1. Rocky Mountain High

The Maroon Bells

Jagged and beautifully ominous, the 14,000-foot Maroon Bells mountain encircles three campsites a short drive or bus ride from downtown Aspen. It's the best of both worlds: solitude in the Rockies and aprèsski partying a half hour away—just in case you get the itch.

The camp: No matter which of the three campsites you choose—Silver Bell, Silver Queen, or Silver Bar—you'll wake up on the banks of Maroon Creek and in the shadow of the mountain. Silver Bell has the best views; for privacy, Silver Queen is nestled in a dense grove of aspen and spruce trees.