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Aspen, Colorado is a year-round getaway destination with countless things to do in the Rocky Mountains. From Aspen’s outdoor activities, foodie scene, and wellness opportunities, visiting this serene destination is perfect for the mind, body, and spirit. If you are looking for the best things to do in Aspen, Colorado during the summer and spring months, here are some ideas to get started.
Disclosure: This list of amazing Aspen activities includes experiences from a hosted Aspen trip.
Things to Do in Aspen
Outdoor, Wellness, and Culture Activities in Aspen
I love visiting this beautiful mountain destination when the weather warms up! In fact, my late spring trip during their Secret Season (May/June) reminded me how essential it is to rest and rejuvenate in the mountains — especially after such a tough year.
Here are some activity ideas I highly recommend:
1. Go horseback riding
I used Maroon Bells Outfitters to book a morning horseback riding session at the T Lazy 7 Ranch. There are plenty of other times and durations but we selected a 1-hour morning ride through the Aspen grove, along a snowmelt stream to kick off our getaway.
2. Try Mountaintop Yoga
Hike or ride the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain to the summit’s yoga deck for mountaintop yoga (open during the summer).
If your stay doesn’t overlap with the class schedule try some stretching and meditation atop one of the summits on your own! Those moments of solitude can be truly healing.
Wellness Tip: take your self-care getaway a step further, book an in-room massage during your stay from one of the local spa’s mobile services.
3. Hike to the Smuggler Mountain Observation Deck
This is a moderately challenging hike (if you aren’t used to the elevation) with little to no shade. Bring lots of water, lather on the sunscreen, and show up in the earlier morning hours for the best experience! The views are worth the climb (3 miles in and out).
4. Hike to the Smuggler Mountain Observation Deck
For access to explore a waterfall, intriguing rock formations, and short trails you’ve got to visit the Grottos. If you are in for a rugged yet scenic adventure (and have a 4WD vehicle) take the journey on Independence Pass too.
5. Explore Downtown Aspen
Downtown Aspen is a walker’s joy. It is super easy to get everywhere, the cars are great at yielding to pedestrians, and the architecture is memorable and charming. I loved strolling the brick roads and perusing the sights, sounds, and colors of the local area.
While there, visit the Farmer’s Market, Art Museum, and stop by the Opera House.
6. Try Water Sports on the Roaring Fork River
I didn’t get to try this on my last visit but plan to next time! Whether white water rafting or water tubing in the North Star Reserve, cooling off during warm sunny days with a splash of adventure sounds right up my alley.
7. Ride a Chairlift or Gondola for Epic Views
There are a few elevated experiences to choose from if you want to climb the Aspen, Aspen Highlands, or Buttermilk ski resorts without the physical hike.
Each has a different schedule, but all offer jaw-dropping views. During the Secret Season, I rode the Buttermilk Summit Express and loved it!
8. Experience One of Many Aspen Trails
Whether for adventure or as part of your wellness routine to ease your mind, body and spirit, if you love getting outdoors then you’ll love that Aspen is brimming with hiking, walking, and cycling trails.
Outdoor Adventure Tip: The Rio Grande Trail is perfect for cyclists, runners, and walkers alike. If you seek a more strenuous trail with switchbacks, try hiking the Ute Trail!
9. Visit the John Denver Sanctuary for Nature and Mindfulness
Retreat to the John Denver Sanctuary in east Aspen for easy access to a peaceful getaway amongst lush landscaping. With flowing streams and access to the river, this free zen garden is a meditative must!
10. Indulge in the Aspen Food Scene
You can’t leave without trying some of my favorite Aspen restaurants! Since I visited during the warmer months (70F every day!), loved the local scenery both downtown and as a landscape view, and wanted to embrace social distancing, outdoor dining was the way to go!
Restaurants you can’t miss: I definitely recommend Plato’s Restaurant, Mawa’s Kitchen (which also makes my list of amazing women-owned restaurants), and Element 47 as three musts, but here’s a longer list of favorite Aspen restaurants in video form on this @ochristine IG reel!
11. Hike around the Maroon Bells
You can reserve a spot on the Maroon Bells shuttle departing from the Aspen Highlands to visit Maroon Bells and take on one of their many hikes.
Maroon Bells is truly for everyone: with an easy and accessible short trail for non-hikers, and moderate and more lengthy trails for visitors seeking a more physical challenge, there is something for everyone and plenty of scenery to go around.
More fun activities in Aspen!
There is so much to do in Aspen, Colorado and this list is just a peek at many of my favorite Aspen activities from my Aspen road trip!
If you are looking for a detailed itinerary guide to just print out and follow along, here is my 5 day Aspen Itinerary, where I share all the amazing things I did each day during my springtime visit to Aspen. You can tweak those details as you see fit! You can also reference my list of favorite Aspen restaurants if you want to enjoy the food scene!
→ LEARN MORE: Find more amazing things to do in Aspen year-round at AspenChamber.org and @AspenCO.
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