Stay forever young in Aspen, Colorado with us this summer. Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, Aspen, Colorado, is a haven of natural beauty, cultural charm, and outdoor adventures. Far from just a winter wonderland, this vibrant town offers an array of activities to enchant and entertain people of all ages seeking unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to savor the tranquility of the mountains, Aspen has something exceptional in store for you. Check out our list below for our top 10 activity ideas for older adults to enjoy in Aspen.
Birding with Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. Discover the diverse birdlife of the Roaring Fork Valley with ACES throughout the summer. Birders of all experience levels are welcome! Outings meet at ACES’ Hallam Lake Nature Preserve or Rock Bottom Ranch (see dates for corresponding locations), and begin with a brief orientation, followed by birding in the field. You will explore bird activity in a variety of local habitats at these ACES sites and at other nearby birding hot spots. Every outing offers rich opportunities to learn about bird behavior, identification, migration, and local habitats.
Attend an Aspen Music Festival Show. Bonus, on Sunday afternoons pack a blanket and picnic and settle in on the lawn to enjoy free performances by AMFS students and talented performers. Their summer season runs from the end of June through the end of August and is sure to captivate classical music enthusiasts from all over.
Take a guided tour with the Aspen Historical Society through Aspen’s West End residential neighborhood exploring examples of Bauhaus influence and other modern aesthetic principles that continue to inspire local design. The tour ends on the grounds of the Aspen Institute and there’s a story to be told around every corner! Explore their many tours and register here.
Dine al fresco in Aspen’s picturesque downtown core. Head over to cozy-chic French Alpine Bistro - Crêperie du Village, romantic upscale Italian nook Ellina, or the lush landscaped patio at the Garden at Hotel Jerome- to name a few.
Take a leisurely stroll through the John Denver Sanctuary. Built-in the memory of great singer John Denver, the sanctuary is nestled next to Rio Grande Park. The sanctuary is an ideal spot for a family picnic or for meditation. The Song Garden features many of the iconic singer's lyrics etched into native river boulders placed in a perfect circle to represent the circle of life as a score of music. Other gentle walks include the Rio Grande trail, East of Aspen, and ACES’ Hallam Lake.
Attend a Jas Café show with Jazz Aspen Snowmass and enjoy candlelit performances from some of the greatest jazz artists from around the world. Explore more arts & culture programming here.
Take a ride up the Silver Queen Gondola and savor 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding Elk Mountain Range. Grab lunch at the Sundeck and on Sundays enjoy free Bluegrass concerts at 11,212 feet.
Explore Aspen’s Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America, and discover how a journey through over 300 million years of jagged stone inspires travelers from around the world. Reservations are required and can be made online here.
Peruse the Aspen Saturday Market and discover local produce and artisan products from various Colorado vendors. Grab some Colorado-grown fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, jams, or a food court snack and head to a local Aspen park for the perfect Saturday picnic. Local parks we recommend are Glory Hole, Paepcke, John Denver, Wagner Park, and Herron- among others.
Tour the Aspen Art Museum and grab lunch at their rooftop café afterward. On certain days throughout the summer, you can enjoy musical performances on their rooftop.
Tag us on social @AspenCo in your Aspen adventures for a chance to be reposted on our social pages and website!
