Is Aspen safe?
Very safe from crime. Altitude, avalanches, mountain weather and drink-driving are the real risks; wealthy visitors attract occasional property theft.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- Homicide rate in United States: 5.8 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in United States: 12.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Aspen at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Occasional theft of skis, bikes and items from cars; violent crime is rare. |
| At night | Downtown stays lively late in ski season and quiet off-season. Roads are icy in winter, so avoid driving after drinks. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women. Use town shuttles or taxis after drinks, and tell someone before backcountry trips. |
| Other risks | Altitude sickness (2,400 m): rest and hydrate on arrival; Avalanches in backcountry terrain, Dec–Apr; Sudden storms and cold on high trails |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake lift ticket resellers online
- Fake vacation rental listings; book through reputable sites
Take care
- Backcountry skiing outside controlled areas
- Hiking at altitude without acclimatising
- Mountain roads in snow
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking age is 21 everywhere; bars and shops check ID, so carry your passport.
- Open alcohol containers in public and in cars are illegal in most places.
- Cannabis is legal in some states but federally illegal; never carry it across borders or onto federal land.
How Aspen compares in United States
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Sedona | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Aspen | 5/5 · Very safe |
| New York City | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Las Vegas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Orlando | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Honolulu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Boston | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Diego | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Maui | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nashville | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Austin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Miami Beach | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Key West | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Denver | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Portland | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Antonio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Charleston | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Savannah | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Fort Lauderdale | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kauai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Big Island | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Los Angeles | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Miami | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Francisco | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Washington, D.C. | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Chicago | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| New Orleans | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Seattle | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Philadelphia | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Atlanta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Aspen safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women. Use town shuttles or taxis after drinks, and tell someone before backcountry trips.
Is Aspen safe at night?
Downtown stays lively late in ski season and quiet off-season. Roads are icy in winter, so avoid driving after drinks.
What is the crime rate in Aspen?
Occasional theft of skis, bikes and items from cars; violent crime is rare. Nationally, United States records 5.8 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Aspen?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Aspen
Going to Aspen solo?
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Sources
- Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA)
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
- City of Aspen
- Visit Aspen Snowmass
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.