New Castle to Aspen)
Build and maintain the valley’s 300+ miles of singletrack alongside fellow riders. Dates are posted through the season — check the RFMBA site and Facebook.
Open most afternoons and evenings (open daily; opens midday weekdays, mid-morning weekends)
Monkey House Carbondale, 898 Highway 133, Carbondale
Drop-in bouldering on a Walltopia wall plus MoonBoard and Kilter training boards; the valley’s indoor-climbing gathering spot. Confirm current hours before you go.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES)
Select / bi-weekly Tuesday mornings, summer into early fall, alternating Hallam Lake and Rock Bottom Ranch
ACES Hallam Lake Nature Preserve, Aspen (some dates at Rock Bottom Ranch, Basalt)
A roughly three-hour morning walk for birders of all levels, led by veteran naturalist Rebecca Weiss. Discounted for ACES members. Runs select Tuesdays — confirm the date and location before going.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES)
Daily, mid-June through early September (Maroon Bells, Snowmass, Aspen Mountain)
Maroon Bells Visitor Center, Snowmass Mall, and Aspen Mountain (Richmond Ridge)
Free naturalist-guided walks daily in summer — Maroon Lake walks, Snowmass wildflower and Ice Age hikes, and Aspen Mountain walks. Times vary by location; see the ACES schedule.
Free guided hikes scheduled July through October
Trailheads across the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding public lands
Free, guide-led hikes into the wild lands the nonprofit works to protect, with conservation context along the way. Registration required; dates posted each summer.
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers
Volunteer projects April through October, weekdays and weekends
Trailheads valley-wide (many transit-accessible)
Hands-on trail and restoration work, from easy to strenuous, with no experience needed. Includes evening trail-work sessions. Register on the RFOV calendar.
Seasonal community education programs
Roaring Fork watershed (Basalt area)
An introduction to fly fishing on one of Colorado’s premier Gold Medal trout rivers, run as part of the Conservancy’s watershed-education programming. Check the site for upcoming sessions.
Seasonal pool clinics and river clinics; events posted through the year
Valley pools and Roaring Fork / Colorado river runs
Whitewater pool and river clinics, swiftwater-rescue courses, and community paddles for all skill levels. Join the newsletter to catch registrations when they open.
Recurring winter clinics and demo days
Aspen Highlands base and Carbondale shop
Learn the basics of uphill skinning technique, plus gear demo days at the base of Aspen Highlands. A friendly on-ramp to backcountry travel. Check the shop for clinic dates.