Aspen, Colorado, is well known for being a top ski destination and winter wonderland. Aspen’s summers are not to be missed though, with their stunning natural beauty, world class cultural events, hiking, biking, and endless other outdoor activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Aspen in summer. Here’s our guide to enjoying the many things to do in Aspen Colorado in the warmer summer months.
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Is Aspen Worth Visiting in Summer?
Absolutely! Visiting Aspen in the summer is definitely worth it, especially for those who enjoy both outdoor activities and world class music and the arts. Aspen has ideal conditions for hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Additionally, Aspen’s summer calendar is packed with world-class events, including the Aspen Music Festival and School, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Ideas Festival, and many more. The town is upscale, with luxury shops such as Gucci and Prada and luxury dining. Lodging can be quite expensive. For a lower price point, camping near Aspen or staying in the nearby towns of Basalt, Carbondale, Redstone, and Glenwood Springs can be great alternatives. If you are looking for a more laid back and casual experience, consider a visit to Crested Butte.
Our Top 10 Aspen Summer Activities:
- Hiking the Beautiful Trails
- Biking Adventures
- Attend the Aspen Music Festival
- Take a Scenic Gondola Ride
- Explore Aspen’s Art Scene
- Head out on the Water
- Scenic Drives
- Take an Aspen Walking Tour
- Enjoy Aspen’s Fall Foliage
- Craft Brews and Culinary Scene
1. Hiking the Beautiful Trails
Experience the natural beauty of Aspen on foot by exploring its numerous hiking trails. Maroon Bells offers some of the most scenic routes, with trails that range from the easy scenic loop around Maroon Lake to more challenging hikes like the Crater Lake trail. The trails provide spectacular views of wildflowers, beautiful forests, and rugged mountains.
The iconic views of Maroon Bells over Maroon Lake can be reached in just 1/4 mile from the shuttle drop-off point. For very experienced hikers adapted to the altitude, consider the bucket list hike from Crested Butte to Aspen over West or East Maroon Pass in later summer or early fall (or vice versa). Always check weather and trail conditions carefully before setting out.
| Trail (with Alltrails Link) | Difficulty | Distance/Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail | Easy | 1.9 miles, 160 ft. elevation |
| Crater Lake | Moderate | 3.5 miles, 688 ft. elevation |
| Conundrum Hot Springs via Conundrum Creek Trail | Hard | 16.9 miles, 2,788 ft. elevation |
| West Maroon Trail (1-way Aspen to Crested Butte) | Hard | 10.3 miles, 2,247 ft. elevation |
| Four Pass Loop | Hard | 25.7 miles, 7,752 ft. elevation |
2. Biking Adventures
Aspen is a great destination for mountain bikers and cyclists of all levels. For family rides and casual cyclists, consider riding the Rio Grande Trail. It is slightly uphill going from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, downhill returning to Glenwood Springs. Rent an e-bike and ride both ways, or bike downhill through the stunning scenery to Glenwood Springs, returning by bus or shuttle to Aspen. For a shorter outing, bike on the Rio Grande Trail for 8.4 miles from Aspen to Woody Creek Tavern, a great spot to enjoy lunch before biking or taking the bus back.
Biking to Maroon Lake from Aspen is an iconic bike ride. It can be a very challenging road bike ride or a more moderate e-bike ride. This is a wonderful ride in summer, but even more magical in fall when the aspen trees are changing colors. For those preferring to explore on mountain bikes, try the moderate Sky Mountain Park from Aspen to Snowmass or the challenging Government Trail running from Snowmass to Buttermilk.
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance/Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande Trail | Easy (paved/gravel) | 42.4 miles, 2,732 ft. elevation |
| Aspen to Maroon Bells | Hard (paved) | 7 miles, 1,300 ft. elevation |
| Sky Mountain Park | Moderate (mtn bike) | 18.4 miles, 1,948 ft. elevation |
| Government Trail | Hard (mtn bike) | 20.4 miles, 3,585 ft. elevation |
3. Attend the Aspen Music Festival
Don’t miss the experience of the Aspen Music Festival and School, one of the top classical music festivals in the United States. The festivals runs from June through August and has a packed schedule of concerts, often with multiple concerts a day. These concerts include performances by world-renowned musicians and talented students.
4. Take a Scenic Gondola Ride
Taking a scenic gondola ride up Aspen Mountain is a wonderful experience, offering panoramic views of the Elk Mountains and the expansive valleys below. The Silver Queen Gondola takes about 15 minutes, ending around 11,200 feet in elevation. In summer, enjoy the spectacular wildflowers across the mountain side. Once at the top, visitors can go hiking, participate in mountain-top yoga classes, and enjoy lunch with a stunning view from the sundeck.
The Snowmass gondola takes visitors to 9,765 feet of elevation at the Elk Camp Meadows. Enjoy the Elk Camp restaurant for lunch and the Lost Forest, where you’ll find an alpine coaster, zip lines, high ropes course, mountain biking, disc golf, fishing and much more.
5. Explore Aspen’s Art Scene
Art lovers will love Aspen’s vibrant art scene. The Aspen Art Museum showcases contemporary artwork in a striking building designed by Shigeru Ban. Enjoy free admission to explore the permanent and temporary exhibits. Additionally, there are numerous galleries in downtown Aspen featuring works by notable artists. Visitors find everything from modern sculptures to classic paintings.
6. Head out on the Water
For a serene and scenic paddleboarding experience, head to North Star Nature Preserve. This tranquil area offers a flatwater experience that is ideal for paddle boarders of all skill levels. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
For those looking for something a bit less serene, the white water rafting adventures in nearby Glenwood Springs are a fantastic alternative.
7. Scenic Drives
Consider taking a scenic drive during the summer or fall over some incredible mountain passes. Check road conditions before heading out to ensure they are open (Colorado Department of Transportation). Some of these roads are seasonal.
- Independence Pass: One of the most renowned drives around Aspen is Independence Pass, which climbs to 12,095 feet and offers stunning views. This 32 mile drive is accessible via Highway 82 and is particularly spectacular in the summer with views of snow-capped mountains and wildflowers. Enjoy a stop at Twin Lakes on the east side of the pass for a hike or paddle board.
- West Elk Loop Scenic Byway: this 205 mile loop takes visitors past Redstone, Paonia, and Crested Butte, among others. One of the prime sections of this drive goes over Kebler Pass, which is particularly stunning in fall when the aspen trees are changing colors.
- Maroon Bells: mentioned above under hikes, the drive or bus ride to Maroon Lake is not to be missed in summer and fall. Be sure to reserve a shuttle or parking reservation in advance.
8. Take an Aspen Walking Tour
Learn more about Aspen’s mining heritage and more recent history. There are a number of excellent guided tours that can take you well off the beaten tourist path. If you choose to explore yourself, consider taking a self-guided scavenger hunt. This is a fun way to discover new aspects of Aspen. While exploring town, don’t miss the Aspen Farmers Market mid-June through October.
9. Enjoy Aspen’s Fall Foliage
Though this post focuses on summer, it would be an oversight not to mention the absolutely stunning fall foliage occurring in September-October. Scenic drives, hikes, and mountain bike rides are all excellent ways to immerse yourself in the golden hues. Exploring Maroon Bells by bike or on foot and driving Independence Pass or Kebler Pass are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the foliage in Aspen.
10. Craft Brews and Culinary Scene
Aspen’s culinary scene is vibrant all year round. In summer and fall, enjoy eating on one of the many outdoor patios and farm-to-table dining experiences. Don’t miss the chance to visit local breweries and distilleries, such as the Aspen Brewing Company. Consider synching up your visit with the Food & Wine Festival in Aspen or the Snowmass Wine Festival.
Each season in Aspen brings its own charm and a broad range of activities. While Aspen is renowned for its winter skiing, summertime in Aspen is not to be missed. We’d argue that Aspen is one of the top places in Colorado to see the fall colors. If you enjoy Aspen in summertime, definitely consider paying a visit in the fall too.
Where to Stay in Aspen
There are a wide range of places to stay in Aspen, ranging from hostels to B&B’s to luxury villas. Here are some of our top recommendations:
| Hotel Jerome | One of Aspen’s iconic landmarks, offering luxurious amenities and a touch of Old West history since 1889. Enjoy its elegant rooms and exceptional service. |
| The Little Nell | The Little Nell is known for its five-star services and ideal location next to the gondola. With ski-in/ski-out access, this is a perfect haven for ski enthusiasts |
| The St. Regis Aspen Resort | The St. Regis redefines mountain luxury with its refined elegance and bespoke service. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain, it’s a perfect spot for skiers and those who would like easy access to downtown. |
| The Limelight Hotel | For those seeking a boutique experience, the Limelight Hotel offers a contemporary, casual atmosphere with spacious rooms and a vibrant social scene |
| St. Moritz Condominiums | St. Moritz provides a more affordable yet comfortable lodging option, ideal for families and groups wanting a homelike atmosphere. Options range from rooms with shared bathroom to condominiums, with a friendly pool area for the summer. |
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Travel Resources
We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.
| Air Travel | SkyScanner |
| Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
| Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com |
| Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
| Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
| Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
| Train tickets | Trainline, RailEurope |
| Bus tickets | Flixbus, Busbud |
[…] you are skiing in Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Telluride (or other areas further from Denver), consider flying into the regional airports closer […]
So many amazing things to do in Aspen over the summer. I would love to catch the tail end for the start of the autumn foliage!
That is a wonderful time to visit!
I’d definitely love to visit Aspen in the summer! What a beautiful place
Aspen is on my bucket list! So beautiful!
Hope you can visit, it is beautiful!
All of your blogs reallllllly make me want to plan a trip to Colorado!
I’m missing Colorado during these hot Texas summers. Need a mountain break.
It’s hot on the front range of Colorado right now, so trip up to the mountains are essential!
perfect timing..scheming of visiting Aspen in 2026 for the summer… love everything on this list! Vail is my fav spot in CO but hoping Aspen will win out
If you like Vail, there’s a good chance you’ll like Aspen too!
I always thought about Aspen in the winter, but this makes me consider it a summer or fall destination. The fall foliage looks so pretty and I would want to try white water rafting!
The foliage is so beautiful in fall, though summer is nice there too. It would be hard to choose.
I would love to explore Aspen and do most of these activities like rafting and taking the gondola ride. I bet the scenic drives are also gorgeous. Thanks for the detailed list.
Hope you have a chance to try out these activities!
The scenery looks so beautiful! Would love to visit Colorado
Thanks, hope you can visit!
I always assume a place is good for hiking in summer if it’s good for skiing in the winter (but maybe I’m just spoiled by upstate New York haha). But you’ve really got me aching to see Colorado in the warmer months. The views are just stunning! Now I know why all the rich people in tv shows go to Aspen haha
Aspen definitely has its share of celebrities, but also a fun place for the rest of us 🙂
Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail, the scenic gondola, music festival and fall foliage would be amazing on a trip.
It’s hard to go wrong in Aspen, but these sound great!
I’ve also only heard of Aspen as a winter destination, it’s great to know that there are so many fun things to do during the summer as well! paddle boarding, taking scenic drives and exploring the restaurants would all be high on my list!
Aspen is definitely worth a visit in summer too!
The lakes and hikes there look so gorgeous! My friends and I have been dreaming of a trip to Aspen recently, so I hope we can make it soon.
Hope you’re able to make it!
A scenic drive during the fall season might be such a unique experience! Although I would try rafting as well, hope to visit Aspen soon!
Both would be great choices for an Aspen visit!
[…] destination in the wintertime, it’s a wonderful place to head in the summertime as well. The best thing to do around Aspen in the summertime is to break out your hiking boots. For example, the Maroon Bells […]
Just love summer in the mountains. So much more peaceful than the hectic winter ski months!
I agree!
I’ve never thought of Aspen without snow before – it looks amazing and reminds me of the mountains in Australia that are great for skiing in winter and other seasons great for biking and hiking.
We often have Australian youth ski teams who visit Colorado for training during our winter. I’ve heard similar feedback from them.
Aspen looks incredible!! Would really love to hike in this area!! I hope I can visit one day!
Thanks, hope you have a chance to explore Colorado.
I would love to attend the music festival and do some hikes in Aspen. The scenery is stunning.
Thanks, the scenery is incredible and the music festival truly world class.
I would love to visit Aspen. Thank you for such an informative post. I will pin it with the hope of visiting one day. There is so much to do; I love hiking, eating, drinking wine, visiting breweries, art and many more activities you mentioned.
Thank you!
Sounds like a great place to visit!
As I was reading through, I was like, hiking definitely, walking tour, definitely, craft brews, definitely. There is so much to do.
Thanks for the feedback!
I’ve never been to Aspen during the summer (i grew up skiing), but I’d love to visit in the summer! I never had enough summer vacations and I would love to go hiking.
It’s pretty amazing in winter too for skiing, but I enjoy summer in the mountains.
Colorado is one of my favorite states, it’s just so beautiful. I would love to do more hiking there and the Crater Lake hike looks fun.
Colorado is one of my favorite states too, though I’m a bit biased.
I could totally go for a serene Aspen paddle right about now! It sounds absolutely fantastic. I also love a good walking tour and craft brews!! These are great suggestions.
Thanks, a paddle on the river (or on one of the nearby lakes) is always fun!
I love your blog! Aspen is on my list of places I’d like to visit! 😃
Thanks! Definitely a fun spot to visit most any time of year.
[…] from Glenwood Springs to Aspen is also an option. The Rio Grande Trail runs 42 miles each way through the scenic Roaring Fork […]
[…] Connecting Crested Butte to Paonia, Kebler Pass is renowned for having one of the largest aspen groves in the United States. This drive is particularly spectacular in the fall when the aspen leaves turn a stunning gold. The road is mostly gravel but is well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. If you turn north after Kepler Pass onto McClure Pass (towards Carbondale), you can easily continue on towards Redstone and Aspen. […]
[…] Our favorite place to enjoy the foliage around Aspen is Maroon Bells. It has iconic views of twins peaks set against the golden aspen trees. Maroon Bells Lake can be reached with just a 1/4 mile walk from the shuttle bus stop. Some enjoy a challenging road bike (or e-bike) from Aspen up to Maroon Lake. From Maroon Lake, consider hiking up to Crater Lake or West or East Maroon Pass to enjoy more fall colors. Visitors can choose from many scenic drives in the fall. Independence Pass, the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, and Glenwood Canyon are all spectacular when the colors are changing. The Hotel Jerome is an ideal upscale place to stay in Aspen to experience Aspen’s history with a western feel. Don’t miss also visiting Aspen in summer. […]