Ask A Local: 10 Favorite Summer Activities
Locals are the heart of our mountain town's character and charm.
Some of our favorite Aspen locals shared their top things to do during summer in Aspen. With an insider's glimpse, discover a few of the best ways to experience Aspen and live like a local.
1. Lay out a blanket, some cheese, and wine on the green space at the Michael Klein Music Tent on Sunday afternoons.
- Barclay Dodge, Chef and Owner of Bosq
2. Sunday morning hike up the Ute Trail to the top of Aspen Mountain with my wife and daughter to enjoy Bluegrass music at the Sundeck. If you hike to the top you can ride the gondola down, free.
- Chris Klug, Real Estate Broker at Aspen Sotheby's, dedicated to promoting life-saving organ donation - Chris Klug Foundation, Olympic Medalist Snowboarder
3. Whether you're running or hiking the Four Pass Loop in a day, or enjoying a few nights in the backcountry, this stunning 26 mile linkup circumnavigates the iconic Maroon Bells and is one of the most beautiful trails in the country. The four mountain passes, all over 12,000 feet, offer spectacular views, and the lush, alpine valleys below boast the best wildflowers in Aspen. If you can't manage all four passes, just head up one, Buckskin or West Maroon Pass, for a small taste of it.
*Before heading into the backcountry, always tell someone your intended route or leave a note on your car dashboard at the trailhead.
- Christy Mahon, Vice President of Development at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies & the first woman to ski all of Colorado’s 14,000 ft peaks
4. Cool off with a jump into the frigid alpine lakes & rivers.
- Sam Axness, Adventure Brand Photographer
5. Drinking a beer & playing cornhole at Highlands Alehouse.
- Sam Axness, Adventure Brand Photographer
6. Mountain Bike anything! Smuggler - Lollipop - Iowa Shaft - Hobbit - Sunnyside is an amazing 20-mile loop!
- Duncan Clauss, Broker's Associate at Sotheby's and founder of the Aspen Brewing Company
7. Biking on the Rio Grande which runs all the way from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. If you're heading down-valley from Aspen, be sure to make a stop at the Woody Creek Tavern, a locals favorite.
- Klaus Obermeyer, founder of Sport Obermeyer
8. Not many ski towns offer six incredible clay tennis courts open to the public - each with a stunning view of the majestic Pyramid Peak. Cruise to the courts on a bike path that leaves directly from town and end your match with a glass of wine on the patio of the Red Mountain Grill. Lessons and clinics are available all summer long.
- Christy Mahon, Vice President of Development at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies & the first woman to ski all of Colorado’s 14,000 ft peaks
Summer in Aspen is pure magic, and the place to be is outside (unless of course you're attending one of the amazing programs at the Aspen Institute!). There are so many places to explore for people of all ages. I love spending time at the John Denver Sanctuary, reading the quotes on the rocks, and listening to the song that the river sings. To take a moment, or an afternoon, to enjoy this magical place is a true gift.
- Cristal Logan, Vice President of Aspen Community Programs and Engagement at the Aspen Institute
10. Climbing peaks.
- Tess Weaver, Writer and Editor
Discover more ways experience summertime in Aspen!
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