While the snow-capped peaks have given way to vibrant summer landscapes, Aspen continues to captivate visitors with an array of thrilling activities and hidden treasures. Whether you seek exhilarating hikes through pristine trails, adrenaline-pumping mountain biking routes, tranquil fly fishing excursions, or immersive cultural experiences, Aspen has it all.

Let Aspen Luxury Concierge tailor an unforgettable summer experience just for you.

What Makes Aspen, CO a Year-Round Travel Destination?

Aspen, CO is an appealing destination because it has plenty of things to do in both the winter and the summer months. During the summer, visitors can hike, mountain bike, kayak, and see wildflowers. During the winter, Aspen is a popular ski destination with runs for all skill levels and après ski experiences. Some Aspen activities can be enjoyed year-round, such as fly fishing, luxury shopping, historical tours, clubbing, fine dining, theater performances, and visiting the Aspen art museum.

Summer is the best time to get the authentic Aspen experience! According to the locals, these are the best things to do in Aspen in the summer.

The Best 8 Things to Do in Aspen in Summer

1. Summer Hiking in Aspen, CO

Aspen is an adventurer’s paradise! With over 86 trails in and around Aspen, there is something for every skill level. There are 4 trailheads that are located in town and make for a great mid-afternoon workout.

Hunter Creek Trail is an 8.9 mile out-and-back hike that is rated for intermediate hikers; it starts east of the apartment complex on Lone Pine Road. The first mile is the steepest, ascending 700 feet until it levels out. The second half of the trail wraps over rolling hills of wildflowers, past waterfalls, and several abandoned homesteads.

Smuggler Mountain Road is a smaller section of a longer trail. This section is popular among locals because the 2.9 mile trek only takes about an 1 hour to complete. There is some big elevation gain, so you can get an aerobic workout in the fresh air before your next meeting, shopping session, or historical tour.

Ute Trail is a 6.2 mile hike that takes you from town up to the sundeck on Aspen Mountain. ALC recommends packing a picnic with refreshments to enjoy on the sundeck after your hike. Then you can either hike back down for an extended workout or take the gondola back down the mountain.

Little Cloud Trail also connects you to Aspen Mountain. It can be treated like a little trail or you can continue up to the Ajax sundeck for a real workout. Little Cloud is a shady, pleasant hike with enough uphill to make it a welcome challenge.

Aspen Luxury Concierge & Your Aspen Hiking Experience

Since hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Aspen in the summer, don’t be surprised if the trails are crowded. This is where it pays off to have a local concierge. If you want to go for a hike, your ALC concierge can recommend a beautiful, lesser-known trail that matches your fitness level. Some trailheads can be hard to access, especially during the busy summer months. If needed, your concierge can arrange transportation to the trailhead via shuttle or private car.

Many of ALC’s clients enjoy the great outdoors but do not have very much experience backpacking or navigating longer trails. ALC has contacts with several local hiking guide companies that specialize in creating custom experiences. Your concierge can arrange for you to go on a guided hike to climb a 14er, make the trek to Crested Butte, or backpack through the backcountry.

Both new hikers and experienced adventurers can benefit from a guided hike. Guides are knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, rock formations, and history. They also help hikers follow and understand the Leave No Trace Principle. Most of all, guides are trained to handle altitude sickness and are good to have around if the altitude catches up with you.

2. Aspen Mountain Biking

Many of the hiking trails are also open to mountain bikers. However, there’s just something special about hitting a trail that was built for a bike. In addition to the multi-use trails, Aspen is home to a wide range of bike trails.

The Best Trails for Beginners:

Verde is 3.5 miles of easy, fun trail riding that takes you from Elk Camp to Base Village. It is relatively level with no sharp turns. This is the perfect trail for practicing the fundamentals.
EZ-PZ is a smooth, predictable dirt trail that is good for practicing cornering skills.

The Best Trails for Intermediates:

Dust Bunny is a technical trail that weaves through forests and meadows, ending at the Elk Camp gondola. Although only 1 mile long, this trail is a dynamic ride with constant elevation changes and tight turns.
Lemon, located near the Meadows chairlift, is a great introduction to wooden rollers and a ride wall. It’s a short, 0.3 mile warm up to help you progress onto more challenging trails.

Advanced Aspen Trails:

Gonzo is a thrilling ride for experienced mountain bikers. It weaves through a mature aspen grove, complete with large gaps, bridges, narrow cannon logs, high-speed berms, and swooping wallrides.
Valhalla is one of the original trails at Snowmass Bike Park. It is 2.8 miles long with an elevation drop of 1,400 feet. The many wooden features offer a challenge to even the most experienced riders.

How to Take Up Mountain Biking in Aspen

Mountain biking is one of the most thrilling things to do in Aspen during the summer, but it sure does require a lot of gea r. In addition to the bike and the helmet, you’ll also need gloves, eye protection, hydration packs, a first aid kid, sunscreen, bug spray, and the proper clothing.

If you’re a beginner, your concierge can arrange for you to rent gear and even hire a guide for you. For more experienced mountain bikers, your concierge is happy to pick up any extra items you need for a safe ride. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to start planning your Aspen mountain biking trip!

3. Aspen Fly Fishing

Although you can go fly fishing in Aspen year-round, it is one of the most relaxing things to do in Aspen in the summer. The Roaring Fork Valley is home to miles of Gold Medal fly fishing water. Insects hatch year round and the fish are always feeding, provided that you have the right fly for the season.

As Aspen fly fishing has grown in popularity, the rivers are more crowded than they used to be. If you want to catch a big trout, you should hire a fly fishing guide to take you to a lesser-known spot. ALC works with several fly fishing guides who both teach new anglers and help old pros find the perfect spot.

4. Unwind at the Hot Springs

Avalanche Ranch is a quintessential part of the Colorado experience. Located in Redstone, which is about 45 minutes away from Aspen, the hot spring overlooks the Crystal River Valley. There are multiple tiered pools set into the natural rock formations. A soak in the hot spring is just what you need to unwind, reconnect with nature, and indulge in some luxurious self-care time. Contact your concierge to get day passes and transportation to the hot springs.

5. Explore the Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum showcases international contemporary art from lesser-known artists. Currently on display is the work of Jeffrey Gibson. Entitled “The Spirits are Laughing,” Gibson’s sculptures use flags, garments, and video material to explore Indigenous kinship with the land.

The museum also offers interactive learning opportunities. If you have children between the ages of 7 and 10, they might enjoy the summer youth workshops hosted by the Aspen Art Museum. The first workshop is July 10th through the 14th. Your kids will learn about insects and have the chance to work with various materials to shape their own bug friends. The workshop from July 17th to the 21st is all about imagination and using recycled materials to build sculptures.

ALC has a special membership with the Aspen Art Museum, which gets our clients access to tours and unique experiences. Contact your concierge to get tickets to exclusive museum events.

While you’re at the art museum, check out the rooftop cafe. It is food with a view; not only can you enjoy a view of the mountains, you can dine among the curated collection of rooftop sculptures. ALC highly recommends the cafe as a lunch spot because everything is farm-to-table and locally sourced.

6. Enjoy Live Music

In addition to a vibrant art scene, Aspen has a melodious music scene. There’s truly something for everyone in our little mountain town.

Theatre Aspen, now in its 40th season, is performing Beautiful: The Carole King Musical from June 22nd to July 8th. Rent, the rebellious musical about a crew of artists, runs from August 4th to August 26th. Theatre Aspen also has a summer cabaret series and a new Brunch Cabaret.

Belly Up is a music venue located at the base of Aspen Mountain. Rolling Stone Magazine once deemed it one of the “Best Clubs in America.” This summer, come see DJ LO_G, Ghostland Observatory, Ruthie Foster, Greyboy Allstars, 311, Chris Lake, Eli Young Band, Pink Martini, Morgan Wade, Train, and more at Belly Up.

Bluegrass on the Mountain is a public concert series on the sundeck of Aspen Mountain. Every Sunday from June 21st until September 6th, Colorado bluegrass musicians perform from noon until 3. The down-to-earth concert is open to the public, but you would need a gondola ticket to reach the sundeck.

The Wheeler Opera House has been a core part of Aspen since 1889. Although a historic venue, it perfectly marries Aspen’s mining town history with technologically advanced stage equipment and modern performances.

Snowmass Thursday Night Concerts are an Aspen summer tradition. For 31 years, some of the best up and coming musicians have played against a backdrop of Aspen’s natural beauty. ALC recommends packing a picnic and enjoying some live music with the whole family. Thursday night concerts are one of the most iconic things to do in Aspen in the summer. Admission is free, but parking is very limited.

Contact your concierge about performance schedules and getting tickets!

7. Stroll Through the Farmer’s Market

The farmer’s market is the perfect laid-back outdoor family activity. Not only can you stock up on fresh, organic, locally grown produce, you can meet the locals and experience Aspen through their eyes. The farmer’s market takes place every Saturday during the summer from 8:30 to 3pm.

In addition to the fresh produce, there is live music, hand-made art, and kid-friendly face painting. You never know, you may be strolling through the farmer’s market and see a painting of the Maroon Bells that would look perfect hanging over your fireplace. ALC recommends the farmer’s market for buying unique, thoughtful gifts for friends and family members.

8. Learn About the History of Aspen

Before Aspen became known for skiing, it was the second largest mining town in Colorado. In fact, the world’s largest silver nugget was found in Smuggler Mine in 1894. The nugget weighed 2054 lbs. Although the mine has been closed for a long time, you can still strap on a hard hat and travel 1,200 feet into the old mine. As part of the tour, visitors get to learn about the history and methods of mining, why the mine closed, and what life was like back then.

The Aspen Historical Society offers tours of Aspen and goes through a lot of interesting information, including facts like those above. Their tours are fun for the whole family and run all summer long. Be sure to contact your concierge in advance as the tours do require registration.

ALC also recommends visiting Ashcroft, an eerie ghost town which is open to the public. Ashcroft was suddenly shut down in the 1880s and most personal items were left behind. The town is a time capsule that will take you back in time to a different era.

What Will You Do in Aspen This Summer?

Aspen's summer is a treasure trove of experiences, where adventure and relaxation intertwine amidst breathtaking natural beauty. From invigorating hikes to exhilarating mountain biking trails, serene fly fishing spots to indulgent hot springs, vibrant cultural escapades to captivating live music events, Aspen beckons you to discover its seasonal wonders.

Take the first step towards an extraordinary summer in Aspen by contacting Aspen Luxury Concierge today. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your Aspen adventure is seamless and unforgettable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of this remarkable destination.

If you’re ready to experience Aspen the way it was meant to be experienced, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge today. We provide luxury service to make our client’s Aspen adventures as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Things to Do in Aspen in the Summer - 8 Unique Experiences