Headed to Aspen for the summer?

 

 Most people know Aspen for it’s world class skiing, dining and shopping, but Aspen truly comes to life in the summer.  The old local adage is come for the winter, stay for the summers.  Not only is Aspen beautiful in the summer, think blooming wild flowers and lush green trees there is truly something for everyone.  Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting our favorite parts of Aspen’s summer.

Smuggler

This is a popular hike for most locals who have an hour to spare before or after work.  Enjoy a double track hike that will grant you access to unmatched views in about 45 minutes.  This is a great hike to start off with especially if you’re coming from sea-level as it’s a steady climb with no technical sections.  Insiders tip: Great to go first thing in the morning or a little before sunset, it’s not as crowded and there is ample sun exposure during the day meaning it tends to be very hot mid-day! https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/smuggler-mountain-trail

Ute

This is a great hike if you’re looking to get the heart rate up and sweat.  This is one of the steeper hikes as you basically head up the face of Aspen Mountain.  The trail concludes with a huge boulder looking over the town of Aspen, be sure to stop here and take in the views (and catch your breath). Overindulge in some paradise ice cream the day before, keep hiking all the way up to Aspen Mountain’s Sun Deck and catch the gondola down for free, your knees will thank you.  https://www.aspentrailfinder.com/ute-trail/

American Lake

 Looking to catch a break form the hustle and bustle of downtown Aspen? This hike is for you! Beware, this hike is a steady and consistent uphill, so it’s best done after acclimating to the altitude for a few days.  However, this hike has it all; beautiful Aspens, grueling switchbacks and an idyllic alpine lake! https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/american-lake-trail

The Grottos

 This is a great outing for all skills levels.  Located about 20 minutes outside of Aspen, up Independence Pass, most users would categorize this as sightseeing more than a hike given how flat and short it is.  Keep a look out of signage for ice caves, regardless of whether you visit in early June or in the heat of the summer, you will find ice and snow in beautiful caves.  The caves were formed over 8,000 years ago from glacier activity.   https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/the-grottos-trail

 

This list barely scratches the surface on the hikes in the valley, if you would like to know about more hikes or require additional details on the four hikes listed above, please reach out to our office.  We are dedicated to helping you create your perfect Aspen vacation.