Everyone knows that the Aspen, Colorado area is famous for wintertime glitz, glamour and unsurpassed winter sports, but did you know that there are amazing Aspen tours, trips and activities that you can take in the summertime? In fact, many visitors believe that summer may be may be the best time of year to visit.
Nestled deep within some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in America, Aspen offers all types of tours and activities no matter what your interests are.
There are world class cultural events, romantic adventures and family activities to fill the vacation calendar of even the most active or most relaxing itinerary.
For families, there are numerous ways to keep everyone occupied and satisfied.
For mountain activities, ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain or the Elk Camp Gondola to the top of Snowmass Mountain.
There are plenty of family activities on both mountains.
If you take the Elk Camp Gondola, be sure to make time to check out Elk Camp Café (aka Café Suzanne) for pulled pork sandwiches, salads and loads of barbecue.
If you make it to the top of Aspen mountain be sure to visit The Sundeck restaurant where the views are breathtaking and worth the price of a bowl of soup alone.
The mountains offer miles of hiking and mountain bike trails.
You can play a round of disc golf, conquer the climbing wall, or take a guided nature walk at the Aspen Center of Environmental Studies (ACES).
There are several free activities for children in Aspen including the ACES kid program that features live animals, storytelling and a juggling workshop.
For sportsmen and adventurers of all ages there is rafting and gold medal trout fishing.
Rafters can enjoy class IV whitewater at Slaughter House Falls on the Roaring Fork River.
Intermediate rafters can tackle the Upper Roaring Fork River and shoot the famous Toothache and Sledgehammer rapids.
For families with smaller children consider the Middle Roaring Fork and for beginner trips consider Cemetery passing by beautiful Mt.
Sopris.
For horsemen and women consider booking a trail ride at a local dude ranch where you can enjoy a break for a streamside lunch as you marvel at the unspoiled beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
For those seeking cultural events and activities the Aspen Chamber Resort Association hosts the Aspen Arts Festival in July.
There you will find an open art gallery set amid Aspen's spectacular mountain scenery offering exhibits from over 170 jewelers, potters, sculptors, glass blowers, painters and more.
Although held at what many would consider late summer or early fall, if you enjoy the majesty of hundreds of hot air balloons soaring into the heavens, you won't want to miss the Snowmass Balloon Festival in September.
In addition to hot air balloons you'll have the opportunity to sample over 200 wines and culinary delights by local chefs at the Snowmass Wine Festival.
For those who want to cook their own authentic Colorado fare around a campfire or atop a condo stove, consider the Aspen Saturday Market, now in its 13thyear.
Vendor criteria are very strict and only Colorado made, grown and produced items are permitted.