Summer Activities Guide to Aspen

Once the snow melts, the warm Colorado sun gives way to a host of summer activities in Aspen Colorado.  The aspen trees are a vibrant green, the mountains are majestic ragged peaks and the trails are alive with wildflowers, bikers and hikers.

Summer festivals are a weekly form of entertainment in Aspen.  June hosts the The Aspen Jazz Festival and the Aspen Food and Wine Festival, two great weekends to build your vacation around. Outdoor concerts are a weekly event in town too.

Step away from luxury and try camping at the base of Maroon Bells.  You will wake up to the crisp Colorado air and dine al fresco at your campfire.  It’s an experience like no other.

Additional Activities Include:

Hiking

Aspen has trails from easy 30 minute walks to multi da

y trails such as the Four Pass Loop.  To search for local trails, visit Aspen Trail Finder, a local website. They give in depth directions and descriptions of the area trails.  Even the dog friendly ones too!  When hiking in Colorado, be prepared.  With the altitude and bluebird sky, the sun can be fierce.  Take sunscreen, lots of water and leave no trace!

Mountain Biking & Cycling

If moving faster on the trails is your interest, then Aspen is your destination for the summer.  Aspen is one of the top mountain biking destinations in Colorado.  There are numerous

beginner trails for visitors new to mountain biking.  The Snowmass Bike Park and Aspen Sky Mountain Park is a playground for seasoned riders.  To search for local trails, visit Trailforks.com.  There are many local bike shops that rent mountain bikes.

Another popular summer activity in Aspen is road cycling.  There are miles of dedicated bike paths connecting Aspen to Snowmass and points beyond, such as Basalt.  You can rent a bike at a local bike shop.  They will help show you which bike best fits you.

More Things to DO in Aspen

Aspen may be synonymous with outdoor sports, but its charm goes far beyond hiking trails and ski slopes. Whether you’re savoring world-class cuisine, exploring local history, getting pampered at a spa, or diving into the vibrant arts scene, the town offers something special for every type of traveler. So even if you never step on a trail or strap on a pair of skis, Aspen will still make your trip unforgettable.

Explore Aspen’s Thriving Arts Scene

Aspen Art Museum
One of the best free things to do in Aspen, the Aspen Art Museum features rotating contemporary exhibits from internationally recognized artists. The rooftop café offers beautiful views of the mountains—perfect for a calm morning in town.

The Wheeler Opera House
A historic icon built in 1889, the Wheeler hosts everything from comedy nights and film screenings to live concerts and festivals. Check the event calendar before your trip.

Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) Events
Hosting events throughout the year, JAS celebrates jazz, pop, soul, and global music. If you visit during their summer or Labor Day festivals, you’ll catch top-tier artists in a breathtaking venue.

Belly Up Aspen

An intimate live music venue where major artists often perform surprise or small-venue shows. It’s one of Aspen’s best nightlife spots that doesn’t require heading outdoors.

Step Back in Time: Aspen’s History & Heritage

Wheeler/Stallard Museum

Located inside a beautiful 19th-century Victorian home, this museum dives deep into Aspen’s mining history, boom-and-bust eras, and cultural transformation.

Ashcroft Ghost Town

Just 10 miles from downtown Aspen, Ashcroft is one of Colorado’s most accessible ghost towns. You can wander through abandoned cabins and saloons without any strenuous walking.

Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum

Learn about early Aspen settlers, mining innovations, and ranching culture in a scenic, open-air historic site.

Indulge in Aspen’s Luxury Wellness Scene

Aspen’s natural setting makes it the perfect place for a wellness escape, even indoors.

• Luxury spas at hotels like The St. Regis, The Little Nell, and the Viceroy Snowmass offer hot stone massages, oxygen lounges, saunas, and aromatherapy treatments.
• Yoga and meditation studios throughout town provide classes ranging from restorative to high-energy flow.
• Try a sound bath or breathwork session for a deeper relaxation reset.

Indulge in Aspen’s Food & Drink Scene

Aspen has become a culinary hotspot:

• Farm-to-table restaurants and chef-driven menus at spots like Element 47, Matsuhisa, and White House Tavern.
• Cozy cafes perfect for reading or people-watching.
• Artisanal cocktails and après-style lounges where you can unwind without ever hitting the slopes.
• Wine tastings, brewery visits, and seasonal food festivals that attract chefs from around the world.

Shop the Downtown District

Aspen’s walkable downtown is filled with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and unique local shops. Whether you’re interested in luxury brands or one-of-a-kind mountain artisan pieces, it’s easy to spend a few hours browsing.

Ride the Scenic Silver Queen Gondola (No Skiing Required)

Even if you’re not skiing, take the gondola up Aspen Mountain for spectacular views. In summer, you can enjoy mountaintop yoga, live music, or simply soak in the scenery. In winter, grab a hot drink and enjoy the snowy panorama from 11,000 feet.

Enjoy Aspen’s Year-Round Events & Festivals

Aspen’s event calendar is packed with world-class festivals:

• Aspen Food & Wine Classic
• Aspen Filmfest
• Wintersköl Festival
• Aspen Ideas Festival
• Aspen Laugh Festival
• Holiday markets & art fairs

These events attract leading creators, artists, chefs, and thinkers from around the world.

Take a Scenic Drive for Breathtaking Views

You don’t need to hike to see Colorado’s famous scenery.

Independence Pass (Seasonal)

One of the most beautiful drives in the Rocky Mountains. Expect historic markers, waterfalls, wildlife, and huge panoramic overlooks.

Maroon Creek Road

Gives access to the Maroon Bells area—one of the most photographed mountain scenes in the U.S.—without requiring a strenuous hike.

Castle Creek Road

Leads to Ashcroft Ghost Town and is one of Aspen’s prettiest and calmest mountain drives.

Try an Indoor Adventure

Rain? Snow? Not in the mood for adventure? Aspen still has plenty to do.

• Escape rooms
• Cooking classes
• Pottery and art workshops
• Indoor climbing walls
• Boutique cinemas
• Wine or whiskey tastings

These activities make perfect family-friendly or group-friendly outings.

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