Aspen is a hot tourist location during the winter, with its ski slopes. However, there are a lot of amazing things to do in Aspen during the summer. So here are my top 4 best things to do in Aspen in the summer.
Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells is the attraction that everyone visits when visiting Aspen in the summer. They are a pair of the tallest mountains in the area, rising higher than 14,000' in altitude, hence joining the list of Colorado's "fourteeners".
Maroon Bells is the perfect spot to go hiking and see the awesome sights and is perfect for people with any level of experience in hiking, with trails from 0.5 miles loop to 18 miles (takes some good skill for this one!).
To get a more in-depth guide to Maroon Bells, read my post on the attraction below:
Smuggler Mountain
Smuggler Mountain is not the most popular sight, but is a great hike to spend half a day. The hike is only a few miles, yet it feels more strenuous because of how great the incline is, so be prepared to be tired on the way up.
However, the view is well worth it in the end. I did personally look forward to the downhill portion, which was much faster than walking up, of course using extra caution.
Overall, Smuggler Mountain is a great place to spend half a day, and I would recommend visiting to see a view of the village.
Independence Pass
Independence Pass is one of the most beautiful scenic roads to drive. It is a 1-2 hour drive and it is gives great views of the peaks right outside of Aspen.
At the top, there are also small outlook points where you can pull over and look down, and there are even tiny trails you can walk.
Overall, this is a wonderful scenic pass you should drive on if you are visiting Aspen.
Gondola Rides
This is pretty much one of the attractions that symbolizes Aspen. You can't visit Aspen without going on a gondola ride!
There are many gondola rides, and you can buy a pass that will allow you to ride any gondola in Aspen for 3 days, plus a bunch of other perks for $39.
The gondola rides are something that you must ride on your visit to Aspen!
Aspen is a wonderful place to visit, and I hope this helped you find things to do on your next trip to Aspen!
If you are in Colorado for a few more days, check out my post on Rocky Mountain National Park and Pikes Peak. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for posting this!! I am planning to go to aspen soon, so this is helpful!
I’m glad you found it helpful!
Had no idea Aspen was this beautiful. The Gondola rides seems like a lot of fun. 😊 Thsnks for sharing.
Aspen is such an awesome place! The gondola rides are definitely a lot of fun and something you should ride when visiting Aspen! Thanks for reading!