Around The Hoop

Things to do in Aspen when you're alive but the season is dead

Fall in Aspen is called the off-season because supposedly there isn’t as much to do compared with winter or summer.

That’s a matter of perspective, of course.

Recently my friends have taken to Wagner Park where they heave a hula hoop high into the sky, trying to ring it around the rugby posts at the end of the field. It’s not an Olympic sport yet but, to the observer, it can conjure up images of something that Ganymede or some other Greek god would enjoy. There is a whole list of rules for this contest but the basic premise is whoever rings the most posts wins.

These same set of friends also partake in a little activity we call “street bowling.” As the name implies, this is an activity where participants literally bowl in the street. It helps that there aren’t as many cars motoring down the roads or parked along the curbs. It’s an exhilarating game that can be played without even keeping score. The freedom felt rolling a bowling ball down the street is enough.

Hula hoops and bowling balls aside, there are other more traditional ways to pass the time in Aspen.

This fall is one of the most vibrant and colorful in memory, so a hike or scenic drive should be in order.

Friday is the commencement of a week-long celebration of John Denver. It attracts fans and friends of the legendary Aspen singer-songwriter from around the world. There are concerts, picnics and other remembrances planned throughout Aspen and its natural surroundings.

There is plenty more going on, including concerts at the Belly Up, and deals at many of the restaurants and retail shops in town. Indeed, because Aspen slows down in the fall is what makes it so happening.

A version of this blog first appeared on Inspirato.

River Name / Location	Stream flow, ft3/s	Gage height ft
Gore Creek
At Upper Station, Near I-70 Twin Bridges	n/a	5 ft
Booth Creek	n/a	4 ft
Abv Red Sandstone Creek At Vail	256	7 ft
At Mouth Near Minturn	284	7 ft
Beaver Creek
At Avon	21	2 ft
Lake Creek
Near Edwards	114	1 ft
Cross Creek
Near Minturn	166	4 ft
Homestake Creek
At Gold Park	199	5 ft
Eagle River
East Fork Eagle River Near Climax	n/a	2 ft
At Red Cliff	29	3 ft
Near Minturn	303	4 ft
Wastewater Treatment Plant At Avon	875	5 ft
Below Gypsum	881	5 ft
Colorado River
Near Kremmling	372	4 ft
Near Dotsero	1,410	3 ft
Below Glenwood Springs	3,180	5 ft
Near Cameo	3,240	6 ft
Below Grand Valley Div Nr Palisade	1,780	4 ft
Near Colorado-utah State Line	3,860	4 ft
Near Cisco, Ut	4,250	3 ft
At Lees Ferry, Az	8,750	8 ft
Near Grand Canyon, Az	7,910	6 ft
Yuma Main Canal Ww At Yuma, Az	1,030	10 ft
Roaring Fork River
Abv Lost Man Cr Near Aspen	n/a	n/a ft
Ab Difficult C Nr Aspen	61	1 ft
Near Aspen	115	1 ft
Near Emma	593	6 ft
At Glenwood Springs	1,280	4 ft
Hunter Creek
Near Aspen	56	2 ft
At Aspen	52	4 ft
Frying Pan River
Near Ruedi	110	1 ft
Crystal River
Abv Avalanche Crk, Near Redstone	766	3 ft
Arkansas River
Ef Arkansas R At Us Highway 24, Nr Leadville	58	3 ft
Near Leadville	98	5 ft
Below Empire Gulch Near Malta	159	4 ft
Below Granite	363	4 ft
Near Nathrop	423	4 ft
At Parkdale	444	3 ft