Silver Queen Gondola
1 / 10

Silver Queen Gondola

4.8
·350 reviews·Aspen, United States

Ascend 11,200 feet on the Silver Queen Gondola for unparalleled Rocky Mountain vistas and summit adventures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Silver Queen Gondola

Silver Queen Gondola

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend 11,200 feet on the Silver Queen Gondola for unparalleled Rocky Mountain vistas and summit adventures.

4.8
(350 reviews)

"The gondola ride up to the mountaintop is very scenic, with beautiful views."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check the Weather First! ☁️

Views can be obscured by clouds or rain. Check forecasts for the best experience.

Consider Multi-Day Passes 🎟️

If you plan multiple rides or activities, a pass can save money.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 366 reviews

Type

Ski Resort

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Rocky Mountain Vistas

Panoramic Rocky Mountain Vistas

Summit of Aspen Mountain

Soak in 360-degree views of the Elk Mountains from 11,200 feet. Absolutely breathtaking!

The Scenic Gondola Ride

The Scenic Gondola Ride

Ascending Aspen Mountain

A thrilling 15-minute journey with stunning aerial perspectives of Aspen and the surrounding peaks.

Sundeck at the Summit

Sundeck at the Summit

Top of Aspen Mountain

Enjoy lodge-style dining, drinks, and relaxation with unparalleled mountain backdrops.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

The Silver Queen Gondola offers breathtaking Rocky Mountain vistas, but weather can impact visibility. Check the forecast before you go, especially if you're aiming for summer hikes or winter skiing. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide clearer skies and fewer crowds.

Ticket Strategies & Perks

While the gondola offers stunning views, tickets can add up. Consider multi-day passes if you plan on multiple rides or activities. Some Reddit users suggest that a season pass holder might offer guest discounts, and hiking up can sometimes grant a free ride down.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Great for skiing
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Less busy, sunset views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Amy is my girllll #aspenmountain #silverqueengondala #aspen #colorado #brunchtok #mimosa Full vlog on my YT channel link in bio 💋
@raee0514
293K likes • 2.1M views

Check the Weather First! ☁️

Views can be obscured by clouds or rain. Check forecasts for the best experience. Instagram

Consider Multi-Day Passes 🎟️

If you plan multiple rides or activities, a pass can save money. Reddit

not sure gaining almost 10,000 feet in a matter of minutes is great for elevation sickness BUT this was very cool #europe #montblanc #chamonix #hikersoftiktok
@theadventureaddicts
8.8K likes • 106.2K views
Take a ride with us on the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen, Colorado🚠 • This gondola delivers you to the Sundeck at 11,200 feet where Rocky Mountain vistas and the flower-laden hiking trails of summer await! • Unfortunately, the day we decided to ride, it was raining so our views were interrupted. We still enjoyed the ride and a great lodge-style lunch(chili & hot chocolate)! • Cost per ticket 🎟️...
synttravel
36 likes • 722 views

Pet-Friendly Ascent 🐕

Bring your furry friends along for the ride up Aspen Mountain! Reddit

Hike Up, Ride Down Free? :hiking_boot:

Some advise that hiking up can grant a free ride down. Reddit

Gondola Ride to Remember We took the Silver Queen Gondola all the way up to the top of Aspen Mountain, and the views were to die for. The ride starts right from the heart of downtown Aspen and takes you up 3,267 vertical feet in just about 15 minutes — but trust me, you’ll want it to last longer because the panoramic views of the Elk Mountains are unreal. As the gondola glides up, you get to see...
rinklee.p.joshi
95 likes • 3.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check the Weather First! ☁️

Views can be obscured by clouds or rain. Check forecasts for the best experience. Instagram

Consider Multi-Day Passes 🎟️

If you plan multiple rides or activities, a pass can save money. Reddit

Pet-Friendly Ascent 🐕

Bring your furry friends along for the ride up Aspen Mountain! Reddit

Hike Up, Ride Down Free? :hiking_boot:

Some advise that hiking up can grant a free ride down. Reddit

Street Parking Can Be Tricky 🚗

Parking can be difficult; street parking is metered. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(350 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Silver Queen Gondola for its breathtaking Rocky Mountain views and the scenic 15-minute ride to the summit. The mountaintop Sundeck offers dining and relaxation, and the accessibility for pets and families is a major plus. However, some find parking challenging and ticket prices a bit steep.

"Beautiful ride with great views and mountaintop activities.

The gondola ride up to the mountaintop is very scenic, with beautiful views. It's accessible and pet-friendly, which makes it a great option for families and visitors of all kinds.

Once at the top, there are activities for the whole family and a food court area. Food service ends at 3 PM, but after that you can still buy drinks and snacks.

Outside, there’s a spacious deck with tables and lounge chairs where you can relax and enjoy the views.

You need to purchase a ticket to go up. There were no clear signs for parking, we parked on the street and paid by the hour."

Isadany Atlaremp

"Beautiful ride to the top with stunning views at the summit! The gondola line was longer than expected though. Once you’re up there, enjoy the views and grab a drink at the Sundeck!"

Vidhya Bhat

"Totally enjoyed the views coming up and going down. Wonderful free nature trail hike guided by ACES naturalists. If you’re visiting for 3 or more days, get the gondola pass. Well worth it."

Oliveri

What People Like

Stunning mountain views
Scenic gondola ride
Pet-friendly access

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Ticket prices can be high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Silver Queen Gondola is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Aspen, Colorado. You can easily walk to the base station from most hotels and shops. If driving, be aware that parking can be challenging, with metered street parking being an option. InstagramReddit

Parking directly at the gondola base is limited. Metered street parking is available in downtown Aspen, but it can be competitive. Consider using a parking garage or public transport if available. Reddit

Aspen has a free local bus system that can help you navigate the town and reach the gondola base. Check local transit schedules for routes and times. Instagram

Yes, the gondola is generally accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility challenges. It's designed to accommodate a wide range of passengers. Reddit

Many visitors arrive in Aspen by car, but be prepared for mountain driving. Alternatively, you can fly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) and take a shuttle or taxi to town. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but expect them to be around $39 for a round trip. Look for potential discounts or multi-day passes if you plan on multiple rides. Reddit

Tickets can typically be purchased at the base station of the gondola in downtown Aspen. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing and online purchase options. Instagram

Some Reddit users have inquired about discounts. While not always advertised, there might be options like season passes that include guest perks or potential deals for local events. Reddit

Operating hours for the Silver Queen Gondola vary by season. During summer, it typically runs from late morning to late afternoon. In winter, hours are extended for skiers. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Yes, the Silver Queen Gondola is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the scenic ride. Reddit

🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience

At the summit, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views, explore nature trails with ACES naturalists, and dine at the Sundeck restaurant. There are also opportunities for hiking and, in winter, skiing. InstagramReddit

The ride up the Silver Queen Gondola takes approximately 15 minutes, covering 2.5 miles. Many wish it lasted longer due to the incredible views! Instagram+1

The Sundeck offers lodge-style dining with options like chili and other hearty meals. While full food service may end around 3 PM, drinks and snacks are usually available later. InstagramReddit

Yes, the gondola provides access to numerous hiking trails on Aspen Mountain, especially during the summer months. Guided nature walks are also offered. InstagramReddit

The summit of Aspen Mountain, where the Silver Queen Gondola terminates, is at an elevation of 11,200 feet. Be mindful of the altitude. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire gondola ride offers fantastic photo ops, especially as you ascend and gain elevation. Once at the top, the panoramic mountain vistas are unparalleled. Capture the sweeping landscapes and the charming town of Aspen below. Instagram+1

Early mornings often provide soft, golden light and fewer people, making for serene shots. Late afternoons can offer dramatic sunset colors. However, clear midday skies also showcase the rugged mountain beauty. Instagram

Absolutely! The windows offer clear views, and you can capture the journey and the scenery unfolding outside. Just be mindful of other passengers. TikTok

The viewing deck at the Sundeck offers expansive vistas. Also, keep an eye out for designated scenic overlooks as you explore the summit area. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance sky colors and reduce glare. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2