Top 5 Aspen Cruises & Sailing Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

Thinking about getting out on the water while you’re visiting Aspen? Well, you might be in luck! Aspen, Colorado, that is famous for its powdery slopes, is, you know, really very close to some truly fantastic cruise and sailing opportunities. And, that makes it an outstanding base for, like, your next aquatic experience. This guide, actually, spotlights five top Aspen cruises and sailing tours. So, too you’ll find all the insider insights you need to make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Pine Creek Cookhouse Dinner Float Trip

Picture this, alright? It’s getting on toward twilight, and you’re floating along a calm river, is that with the kind of breathtaking Colorado scenery all around you. The Pine Creek Cookhouse Dinner Float Trip is, in some respects, a rare experience that mixes, actually, a scenic float trip with, as a matter of fact, a gourmet dining experience.

The float trip part takes you down a section of the Roaring Fork River. So, it’s gentle enough for, in fact, anybody to enjoy. Keep a look out, I mean, because you can sometimes catch sight of the local wildlife along the banks! Think deer, perhaps even, sort of, eagles flying overhead.

What truly makes this tour special? Very, very much, the dinner at Pine Creek Cookhouse! You get transported, really, to the restaurant. It’s positioned way up in the mountains. You’re looking at eating some contemporary American cuisine crafted from, like, local and sustainable ingredients. This tour is definitely that thing you might remember years from now. It, kind of, hits all the right notes.

Why this trip rocks: So, it blends together nature’s calm with elegant dining. And it’s got views! What else do you need?

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Pine Creek Cookhouse Dinner Float Trip)

Read our full review: Pine Creek Cookhouse Dinner Float Trip Full Review and Details

2. Roaring Fork River Fly Fishing Trips

If you’ve got a passion for fly fishing, and just a tiny appreciation for nature, a trip on the Roaring Fork River could be right for you. That, too it’s known for great fishing. So, there are tour companies that set up guided fly fishing excursions for both beginner and seasoned anglers.

These trips typically provide all of the gear that you’ll want and that. So, that might be rods, reels, and flies, with guidance coming from experienced local guides. They actually know the very best spots to find trout. It’s like they communicate directly with the fish or something. They may have secret family codes.

Imagine standing in the cool water, yet, as you cast your line out. So, you are trying to tempt a trout, arguably, with your fly. And if you’re a little bit successful, there you might just wind up with the kind of fresh, stream-caught trout for dinner. That can taste good, honestly!

Why this trip rocks: It’s for anglers wanting a shot at trout in a prime Colorado river location.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Roaring Fork River Fly Fishing Trips)

Read our full review: Roaring Fork River Fly Fishing Trips Full Review and Details

3. Difficult Creek to Lincoln Creek Scenic Rafting

For anyone in search of something a bit more upbeat and just a little soaked, look into rafting. Anyway, the stretch from Difficult Creek down to Lincoln Creek is well-loved for its fantastic rapids combined with beautiful scenery. A few operators set up trips that take you on the splash-filled outing.

These trips are generally guided. They typically involve paddling through some class III and IV rapids. And I mean, it can be a wild ride at certain times of year! Just visualize waves of water crashing over the raft. Also you need to hear the sounds of fellow rafters cheering as they maneuver via twists and turns.

Apart from, say, the adrenaline, you get a fantastic look at Colorado. Picture really tall cliffs and a lot of thick forests going by. Keep an eye out for eagles and hawks up above, alright, if you manage to take your eyes off those rapids. The float tour lasts half a day, so it is perfect for people trying to cram in a lot.

Why this trip rocks: So, too it provides the mix of thrill-seeking activity with views that will really stand out. That’s why you’ll like it!

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Difficult Creek to Lincoln Creek Scenic Rafting)

Read our full review: Difficult Creek to Lincoln Creek Scenic Rafting Full Review and Details

4. Independence Pass Scenic Drive & Twin Lakes Cruise

If cruises are almost all you can think about, this one might be ideal. A very favorite itinerary from Aspen includes the Independence Pass scenic drive coupled with a boat outing on Twin Lakes. A couple of touring organizations provide trips that cover each of these.

The trip up Independence Pass is spectacular on its own, really, featuring hairpin turns and panoramas from high elevations. At the peak, actually, you can get outside to snap pictures and enjoy the clean mountain air. Remember that the pass can be open only seasonally!

From there, the tour usually takes you to Twin Lakes, that offers relaxing boat trips surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. It feels calm to get out on the water after a crazy, zig-zagging drive. This really works like a contrast.

Why this trip rocks: If someone is trying to take photos, just a few spots top the mixture of mountain drives and cruises.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Independence Pass Scenic Drive & Twin Lakes Cruise)

Read our full review: Independence Pass Scenic Drive & Twin Lakes Cruise Full Review and Details

5. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Ruedi Reservoir

For a more independent water experience, perhaps you want to explore Ruedi Reservoir by Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Ruedi, seemingly, is a bit further from Aspen, though you will still see tour providers offering SUP rentals and instructions. It is that fantastic body of water! I suggest heading up that way for some outdoor recreation.

SUP is not only just a good work out! You’ll get to appreciate Colorado’s fantastic outdoor scenery from an outstanding vantage point. Hire a board locally. Or even pack your own for the ultimate independence! Newbies might love taking a lesson to get the hang of steering their SUP before setting out into those waters. I’d take a lesson!

Visualize gently rowing across the reflective surface of Ruedi. I mean, as sunlight warms the water all around you. You might pack along lunch, as a matter of fact, to consume while chilling out right on the water.

Why this trip rocks: If someone really wants adventure on their own, or at least as much adventure as possible without, actually, hiring a whole team, Ruedi is really ideal. You will find quiet bays! It seems pretty wild.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Ruedi Reservoir)

Read our full review: Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Ruedi Reservoir Full Review and Details