Aspen

Visions of Aspen typically include winters packed with world-class skiing, but it’s also a can’t-miss summer destination. Whether you’re seeking a family vacation, relaxation or all-out adventure, there are plenty of ways to explore this lovely mountain town in the warmer months. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Aspen over the summer.

If there's one thing Aspen's known for, it's skiing. This tiny mountain town is surrounded by four monumental ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk (a favorite among beginners) and the ever-popular Snowmass Ski Resort. The luster isn't lost when the snow melts, however. The Rockies offer some spectacular hiking spots – like the Maroon Bell peaks – with jaw-dropping vistas.

Sure, Aspen is known for its world-renowned skiing, but we’re loved as a year-round natural mountain escape. When the snow melts, our mountain town comes alive with a combination of outdoor adventure, Arts & Culture, restaurants and a way of life like nowhere else on Earth.

Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Aspen, Colorado on TripAdvisor: See 8,826 traveler reviews and photos of Aspen tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in August. We have reviews of the best places to see in Aspen. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

For travelers, here are some helpful hints of where to train for the binge-worthy event along the way.

There's no question that once a visitor arrives in Aspen, they will be blown away by the myriad of things going on in town. The endless dining options, renowned nightlife, world-class cultural events, and pristine trails to explore via foot or wheel are well documented. One aspect of the Aspen experience that deserves a bit more attention is how to get here. With highways that are lined with jagged cliffs, winding roads over high-alpine passes, and deserted back-roads from the desert, accessing Aspen can be nearly as memorable as the time spent once you arrive.

Aspen's breathtaking alpine backdrop is known to intoxicate, tempting visitors into staying in the Roaring Fork Valley much longer than originally anticipated. Many well-seasoned Aspenites call this geographical magnetism the "Curse of the Ute" and one of the reasons so many visitors-turned-residents have a difficult time returning to the rat race of their previous lives outside Colorado. Read more: Top 10 Places to Road Trip Around Aspen, Colorado | Aspen.com: Blogs, Reviews, Community.

Answer 1 of 12: We're thinking about a last minute trip to Aspen the first week in March and will likely fly into Denver and drive or shuttle to Aspen. Any suggestions? Should we rent a car or take a shuttle? What is the best route to take?

With highways that are lined with jagged cliffs, winding roads over high-alpine passes and deserted back roads from the desert, accessing Aspen can be nearly as memorable as the time spent once you arrive.

Looking to go on a summer road trip through the Colorado Rockies? Make your way to Aspen and Snowmass Village, with this road trippers guide.