A Legacy of Environmental Education in Aspen
When Elizabeth Paepcke donated her 22-acre property in the West End of Aspen in 1969 for the development of an environmental center and preserve, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) was born. Since then, the organization has worked tirelessly toward its mission of providing education for environmental responsibility.
The Hallam Lake preserve was joined by Rock Bottom Ranch, The Catto Center at Toklat, and Spring Creek, creating a four-pronged approach to teaching sustainability in the Roaring Fork Valley. ACES hosts various events throughout the year including weekly snowshoe tours in the winter, bird watching events in the spring, and various harvest and farm-to-table celebrations and dinners all year.
Summer Activities, Events, & Programs
In their mission to educate for environmental responsibility, ACES staff bring to life the wonder of the natural world in classrooms, on trails, and at their sites. In addition to exploring the Hallam Lake area in downtown Aspen on your own, there are numerous programs and guided activities throughout the year that are perfect for adults and children.
The following events and activities are typically offered during the summer season. Please check the ACES website for exact dates, times, and prices.
Locations include Hallam Lake in downtown Aspen, Toklat at Ashcroft, and Rock Bottom Ranch in Carbondale.
Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Hike
Daily at 1 p.m.; free
Snowmass is the site of an incredible Ice Age archeolgical discovery, and this tour leads participants through the excavation with photos, props, and stories as well as a naturalist-led hike around the site of the fossil discovery.
Maroon Bells Maroon Lake Walk
Daily at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; free
This short guided tour meanders along the shore of Maroon Lake and offers participants breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells. ACES Naturalists share information about the area's geology, ecology, and more.
Birding at Rock Bottom Ranch and Hallam Lake
Tuesday mornings & evenings, varying schedule; $25 for non-members
Birders of all experience levels are invited to discover the joy of spotting diverse wildlife. Special attention is given to orienting beginning birders to local habitats and their associated bird species, and basic field craft skills. Bring your own binoculars (or borrow some from ACES), and dress for cool temperatures and walking both on and off-trail.
Aspen Mountain Walks
Daily on the hour from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., free
Explore the top of Aspen Mountain on Richmond Ridge on a guided tour with an ACES Naturalist. Wildflowers, wildlife, and mining history are just a few of the topics that will be shared as the walk winds up through the forest to a 360-degree viewpoint.
Sunset Beaver Walk at Hallam Lake
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., $10 per non-member family
ACES Naturalists lead these special evening walks around Hallam Lake and share interesting facts about this incredible species and the valuable role beavers play in wetland ecosystems. You'll like spot a resident beaver and its family!
Ask the Concierge or visit aspennature.org for more events and details about ACES.