Curator’s statement
In the summer, Aspen transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike. Adventure seekers can indulge in thrilling activities such as hiking through the wildflower-laden trails of Maroon Bells, mountain biking along scenic routes or whitewater rafting down the roaring rapids of the Roaring Fork River. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can explore the charming streets lined with boutique shops and art galleries or unwind with a round of golf amid breathtaking mountain views. As the sun sets, Aspen's culinary scene comes alive with farm-to-table restaurants offering delectable dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Complemented by refreshing craft cocktails and fine wines, making every meal an unforgettable experience.
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Things to do in Aspen
Whitewater Rafting Browns Canyon offers a scenic drive over Independence Pass followed by an amazing day of Class III-IV rafting.
Off-Road Jeep Tour Guided 4X4 backcountry, take a ride around aspen meadowlands and explore the views and animals roaming about.
Hiking Ute Rock Trail — it's about 1–2 hrs to the rock and then continue up to the top of the mountain for another 1–2 hrs. Once you get to the top — the view is amazing and you can have lunch there and take the gondola down for free. It's one of the longest gondola rides in the country. Take the silver queen gondola down.
Private Kayaking Test — Take and inflatable kayak down the Roaring Fork River. Inflatable kayaks, also known as duckies, are available to all levels and very easy to navigate.
Horseback riding around Maroon Bells. Choose between a 1, 2 or 3-hour ride through the mountains.
Elk Forest Snowmass — Take the scenic gondola up to the camp. Once you are there, you can do an alpine coaster, rock climbing walls, walk around the lake, ropes course, ziplining or get drinks and hike.
Hike Maroon Bells or walk around the lake to soak in the beautiful views. This iconic hike is only accessible by shuttle, making the area very remote and serene.
Hot Air Balloon over the beautiful ajax mountain and take in the independent pass and Glenwood canyons. It's a beautiful way to experience sunrise!
Day Trips:
Take the day trip to Glenwood Springs and experience the hot springs and beautiful amusement park for all ages.
Hike to Crested Butte from Aspen, a small mountain town that will remind you of the cowboys and living on a ranch.
Places to eat & drink in Aspen
Cache Cache
Betula
The velvet Buck
The Snow Lodge
Ajax Tavern
Clarke's
Casa Tua
Jing Sua
Las Montanas
Meat and Cheese
Catch Steak
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Sarit Rothschild
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Aspen. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Long Romantic Weekend in Alsace.