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Paepcke Park: Aspen's Downtown Oasis

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Discover Aspen's central park: a vibrant hub for events, relaxation, and community, honoring Walter Paepcke's legacy.

Paepcke Park, located in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, offers a tranquil green space amidst the bustling downtown area. Named after Walter Paepcke, a key figure in Aspen's transformation into a renowned resort destination, the park provides a place for relaxation, events, and community gatherings.

A brief summary to Paepcke Park

  • Monday 6 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-9 pm
  • Friday 6 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Check the local events calendar for festivals, concerts, and community gatherings happening at the park.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the park's lawn or at one of the picnic tables.
  • Visit the historic bell tower, a WPA project from the Depression era, for a glimpse into Aspen's past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Paepcke Park is centrally located in downtown Aspen, easily accessible on foot from most locations within the downtown area. From the Wheeler Opera House, walk east along E Hyman Ave, then turn right onto S Aspen St. The park will be on your left. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides free bus service within Aspen. Several RFTA bus routes stop near Paepcke Park. Check the RFTA website or app for schedules and real-time arrival information. The Paepcke Transit Hub is located close to the park, with bus stops on Main Street and Garmisch Street. There is no cost for using the bus service within Aspen.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Aspen. A short taxi ride from Aspen-Pitkin County Airport to Paepcke Park typically costs around $20-$30, depending on traffic and demand. Note that prices may be higher during peak season or special events.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in the downtown core, residential areas, and the Rio Grande Parking Garage. Street parking rates in the downtown core range from $4-$6 per hour during peak season (June-September & December-March). The Rio Grande Parking Garage, located one block off Main Street, offers covered parking at $2 for 0-1 hours, $4 for 1-2 hours, $6 for 2-3 hours, and $12 for the daily maximum. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. There are also ten 2-hour public parking spots on Garmisch Street by Molly Gibson.

Discover more about Paepcke Park

Paepcke Park, situated in downtown Aspen, Colorado, serves as a central gathering place and a tranquil retreat. Named in honor of Walter Paepcke, a Chicago businessman who played a pivotal role in Aspen's revitalization, the park embodies the town's blend of cultural sophistication and natural beauty. The park's history dates back to when it was originally named City Park. In 1959, it was renamed to honor Walter Paepcke, recognizing his contributions to founding the Aspen Institute and Aspen Skiing Company. These establishments were instrumental in transforming Aspen into an international resort and popularizing skiing. Paepcke Park has been permanently dedicated to the people of Pitkin County for park and recreation purposes since July 18, 1966. Today, Paepcke Park hosts various events throughout the year, including art festivals, community picnics, and concerts. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The park features benches, picnic tables, and a historic bell tower, offering a place to relax and enjoy Aspen's scenery. The bell tower, constructed during the Depression Era as a Works Projects Administration (WPA) project, was moved to Paepcke Park from the fire station in 1954. It stands as one of the few structures built during Aspen's quieter years, representing the town's history before it became an international ski resort. With its lush greenery and central location, Paepcke Park remains a vital part of Aspen's community, offering a space for recreation, relaxation, and reflection.

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