Silver Queen Gondola, Aspen, Colorado

Families can’t get enough of Aspen’s Silver Queen Gondola. This high altitude adventure sends visitors up more than 3,000 vertical feet from the town to the summit of Aspen Mountain. At 11,212 feet, visitors instantly feel on top of the world -- and the views of the city and the expansive Elk Mountain Range are truly unforgettable. In the winter, the Silver Queen Gondola functions as a convenient ski/snowboard/snowshoe trolley, while in the summer and fall it allows for easy access to the mountain’s recreational trails, restaurant, disc golf course, paintball range, and even special events like concerts and nature tours. Plus, these modern cars feature WiFi and iPod hookups so visitors can rock out while enjoying the stunning Aspen vistas. Hours of operation do vary throughout the year so visitors should be sure to call ahead for details. Tickets are $26 for the 19-minute ride.