8 Not-To-Miss Aspen Summer Adventures

Aspen is, of course, best known for its snow-capped peaks that play host to innumerable wintertime activities. But it is in the summer months, when the flora roars back, that Aspen truly comes to life, offering visual splendor experienced no where else in the world. Elliman Insider caught up with with a few of our Colorado agents to ask them how locals take full advantage of the short yet sweet Aspen summers. 1. Start Your Day with Mountaintop Yoga There are so many things to do in Aspen Snowmass during the summer. Start out with a hike to the top of Ajax (or ride the gondola) for yoga at top of Aspen Mountain MWF at 10:30am. Namaste! On Sunday’s, buy a ticket to the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Orchestra ( jazzaspensnowmass.org ) or sit in the grass with a picnic outside the Benedict Tent. — Mary Kate Farrell 2. Zip-line Through the Treetops There is so much to discover on Snowmass Mountain. New this summer is Lost Forest, an on-mountain activity center with an alpine slide, zip-line through the trees, ropes courses, hiking, mountain biking and the farm-to-table dinners at Elk Camp every Tuesday night. — Carlie Umbarger 3. Make your way to the John Denver Sanctuary I think a must for every visitor is to see a Theatre Aspen show at the Hurst Theatre  tent. After a great day of outdoor activities, go to one of our beautiful outdoor patios for an early bite and make your way to the John Denver Sanctuary. Give yourself a little time to stroll through the gardens and look at the water and then enjoy big city theatre in an intimate venue.   Go outside at intermission and look at the sky. The whole experience is just transporting—a true Aspen evening. — Melanie Muss 4. Visit Maroon Bells – Most Photographed View in Colorado You must head up to the Maroon Bells early in the morning before the major crowd, and look out for the mama and baby moose in the marshy areas on the drive up. Wear comfy shoes to hike around Maroon Lake or up to Crater Lake to see the abundance of wildflowers. Maroon Bells is one of nature’s true wonders. — Lori Guilander 5. Recharge at Pine Creek Cookhouse Hike Cathedral Lake followed by lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Cathedral Lake is a picturesque, alpine lake that will take you through beautiful wildflower meadows. The hike is just under 6 miles, 2,000 vertical feet of climbing and is the perfect way to work up an appetite for the Pine Creek Cookhouse . The Elk Bratwurst or Stuffed Acorn Squash are my favorites to enjoy on the Cookhouses deck, while gazing at the stunning views of the Upper Castle Creek Valley. – Max Taam 6. Take the Road Less Traveled Pick up a hiking booklet at Explore Booksellers and step out of the normal, every day hikes, such as Smuggler and Hunter Creek and get yourself outside of the city limits to take a hike where you won’t see your friends or other people. Some of my favorites are: Blue Lake, Thomas Lakes or Tabor Creek Trail. — Marian Lansburgh 7. Fly Fish on the Fryingpan River The Frying Pan river valley is one of my favorite places in the whole AspenRoaring Fork valley. Whether fishing the pristine river or heading up to enjoy Ruedi Reservoir, this valley is in a world of its own and we are so lucky to have this world-class trout stream so close to Aspen. – Michael Latousek 8. Close Your Day with a Stunning Sunset You must hike the Hunter Creek to Smuggler Trail and end with a bottle of wine and a blanket on the Smuggler Park lawn. One of the best spots to enjoy the sunset and views of Aspen Mountain and downtown .  — Riley Warwick Browse available properties to find your next home in Aspen.