Books · Downtown Aspen
Explore Books
on Downtown, with 6 more shops within a short walk
Independent bookshop in a Victorian house, open since 1975. Fiction, regional titles, local authors, a children's room, cookbooks, soaps and chocolate, with a coffee counter upstairs.
Hours
Hours not posted; call ahead
Checked October 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
On the map
Near Paepcke Park (1 min walk) and Hotel Jerome (3 min walk).
Good to know
- Parking
- Street parking has a four-hour limit enforced 10am–6pm, at $5–$7 per hour in peak season (PayByPhone zone 2400). The Rio Grande Parking Garage at 427 Rio Grande Place gives the first 30 minutes free, then $9 for two to three hours and $15 maximum per 24 hours. Brush Creek Park & Ride on Highway 82 is free with bus connections to Rubey Park.
- Downtown shops
- Hours vary by shop; check each shop before you go.
Shops a few minutes away
All of Downtown →- Best & Co.Jewelry · 200 E Main St1 min walk
- Rocky Mountain Pet ShopSpecialty · 107 S Monarch St1 min walk
- Carl's PharmacyGifts · 306 E Main St1 min walk
- Aspen EmporiumHome · 315 E Main St2 min walk
- Radio BoardshopSpecialty · 400 E Hopkins Ave, Unit 13 min walk
- Royal Street Fine ArtGalleries · 205 S Mill St, Suite 2113 min walk
Before you go
What are Explore Books's hours?
Explore Books is usually open Hours not posted; call ahead. Hours can change on holidays, so check the shop's site before a special trip.
Where is Explore Books?
Explore Books is at 221 E Main St in Downtown Aspen, Aspen. It's near Paepcke Park (1 min walk).
Where can I park near Explore Books?
The closest option for Downtown Aspen is Street parking has a four-hour limit enforced 10am–6pm, at $5–$7 per hour in peak season (PayByPhone zone 2400). The Rio Grande Parking Garage at 427 Rio Grande Place gives the first 30 minutes free, then $9 for two to three hours and $15 maximum per 24 hours. Brush Creek Park & Ride on Highway 82 is free with bus connections to Rubey Park.. Most of the district is also an easy walk from RFTA.
Stay in the loop
Aspen Shopping, weekly.
New openings, sales, market events, and hidden gems, straight to your inbox.