September trip to see aspens!

Question

We’re flying to Denver Sept 23-28 for our anniversary trip to see the aspens, something we’ve wanted to do for a long time! Thinking we’ll stay in 2-3 places and try to hit some different spots where they will be prettiest. I need to do a lot more research, but wanted to see if anyone has good recommendations I can look into. We are into hiking, beautiful scenery, and great food. We travel a lot with our 3 young kids, but are usually limited to shorter hikes and very casual restaurants. Any can’t miss aspen viewing hikes or towns to stay that have fun, nicer restaurants and classy bars that would fit into a logical route for us? I know that’s a broad request, but based on this info what would you suggest? We really want to do the Maroon Bells hike, but don’t have a lot of other specifics in mind yet. Our flight arrives in Denver at 4:15, so thinking the first night or two we should stay within a 2 hour drive of Denver, then we could drive a little further to our base for maroon bells for a couple nights, then last night closer to Denver before our 2pm flight home on the 28th.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Visiting Colorado in late September is perfect for catching the fall aspen colors, and your plan to stay in a few different locations is ideal to maximize both scenic views and hiking opportunities. Since you have young kids and prefer shorter hikes and casual but nice restaurants, I’ll structure some suggestions for places to stay and things to do along a logical route.

First 1-2 Nights Near Denver (Within ~2 Hours)

After arriving in Denver at 4:15 p.m., you’ll likely want a place close enough to settle in without too much driving. Consider towns west of Denver along I-70 or US-285 for quick access to mountain scenery:

Evergreen: About 40 minutes from Denver, this charming mountain town offers casual dining and easy access to scenic drives and short hikes in Evergreen Lake Park and Bergen Peak area.
Idaho Springs: Historic mining town, about 45 minutes from Denver. Great for a casual dinner, some local history, and nearby easy trails like St. Mary’s Glacier for a short hike with aspen views.
Georgetown: Quaint and scenic, with historic main street restaurants and close access to scenic byways like Guanella Pass, which is stunning in September.

Middle Stay for Maroon Bells and Aspen Viewing

For Maroon Bells, you’ll want a base in or near Aspen or nearby towns like Snowmass or Basalt. Plan to stay 2 nights here so you can do the Maroon Bells hike and explore the surrounding area without feeling rushed.

Aspen: Central location for Maroon Bells shuttle or timed entry. Offers excellent restaurants, casual dining for families, and a few classy bars. Short hikes like Maroon Lake Scenic Trail are perfect for kids.
Snowmass Village: Slightly more laid-back than Aspen, still close to Maroon Bells and hiking trails. Family-friendly dining, and easier parking than Aspen proper.
Basalt: Affordable option with small-town charm, a few good restaurants, and a 30-minute drive to Aspen. Great for scenic drives along the Roaring Fork Valley.

Highlights and Must-See Short Hikes:

Maroon Bells Scenic Trail: Even the short loop to Maroon Lake offers iconic aspen and mountain views. Shuttle reservations are needed in late September.
Crater Lake Trail: Short, easy hike from Maroon Bells Road with beautiful reflections of Maroon Bells.
Independence Pass: Drive this scenic pass from Aspen to Twin Lakes; gorgeous aspen groves and overlooks, very family-friendly for a driving/viewing day.
Glenwood Canyon: On your way back toward Denver, a quick stop at Hanging Lake Trailhead can give you a short walk to waterfalls if your kids are up for it.

Final Night Near Denver

Since your flight is at 2 p.m. on the 28th, staying within 30-40 minutes of the airport is ideal. Consider:

Golden: Charming historic town, casual dining, short strolls along Clear Creek, and easy drive to Denver International Airport (DIA).
Lakewood or Westminster: Practical options with easy access to I-70/I-76 for a stress-free drive to the airport.
DIA area hotels: Convenient for a morning departure, less scenic but completely stress-free for catching a flight.

Dining Notes: In Aspen and nearby towns, many restaurants are family-friendly while still offering great food. Consider casual but scenic spots like Smuggler Brewing in Aspen or Base Camp Pizza in Snowmass. In your first night near Denver, local mountain towns often have classic Colorado eateries or small breweries that are kid-friendly.

Overall, your route would look like:

Night 1: Mountain town within 2 hours of Denver (Evergreen/Idaho Springs/Georgetown)
Nights 2-3: Aspen/Snowmass/Basalt for Maroon Bells and aspen hikes
Night 4: Near Denver for easy airport access (Golden/Lakewood/DIA area)

This itinerary balances scenic drives, short family-friendly hikes, and casual dining with your anniversary celebration in mind. The main focus should be the Maroon Bells and scenic passes along the way, as aspens in late September are breathtaking!