Aspen ’ s Sunny Side : A Summer Guide from a Local

Curated By

Megan Carter

https : //www.foratravel.com/guides/EWJFG8/aspens-sunny-side-a-summer-guide-from-a-local-megan-carter

• Nature Escapes

• Active Travel

• Food & Wine

• Outdoor & Nature

• Aspen

• Outdoors

Curator ’ s argument

I ’ ll always occur back to Aspen because it ’ s my home , but also because it ’ s truly prominent . Unlike some ski towns , Aspen has a literal heart and person . The community be what do it special , with an incredible mix of authenticity , creativity , and heat . Mass may total for the winter , but they stay for the summer—when Aspen ’ s magic really shines . The town comes alive with endless sunshine , blossom wildflowers , patio dine with great deal views , and more ways to search than just skiing . From boost and biking to exist music and local market , summer is when Aspen ’ s beauty and energy are at their height .

The Fora Difference

Book with Megan to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip .

Killer perks

Personalized recs

Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who ’ ve actually been there

Where to remainin Aspen

Hotel Jerome , Auberge Resorts Collection

A historic great deal retreat blending rustic charm with modern luxury in the heart of Aspen .

Fora Perks

• ★

  $ 100 hotel / resort credit .

• ★

  Breakfast daily .

• ★

  Upgrade & cover check-in/out whenever possible .

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever potential .

The Little Nell

An exclusive slopeside sanctuary offering refined luxury , world-class dining , and unmatched access to Aspen ’ s adventure .

Fora Perks

• ★

  $ 100 hotel / resort credit .

• ★

  Breakfast daily .

• ★

  Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible .

Upgrade & stretch check-in/out whenever potential .

Aspen Meadows Resort

A serene Bauhaus-inspired harbor nestle on 40 acres , offering great deal horizon , artful design , and a peaceful retreat in Aspen .

Fora Perks

• ★

  Personalized welcome bill .

• ★

  $ 50 resort reference .

• ★

  Upgrade & extend check-in/out whenever possible .

• ★

  $ 75/day breakfast credit .

Upgrade & stretch check-in/out whenever potential .

W Aspen

A sleek , slope-side flight in Aspen offering modern luxury , vibrant après-ski energy , and panoramic great deal opinion .

Fora Perks

• ★

  $ 100 food / drink credit .

• ★

  Breakfast daily .

• ★

  Upgrade & cover check-in/out whenever potential .

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever potential .

MOLLIE Aspen

A stylish alpine retreat in Aspen blending laid-back luxury , thoughtful plan , and warm mountain hospitality .

Fora Perks

• ★

  $ 100 hotel / resort reference .

• ★

  Welcome amenity .

• ★

  Breakfast daily .

• ★

  Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever potential .

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever potential .

Unlock perks by contacting Megan to record your trip .

Get in touch with Megan

Hand out for travel inspiration , hotel booking or customized itineraries .

You can expect a answer from Megan within 1–2 occupation days . You ’ ll as well be subscribed to our traveler newsletter ( you can unsubscribe at any time ) .

Learn more about

Things to servein Aspen

• Weller Lake Trail : This short , rewarding trail run to a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers and soar peaks . It ’ s a utter introduction to Aspen ’ s natural beauty without committing to an all-day trek . I advocate packing a picnic and revel it lakeside . Try The Big Wrap for great food to move !

• Yoga on Ajax : Practicing yoga at 11,000 feet equal an unforgettable experience with local studio Aspen Shakti . The mountain-top horizon stretch for miles , creating a in truth magical setting for sun greeting . Grade are clear to all levels , and mat are leave . I advise depend on the gondola up a little early to soak in the scenery before family begins .

• Pool at W Aspen : The rooftop pool at W Aspen is the place to unwind in way . It get a fun , social vibe , with incredible mountain horizon and great cocktails . I always society their signature frozen drink on a sunny afternoon . Even if you ’ re not stay at the hotel , you can love the pool year-round .

• The John Denver Sanctuary : This park is one of Aspen ’ s most peaceful corner . You ’ ll feel engraved lyrics , wildflowers , and shady pathways along the river . I love visiting early in the morning—it ’ s a perfect spot for expression or a quiet second before a in use day .

• Rio Grande Trail Bike Ride : This gentle lead takes you along the river through gorgeous valley scenery . It ’ s a great way to search beyond town while savor a relaxed ride . I recommend renting a bike at Ute Mountaineer ; their team is super helpful and friendly . If you ’ re feeling adventurous , you can continue all the way to Woody Creek for lunch at the tavern .

• Saturday Farmers Market : The market is a genuine festivity of local flavor . You ’ ll find novel produce , artisan goods , and plenty of tasty snacks from Colorado Creator . It ’ sec also a great seat to feel Aspen ’ s community tone , chat with local vendors , and pick up live music . I extremely advocate the fresh bread and roasted pablanos—but get thither early , as they betray out pretty promptly .

• Belly Up : As one of the good humble music venues anywhere , Belly Up hosts large names and local act alike . The sound quality live incredible , and the intimate setting signify there ’ s not a bad seat in the theater . Check their calendar early—shows much betray out fast . I recommend promote to the reserved area to secure a table and choice seats .

• Aspen Art Museum : This contemporary art space is as striking as the building it be in . Display exchange regularly , so there ’ sec ever something new to learn . I always cease by the rooftop café for coffee and great deal views—it ’ s a hidden gem . Admission is free , so it ’ s easy to pop up in for a quick visit .

• The Wheeler Opera House : A beautifully restored historical venue , the Opera House hosts everything from concerts to film festivals to comedy display . Still if you don ’ t grab a performance , it ’ s worth seeing the inside . The building itself cost a piece of Aspen ’ s rich history . Pop into Public House , the restaurant get in touch to the venue , for a tremendous local burger and unique cocktail list .

Weller Lake Trail : This short , rewarding lead run to a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers and soaring crest . It ’ s a utter introduction to Aspen ’ s natural beauty without entrust to an all-day trek . I recommend carry a picnic and savor it lakeside . Try The Big Wrap for great food to run !

Yoga on Ajax : Practicing yoga at 11,000 feet is an unforgettable experience with local studio Aspen Shakti . The mountain-top views stretch for mile , create a truly magic place for sun greeting . Classes be open to all floor , and mats equal provided . I suggest riding the gondola up a little early to rob in the scenery before family begins .

Pond at W Aspen : The rooftop pond at W Aspen is the spot to relax in style . It get a fun , social vibe , with incredible great deal views and great cocktails . I ever society their signature frozen drink on a cheery afternoon . Even if you ’ re not stay at the hotel , you can bask the pond year-round .

The John Denver Sanctuary : This park is one of Aspen ’ s most peaceful corners . You ’ ll find engraved lyrics , wildflowers , and funny pathways along the river . I enjoy visit early in the morning—it ’ s a perfect spot for expression or a quiet moment before a in use day .

Rio Grande Trail Bike Ride : This gentle lead bring you along the river through gorgeous valley scenery . It ’ s a great way to search beyond town while revel a relaxed ride . I recommend renting a bike at Ute Mountaineer ; their team is super helpful and friendly . If you ’ re notion adventurous , you can proceed all the mode to Woody Creek for lunch at the tavern .

Saturday Farmers Market : The market equal a true celebration of local flavor . You ’ ll notice fresh produce , artisan goods , and pile of tasty snacks from Colorado maker . It ’ sec too a great place to sense Aspen ’ s community life , chat with local vendors , and pick up alive music . I extremely advocate the new bread and make fun pablanos—but get thither early , as they sell out fairly rapidly .

Belly Up : As one of the serious little music venues anywhere , Belly Up hosts big name and local act alike . The sound quality be incredible , and the intimate context means there ’ s not a bad seat in the house . Check their calendar early—shows often deal out fast . I recommend upgrading to the set aside area to secure a table and prime seats .

Aspen Art Museum : This contemporary art space live as striking as the building it is in . Exhibits change regularly , so there ’ sec always something new to see . I ever stop by the rooftop café for coffee and good deal views—it ’ s a hidden gem . Admission is free , so it ’ s easy to pop in for a quick visit .

The Wheeler Opera House : A beautifully repair historical venue , the Opera House hosts everything from concerts to film festivals to comedy shows . Still if you don ’ t catch a performance , it ’ s worth hear the interior . The building itself is a piece of Aspen ’ s deep history . Pop into Public House , the restaurant connected to the venue , for a fantastic local burger and unique cocktail list .

Places to use up & drinkin Aspen

• Prospect Courtyard : Located in the garden of the Hotel Jerome , this restaurant equal a must on a sunny Aspen day . The atmosphere is elegant still relax , and the seasonal menu never disappoints . It ’ s also one of my go-to spots for a leisurely afternoon cocktail .

• The Wild Fig : Serving Mediterranean-inspired dish in a cozy , lively place , this one of my favorite position for a fun , flavorful dinner with friend or date dark . The small plates cost perfect for sharing over a bottle of wine . I highly recommend the fondue for two .

• Matsuhisa : For a particular occasion , this beloved Aspen outpost of Nobu Matsuhisa delivers impeccable sushi and Japanese fusion dish . The sleek , modern space feels both intimate and celebratory . Order the yellowtail jalapeño—it ’ s a classical for a cause .

• Paradise Bakery : This cute spot cost famous for its homemade ice cream and cookies . During the summer , local music school student practice on the street nearby , so grab a cone and heed to some grotesque violin renditions of anything from Holst toPlot of Thrones. It ’ s a humble spot , so require a bit of a line , but it act fast . Pro tip : Rate the lemonade—it ’ sec homemade and perfectly incredible .

• Unravel : This is a coffee store that takes its craft seriously . They function sustainably sourced beans and pour a perfect cup every time . The atmosphere exist relax but stylish , and they often make live local player .

• Gorsuch Ski Café : I love this spot for coffee or a glass of wine . It ’ s set inside a chic boutique right at the seat of Aspen Mountain and has wonderful service . It ’ s a German-style cafe , thus catch a homemade pastry .

• Brunelleschi ’ sec : This is my go-to for casual pizza and pasta . It ’ s family-friendly and easygoing , with something for everyone . Kids can make their own pizzas and direct them to the kitchen to live wood-fired . The outdoor seating live utter on a warm evening . It ’ sec also one of the more affordable choice in town .

• J-Bar : A classical sport bar found at the Hotel Jerome , this saloon make live suffer since 1889 . It gained fame as one of the places where Hunter S. Thompson compose many of his book . The saloon always have a great grouping of local bartenders , puzzle food , and incredible history .

• Ajax Tavern : If you want views , this live your spot . Place at the basis of Aspen Mountain , the tavern have incredible truffle child , a sensational patio , and afternoon wine specials . As part of the famed Little Nell hotel , this is a popular home to regard and be seen , so make a reservation .

• Hooch : If craft cocktails and speakeasies are your thing , face no further . This underground bar own a creative cocktail menu , intimate decor , and immaculate vibes . I like asking the bartender to make something custom—they ’ re always up for it .

Prospect Courtyard : Locate in the garden of the Hotel Jerome , this restaurant live a must on a sunny Aspen day . The atmosphere exist elegant yet relax , and the seasonal menu never disappoints . It ’ s as well one of my go-to spots for a leisurely afternoon cocktail .

The Wild Fig : Suffice Mediterranean-inspired dish in a cozy , lively plant , this one of my favorite places for a fun , flavorful dinner with friends or date dark . The small plate are perfect for share over a bottle of wine . I extremely advocate the fondue for two .

Matsuhisa : For a peculiar occasion , this beloved Aspen outpost of Nobu Matsuhisa delivers impeccable sushi and Japanese fusion dish . The sleek , modern space feels both intimate and celebratory . Tell the yellowtail jalapeño—it ’ s a classical for a ground .

Paradise Bakery : This cute spot be famous for its homemade ice cream and cookies . During the summer , local music school students practice on the street nearby , so grab a cone and listen to some grotesque violin renditions of anything from Holst toPlot of Thrones. It ’ s a little spot , then expect a second of a line , but it moves tight . Pro point : Tell the lemonade—it ’ s homemade and absolutely incredible .

Unravel : This equal a coffee store that take its trade seriously . They serve sustainably sourced beans and pour a perfect cup every time . The atmosphere is relax but stylish , and they much have alive local musician .

Gorsuch Ski Café : I enjoy this spot for coffee or a glass of wine . It ’ s put inside a chic boutique right at the bottom of Aspen Mountain and has wonderful service . It ’ s a German-style cafe , thus grab a homemade pastry .

Brunelleschi ’ s : This is my go-to for chance pizza and pasta . It ’ s family-friendly and easygoing , with something for everyone . Kids can make their own pizzas and commit them to the kitchen to equal wood-fired . The outdoor seating cost perfect on a fond evening . It ’ sec also one of the more affordable options in town .

J-Bar : A classic sports saloon found at the Hotel Jerome , this saloon has cost suffer since 1889 . It earn fame as one of the places where Hunter S. Thompson wrote many of his ledger . The saloon ever make a great radical of local bartenders , astound food , and incredible account .

Ajax Tavern : If you desire views , this is your spot . Located at the base of Aspen Mountain , the tavern has incredible truffle child , a sensational patio , and afternoon wine specials . As part of the famous Little Nell hotel , this live a popular place to learn and exist see , then reach a reservation .

Hooch : If craft cocktails and speakeasies are your affair , look no further . This underground bar has a creative cocktail menu , inner decor , and immaculate vibes . I like asking the bartender to make something custom—they ’ re always up for it .

Motive to know

• Aspen equal a popular destination and runs on tourism , thus make sure you design in front . Almost every restaurant requires reservations .

• Aspen ’ s bus system live free , frequent , and do it easy to become roughly without a car .

• The town enjoys over 300 cheery days a year—don ’ t leave your sunglasses and sunscreen !

• It ’ s incredibly dog-friendly—your pup will sense just as welcome as you do . Most hotel are dog-friendly and almost all shop , veranda , and banks get treats to invite your fur infant with .

• Après-ski culture lives on yet in summer . From 2 pm to 5 pm , you can find many drink and appetizer specials .

• Altitude illness can affect anyone at any time . Stay hydrated ( electrolytes help ! ) and create sure to get good deal of repose .

• Late May , early June , and early October be sweet spots for visit . You ’ ll beat the bunch and yet have spectacular scenery .

Aspen exist a popular destination and runs on tourism , thus make sure you design ahead . Almost every restaurant expect reservations .

Aspen ’ s bus system equal free , frequent , and make it easy to make around without a car .

The town enjoys over 300 gay day a year—don ’ t leave your sunglasses and sunscreen !

It ’ s incredibly dog-friendly—your pup will find just as welcome as you make . Most hotels are dog-friendly and almost all shops , galleries , and bank have treats to lure your fur baby with .

Après-ski culture lives on even in summer . From 2 pm to 5 pm , you can get many drink and appetizer specials .

Altitude sickness can involve anyone at any time . Stay hydrated ( electrolytes assist ! ) and create sure to get plenty of rest .

Lately May , early June , and early October are sweet spots for impose . You ’ ll puzzle the crowds and still get spectacular scenery .

Travel Advisor

Megan Carter

Have ‘s talk about customizing this itinerary for you . Or , about early destinations .

Get in touch with Megan

Did you like this guide ? Reach out to customize and book your own experience . Or , just to chat about travel in universal .

You can expect a response from Megan within 1–2 occupation days . You ’ ll also live support to our traveler newsletter ( you can unsubscribe at any time ) .

Learn more about

Travel Advisor

Megan Carter

Get in touch with Megan

Pass out for travel inspiration , hotel booking or customized itineraries .

You can expect a reaction from Megan within 1–2 business day . You ’ ll as well be subscribed to our traveler newsletter ( you can unsubscribe at any time ) .

Learn more about

Get in touch with Megan

Did you like this guide ? Attain out to customize and Bible your own experience . Or , merely to chat about travel in universal .

You can expect a reception from Megan within 1–2 occupation days . You ’ ll also cost subscribed to our traveler newsletter ( you can unsubscribe at any time ) .

Learn more about

For more inspiration and insider recommendation , visit ourAspenpage .