Some days feel like postcards. This one felt like a dream.
We started before the world woke up—pitch black outside, stars still blinking above us—armed with a thermos of coffee, fleece layers, and a parking permit that turned out to be the best decision of the entire trip. If you’re heading to Maroon Bells, trust me: snag the 12am–8am permit. It’s worth every cent for the chance to experience one of Colorado’s most photographed places in complete silence.
When we pulled in, we were almost alone. No crowds. No chatter. Just us, the crisp mountain air, and nature doing her thing. A red fox trotted across the path like a little guardian of the morning. Ducks drifted lazily on the water. The hike around the lake is easy—family-friendly, peaceful, and wrapped in postcard views. It felt sacred, like we had wandered into a pocket of untouched earth that was letting us borrow her beauty for a while.
Here’s the thing about Maroon Bells: it’s the kind of place that lives up to the hype—but only if you catch it in those soft early hours. When the sun rises behind those dramatic peaks and the reflection hits that glassy lake just so, it’s pure magic. You can feel the stillness settle into your bones. Everything slows down. You stop trying to document every second and just let the moment live on your skin for a while.
From there, we rolled into Aspen—not just ski-town Aspen, but soft-summer Aspen, where boutique shops line the outdoor walking mall like colorful macarons and flower baskets swing from every lamp post. It’s luxe but laid-back. We window-shopped, popped into a few stores, and people-watched from a bench with iced lavender lattes in hand. The vibe? Mountain-chic meets storybook village.
The air smelled like pine and fresh pastries. Musicians played acoustic guitar under shady trees. People strolled slowly, no one in a rush. It’s the kind of place where you can wear hiking boots with designer sunglasses and no one blinks. Aspen is high altitude and high style, but it never feels stuffy. It’s more like, “Yeah, I hike at sunrise and drink champagne at lunch—want a bite of this croissant?”
Just a short stroll away, we found something I wasn’t expecting to love so much: the John Denver Sanctuary. And let me tell you—it’s not just a garden, it’s a feeling. There are massive boulders carved with lyrics, little wildflowers tucked into soft grassy knolls, and smooth stepping stones that lead you through this whisper-quiet wonderland. It’s dreamy. Peaceful. Almost enchanted. You half expect a deer to walk out and wink at you.
I didn’t realize how much I needed that space. We wandered barefoot on the warm stones, read the words etched into rock, and let the wind move through us like a song. There’s something incredibly grounding about that garden—it’s not loud or flashy, but it lingers. Like music you feel in your chest. Like a quiet “you’re safe here.”
By late afternoon, we packed up a couple of rods and headed out to Reudi Reservoir, about 45 minutes from town but so worth the drive. The sun hung golden and warm over the water as we sat by the shore, casting lines and laughing like we didn’t have a care in the world. We ended up reeling in several gorgeous trout—all catch and release, just how we like it.
The drive out to Reudi is part of the adventure. You wind through pine-covered hills and pass little hidden cabins with chimneys and hammocks swaying in the breeze. It feels like stepping into a Colorado fairytale. And when you finally reach the reservoir—huge, still, and rimmed with cliffs and trees—it’s like the world gets quiet again. The kind of quiet that fills you up.
There’s something deeply grounding about ending your day sitting lakeside, hands a little dirty, soul a little cleaner. No phone service. No distractions. Just the sound of the water, the tug of the line, and the echo of a day well spent.
If you're heading to Aspen and want to copy this itinerary:
🕓 Start early at Maroon Bells:
Grab that 12am–8am permit and get there before sunrise. You’ll feel like the mountains are all yours. Don’t forget your layers—it gets chilly in the morning even in summer. Pack a little breakfast picnic, and take your time soaking it all in.
🛍 Stroll downtown Aspen:
Don’t skip the walking mall. Local shops, espresso bars, and some of the best people-watching around. We loved ducking into art galleries and picking up little trinkets we definitely didn’t need but absolutely wanted. Pop into Paradise Bakery for a cookie that will change your life.
🌸 Visit the John Denver Sanctuary:
Wildflowers, lyrics, and magic. Perfect for journaling, quiet moments, or daydreaming barefoot on the grass. Bring a blanket and let the afternoon drift by while the Roaring Fork River sings in the background.
🎣 End your day at Reudi Reservoir:
Pack your fishing gear or just bring snacks and soak up that golden-hour light. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and full of trout. And even if you don’t fish, the views are worth the drive alone. Lay on a blanket, skip a few rocks, or just breathe in that big mountain air.
Every moment of that day felt like a deep breath. Aspen has a way of slowing you down, softening your edges, and reminding you what it feels like to be fully, deliciously alive.
So if you’ve been craving a trip that feels equal parts peaceful and playful—with a little wild, a little wonder, and a whole lot of wow—go ahead and save this one. Aspen’s calling. And she’s even better off-season.