What is the C7 Roadshow Anyway?

We can't help it—we're wanderers. The mountains, rivers, coasts, and swells speak a language that we're always learning. We balance the need to move with a desire to make connections, to know a place and the people who make it special. That's how we "Arrive Ready." Follow along to build your own cache of insider DL. Our first stop on the Roadshow tour? Aspen, Colorado. Lace up.

ASPEN: What To Do

Research is hard, really. Getting up early to test coffee shops and then test ourselves against the fish and the elements on local rivers. But we're willing to take one for the team so that you can arrive ready next time you are in beautiful and adventure-bountiful Aspen, Colorado. Here are a few of our favorites.

Hike

Sopris

LENGTH: Just under 13 miles. Out and back.
DIFFICULTY: Hard
ELEVATION GAIN: 4,412 feet
GOOD TO KNOW: Dogs allowed but leash is required.
ALONG THE WAY: Stop at Thomas Lakes.
ACCESS: From Carbondale, travel south on Highway 133 to Prince Creek Road, then a left. Follow the road for 6 miles to a fork. Take the right at the fork and drive 2 miles to Thomas Lakes Trailhead.

Check out this 12.9-mile out-and-back trail just northwest of Aspen. A challenging route, Sopris is a popular trail and makes for a great all-day hike. To avoid your hiking companions getting a case of the hangries, you would be well advised to pack a picnic. Some choose to backpack in and camp at the Thomas Lakes (around 3 easy miles in) and then summit in the morning. Thunderstorms can be an afternoon reality.

North Fork Trail

LENGTH: 8.1 Miles
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,670 feet
ACCESS: The trailhead is located on the east side on Independence Pass on Highway 82, 4.5 miles between Aspen and Leadville.

The beautiful North Fork Trail takes hikers through a broad valley to Fryingpan Pass in the Mount Massive Wilderness with exceptional views throughout the excursion.  Deer Mountain stands prominently over the Fryingpan Pass, with a similar basin and tarn between it and Mount Champion that can be reached with modest effort.

Crater Lake

LENGTH: 3.5 miles out and back
DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 688 feet
GOOD TO KNOW: Dogs allowed but leash is required. Parking permit and reservation required.
ALONG THE WAY: Stop at Thomas Lakes.
ACCESS: From Carbondale, travel south on Highway 133 to Prince Creek Road, then a left. Follow the road for 6 miles to a fork. Take the right at the fork and drive 2 miles to Thomas Lakes Trailhead.

Try this 3.5-mile out-and-back trail is a very popular hike in the Maroon Bells area. Generally considered a moderately challenging hike, but it's short and sweet so you can get up to other adventures if you tick this off your list in the morning! As of 2021, both a permit and a reservation are required to access this area by vehicle. Please call (970) 945-3319 or visit this Forest Service link for more information.

Cast A Fly Or Two Or...

If you're like us, there's never a bad time to go fishing. And the Aspen area has some rivers and hatches that are definitely worth the trip.

Roaring Fork River

A freestone river that flows from its headwaters at Independence Pass to its confluence with the Colorado River down in Glenwood Springs, the Roaring Fork is synonymous with Aspen. The river is always a good bet because its trout population feeds on a healthy diet of aquatic insects and benefits from a pristine environment of cool water flowing in from the RF's tributaries.

Fryingpan River

The Fryingpan not only has—in our book—one of the best river names, ever—it is also renowned for its ample fish populations, beautiful scenery, and sizable fish. Boasting "Gold Medal Water" ratings, the Fryingpan River offers up various species, Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat Trout. Located between Ruedi Reservoir and the confluence with Roaring Fork River, The FP features some of the best dry fly fishing in the country. But sssshhhh...Only tell the people you love or those you owe for previous adventures.

Crystal River 

For a little variety, try the Crystal River. Flowing along HWY 133 into the town of Carbondale, the Crystal can offer respite from busy rivers during the summer season.

Whet Your Whistle

Whether you're looking for a coffee or matcha to get your day going or a "It's 5 o'clock somewhere" end to a good hike or excursion, we recommend you try out these local haunts.

Bonfire Coffee, Carbondale

Bad Harriet at Hotel Jerome, Aspen

We can't help ourselves, we have a soft spot for the wild women of the West. Named after the wife of the resort’s original developer and proprietor, Jerome B. Wheeler, Bad Harriet celebrates powerful women throughout history. What's more, they don't just have bartenders at Bad Harriet (and it's "brother" bar the J-Bar also in Hotel Jerome), they have "alchemists." If you've got the time, we recommend you join them for "The Soiree" a curated multi-course cocktail journey with delicious edible accompaniments. Every cocktail on the "Power" menu is named for a powerful woman, from the bar's namesake Harriet Wheeler to Maya Angelou, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, and Princess Diana. The atmosphere is sophisticated without taking itself too seriously. There's some mischief in the wings.

The Last Dive Bar in Aspen: Zane's

Without dwelling too long on the fact that dive bars are a thing of the past in most ski resort towns, but most especially in Aspen, Zane's sort of still qualifies. At least it's "Where the locals go to drink." Beers on tap and fried foods. You can't go wrong there. You can find a Zane's in Aspen, Carbondale and Willits. Great place to watch skiing or a game.

A Little Outside of Aspen and the Proverbial "Box": Woody Creek Tavern

Well, if you harbor a hankering for a little homage to the father of Gonzo, then head on out to Woody Creek to the Tavern where HST spent so many of his days, nights, and the in-betweens. You'll find cold beer, good cocktails and food, and great company. You might even find the stuff of some legendary, Gonzo stories!