5 Reasons To Visit Aspen This Summer
Aspen’s summer season shines with world-class culture, outdoor adventure, new experiences, and endless mountain sunshine.
1. Arts & Culture Season: Summer brings the cultural soul of Aspen to life, with an artistic calendar rivaling that of a thriving metropolis. The esteemed Aspen Music Festival & School, the contemporary Aspen Art Museum, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Theatre Aspen, and Aspen Film are just a sample of Aspen's artistic heritage. Notable artists coming to town this summer include Rüfüs Du Sol, Kacey Musgraves, Glass Animals, Luke Combs, Imagine Dragons, Lenny Kravitz, and more.
2. Easier access: Situated in a wide mountain valley on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies, Aspen is centered in the west's most scenic and accessible mountain ranges- the Elk Mountains and Sawatch Range. It is a winding 20-mile drive filled with spectacular views to the summit of Independence Pass. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines offer direct flights, connecting many destinations to the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Stay tuned for 2025 summer flight information.
3. Biking: Biking is one of the hottest sports in America for every age, and Aspen is the epicenter for biking experiences and culture. From meandering riverside trails and serene rides to the Maroon Bells (one of the world’s most photographed peaks) to some of the region’s most extreme mountain biking, Aspen has terrain for every level of rider. Explore some of Aspen’s top mountain biking trails and experience a summer of outdoor adventure.
4. New in Aspen: Each season Aspen welcomes a boom of new businesses, giving visitors the chance to explore exciting new happenings. This summer, diners can enjoy new eateries such as Hai Si, an underground Izakaya operated by New Waterloo from Austin. Yuki, a new restaurant located above Belly Up Aspen is expected to open this summer, offering authentic Asian cuisine. Up In The Sky is a new music festival, from August 8-9th, hosting some of today’s hottest artists. The festival will be held at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, giving concert goers the chance to experience live music in a scenic mountain setting. Check out our guide to what’s new in Aspen for more exciting updates.
5. Endless Sunshine: There's no shortage of sunny days in the Colorado Rockies, making Aspen an ideal environment for world-class athletes, those looking for a respite from their busy schedules, and people who want to explore the mountains. Summer and autumn are filled with bluebird skies and warm days perfect for outdoor adventures including hiking, rock climbing, paragliding, and water activities. Looking for more relaxation? Aspen is known for its pristine trails, rivers, and mountains and experiencing Aspen can be as easy as sitting back and admiring the spectacular natural beauty.
There's something for everyone this summer in Aspen, so get out there and enjoy! Don't forget to tag us on social @AspenCo for a chance to be featured on our page and website!
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