Aspen is known to most people as a posh skiing destination for the rich and famous. We are here because of its proximity to iconic Maroon Bells, reportedly the most photographed mountains in North America and a great destination for hiking. A 30 minute drive from Aspen, I arrived well before sunrise to catch the first rays of light painting the peaks. When the aspens are in full fall color, one can expect to find hundreds of photographers lining the banks of Maroon Lake for a chance to get the perfect picture of this American icon.  I was joined by only one other on this cold morning and spent an hour enjoying the solitude and beauty before returning to Aspen for breakfast with Jeanine.  The two of us then returned to the Bells for a morning hike to Crater Lake.

The 4.2 mile out and back trail ascends to 10,000 feet and took us about an hour in each direction traveling across rock falls and through groves of aspens.

During the afternoon we ventured to the abandoned silver mining town of Ashcroft where nine buildings have been preserved and are said to be haunted.  We encountered no ghosts but did see many things that took our breath away.