In fall 2023, my husband and I snuck away for a long weekend in Aspen for a romantic getaway and to take our engagement photos at the iconic Maroon Bells. Between golden aspen groves, cozy cafes, and an indulgent steakhouse dinner, it was the perfect mix of adventure and romance. Here’s how we spent 3 days in Aspen during the tail end of fall.

Friday: Drinks & Date Night

We arrived in Aspen on Friday afternoon and kicked things off with a casual drink at Aspen Brewing Company. Nothing sets the tone for a mountain weekend like sipping a crisp cocktail with mountain views in the background.

For dinner, we dressed up and headed to Catch Steakhouse for a romantic date night. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy meal in Aspen, this is it! An elegant atmosphere, incredible steak, and the perfect start to a weekend away.

Saturday: Maroon Bells & Downtown Aspen

Saturday was the highlight of our trip – engagement photos at MArron Bells with JHey Photography. Even though we went late in the fall season and the famous yellow aspens were already fading, the views were still breathtaking. If you visit earlier in the fall (late September through early October), you’ll catch the Maroon Bells at peak foliage with golden leaves reflected in the lake.

After our photos, we explored some of the nearby trails, soaking in the crisp mountain air and scenery. Later that afternoon, we made our way back downtown for more photos among Aspen’s charming streets.

We capped the day off at Paradise Cafe & Bakery, where we treated ourselves to espresso martinis and a sweet bakery indulgence – a cozy little pick me up after a busy morning.

Following a few espresso martinis, we then went shopping, making a special stop at their Louis Vuitton store to purchase my very first LV purse! 

Sunday: Morning Stroll & Mountain Views

On Sunday, we woke up early to enjoy a peaceful walk through downtown Aspen before most of the shops opened. The crisp air, quiet streets, and mountain backdrop make it the perfect sendoff. Before heading home to the Denver area, we hiked one of the trails near the base of the mountain – a refreshing way to close our weekend.

Tips for Your Aspen Fall Getaway

• 🍂 Timing matters: Go in late September or early October for peak foliage at Maroon Bells.
  
• 📸 Maroon Bells permits: You’ll need to book a shuttle or parking reservation ahead of time if visiting during peak season.
  
• 🥂 Romantic touches: Balance your hikes with indulgent meals and cozy cafes—it makes the trip feel extra special.
  
• 🚗 Getting there: Aspen is about a 3.5–4 hour drive from Denver, so plan to leave early to avoid mountain traffic.

Aspen gave us the perfect mix of romance and adventure—a weekend filled with mountain views, cozy cafes, and unforgettable memories at Maroon Bells. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a mountain escape, Aspen in the fall is a getaway you’ll never forget.