Haven't been to either, but will the road tripping around Colorado soon and thought about checking out one of them. If you had to choose between the two for a few hours or overnight during the summer, which would it be?

Plans and routes are flexible, just interested in some opinions on these two places.

Both are great - and Vail is closer to Denver - but I think especially in the summer - Aspen offers more.

The Summit (Breckinridge and Frisco, etc) is also nice.

I've been to Vail... and yearned to go to Aspen... and would opt for Aspen in a heartbeat, if in reasonable proximity to both.

Besides, most anything you read about them in the future will be heavily weighted toward Aspen, so you might as well go there to enhance your perspective.

Aspen and Maroon Bells.

Have been to both several times both summer and winter. I would not miss Aspen if you have limited time. More things to do, better mountain scenery(Maroon Bells Mountains, lake, river and those Aspen Trees). Then there is the easy but beautiful drive over Independence Pass. Better shopping and better people watching. The nationally known Music Festival in summer. Hot Springs swimming, hiking, fishing, biking...on and on. If it happens outside it will be happening in Aspen. Also plenty to do for those less athletic or older.
Both Vail and Aspen are expensive for lodging and dining.
Definitely Aspen.....no contest.
You will love Colorado.

Thanks a zillion, everyone. Sounds like Aspen is a must see. Is there any place nearby that might be a less expensive option for lodging?

Not really as far as I know. Google away and try to find something - but you will have to pay the freight to enjoy the visit.

Yeah it's gonna be pricey, but we will figure it out.
I appreciate all your comments--sometimes all the guidebooks and online research is not enough, and your input is just what is needed.

You don't have to stay IN Aspen. Look in Carbondale or a nearby community. It's ALL beautiful.

Many of the condo developments on the mountain in Aspen, Snowmass, etc. are very, very reasonable in the summer. Try those for a place to stay.

Thanks, I will check into the condos and surrounding towns. Even Glenwood Springs would be a relatively close option.

Aspen is definitely a beautiful town in a sensationally scenic location, but when we visited last summer we found that the charming little mountain town of yesteryear has vanished and in its place is an over-crowded town with hotels and restaurants that charge much and give little in return. Perhaps it is the too many tourists that make hotel and restaurant employees indifferent to their guests.

The same is true in Banff, Alberta, but not yet in Telluride.

HTtY

If I were going to visit Aspen for an afternoon/evening, I would stay in Glenwood Springs for cheaper lodging.
There is a great bus service from Glenwood Springs to Aspen all year long (41 miles). Glenwood Springs has the largest hot spring fed swimming pool in the world. There is also a gondola ride up to Glenwood Caverns.
My favorite scenery on any Amtrak route is the California Zephyr through the Glenwood Canyon (Colorado River).

For just one or two nights, I'd pay to stay in Aspen proper. The Limelight is nice and a good value. The Gant is having a summer sale now.

Aspen is special.

If you want to stay 3 nights, Glenwood or Basalt are options, too.

We just came home from Vail, which bores me quickly in the summer.

Agree - stay in Aspen itself for a night or two - but if you have time - check out the big pool/hot spring fed - in Glenwood Springs.

Don't know if you can do it at Aspen - but at Vail - we rented mountain bikes and rode up the skilift - - and then cruised on down the mountain. Great fun.

Thanks again for the input and ideas. We will see what the road has in store for us--heading out!

Reporting back to thank you for your suggestions. We ended up staying a couple of nights in Glenwood Springs, which we loved! The vapor caves at Yampah Spa are amazing, as well as the Hanging Lake Trail.

Took a day trip to the Aspen area, with a stop at a neat little market in Carbondale, lunch at Woody Creek Tavern and on to Independence Pass and a couple of short hikes. Aspen did seem a little ritzy for me, but I need to go again with an open mind and also to see Maroon Bells.

Sounds like fun. You must have driven past Maroon Bells, driving from Glenwood Springs to Aspen.

I did see a Maroon Bells sign at some point. We will definitely be back!

You can get a good look at the Maroon Bells by driving just a ways from the highway. We will be in Aspen this weekend, so I'll say Hello to the Bells for you!

Be sure to come back!