Silver Queen Gondola - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Silver Queen Gondola takes visitors on a scenic ride to the summit of Aspen Mountain. The trip takes about 15 minutes, and the gondola cars are large enough to accommodate groups of up to eight people. At the top of the mountain, there are several hiking trails, as well as a restaurant and a gift shop. The summit also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also take advantage of the on-site ski school, which offers lessons for all levels of skiers. For those who prefer not to ski, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the mountain scenery, including snowshoeing and sledding. No matter how you choose to spend your time at Silver Queen Gondola, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

The Silver Queen Gondola is a historic cable car in Pitkin County, Colorado. The gondola was built in 1981 to transport skiers from the town of Aspen up to the ski area on Ajax Mountain. The gondola quickly became a popular attraction, and it was soon expanded to include a second line that ran from the town of Snowmass Village to the Snowmass Ski Area. Today, the Silver Queen Gondola is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state of Colorado, carrying over 1 million passengers each year. The gondola has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it remains an iconic symbol of the Colorado Rockies.

The best time to visit the Silver Queen Gondola in Pitkin County, Colorado is during the summer months. From June to August, the gondola provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 

1. Plan your visit in advance. Silver Queen Gondola gets very busy during peak season, so it's important to book your tickets in advance.
2. Bring a camera. The views from Silver Queen Gondola are truly incredible, so make sure to bring a camera to capture the memories.
3. Don't forget sunscreen. The sun is stronger at high altitudes, so don't forget to apply sunscreen before heading outside.
4. Explore the area. There's more to do than just ride the gondola - take some time to explore the area and check out the shops and restaurants nearby.
5. Take a scenic hike. If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails in the area to explore. Just be sure to stay on marked trails and carry a map with you.
6. Stop at the top! Make sure to spend some time exploring the area around the Silver Queen Gondola station before heading back down the mountain.

1. The Silver Queen Gondola is one of the largest gondolas in North America. It can carry up to 60 people per trip.
2. The gondola has been in operation since 1976 and has carried over 25 million passengers.
3. The views from the gondola are stunning, with Mount Sopris, the Maroon Bells, and Castle Creek all visible.
4. The Silver Queen Gondola is named after the silver mining boom that took place in the area in the late 1800s.
5.  In the winter, the Silver Queen Gondola is used for skiing and snowboarding, with over 3,000 acres of terrain to explore.
6. In the summer, the gondola provides access to hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as a number of scenic lookouts.
7. In the winter, the gondola is used by skiers and snowboarders to access the mountain, and in the summer it’s a popular way to get to hiking trails.

The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, and once at the summit, there are numerous hiking and biking trails to explore.

The Silver Queen Gondola is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. To reach the gondola, take Highway 24 west from Aspen for 3 miles. Then turn left onto Castle Creek Road and follow it for 6 miles. The gondola will be on your right. You can also reach the gondola by taking the free shuttle from Aspen mountain. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 7am to 5pm.

The cost of a one-way ticket is $16 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12. Seniors and military personnel can receive a discount with ID. There is also a AAA discount available. 

The Silver Queen Gondola in Pitkin County, Colorado operates from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. The gondola provides access to Aspen Mountain, Shadow Mountain, and Tiehack. On busy days, the gondola may stay open until 6:00pm to accommodate skiers and riders. During the summer months, the gondola is open for scenic rides from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The last ride up is at 3:30 PM.