Summers in Aspen

Aspen in the summer is a whole different ball game compared to Aspen in the winter. The weather is absolutely wonderful regardless of the fact that you can still see snow on the tops of the mountains mid-July. But don’t let that dissuade you; with the snow (mostly) melted away, Aspen has so many different outdoor activities to choose from. The first thing on your bucket list should be heading down to Aspen Sports to rent some bikes at $38 each ($26 for kids) to ride the 10 mile trail from Aspen to Snowmass [1]. Don’t let the distance scare you, it’s a mild slope with beautiful views! There is an Aspen Sports shop in Snowmass so you can drop the bikes off there once you have arrived.

Have a free Wednesday night? Then consider heading down to the Snowmass rodeo to see some of the top riders on the circuit show their stuff at bronc riding, bull dogging, barrel racing and more. I am even a past Snowmass Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ Champion myself (it takes a talented 7 year old to hold on to a sheep that’s trying to buck you off I promise). Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, and they also have plenty of shops there selling handmade local goods and leatherware [2].

Nothing’s better on a hot day then to cool off with some white water rafting down the Colorado River. There is no need to worry if you have never experienced rapids, or even rafted before, there are different guided tours to choose from that are designated by skill level (easy, intermediate, advanced). The different skill levels correlate to the different sections of river that are more wild than others. The easy and some intermediate level tours are open to children 6 and up. If you are looking for a really wild ride, try signing up for the “Slaughterhouse” rafting trip, but be prepared to get drenched! Besides the thrilling ride any of the trips provide, there are also calm sections where you really get the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views surrounding you. Most of the tour companies will pick you up, take you home and even supply a delicious barbecue lunch, so you don’t have to worry about renting a car or having a soggy lunch. Prices vary per tour, but I recommend going with the Blazing Adventures company.

You are free to hike up any of the four mountains in Aspen (Ajax, Buttermilk, Snowmass and Highlands) but my favorite hiking spot is the Maroon Bells. You can purchase tickets for $8 ($6 for children and seniors, free for children under 5) to take the bus that drops you off right at the start of the hiking point [3]. The hike is straight forward enough for even an inexperienced traveler, and it takes you to the most stunning landscape .

[1] “Bike Rentals.” Aspen Sports Bike Rentals, http://www.aspensports.com/bike-rentals/.
Blizzard. “Maroon Bells Bus – Summer Schedule | RFTA.” Roaring Fork

[2] “Tickets.” Snowmass Rodeo, http://www.snowmassrodeo.org/tickets/.

[3] Transportation Authority, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, 20 July 2018, http://www.rfta.com/routes/maroon-bells/.