From adrenaline-filled bike rides to rodeo shows and mountain-top yoga, Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado, have much to offer visitors planning a summer vacation in the USA.
The Snowmass rodeo arena, Snowmass, Colorado © Kate Drynan
Welcome to Pitkin County, Colorado, USA, home to Aspen, Snowmass, and Buttermilk Mountains. In summer, the landscape here displays a stunning palette of colours: rust-red dust from the rocks contrasts beautifully with bright green alpine meadows basking in sunshine and wildflowers, while native aspen trees with their dazzling white bark form clusters in the distance, splendid against the brightest of blue skies. This is what a five-day summer vacation in Colorado can look like.
We began our travels in Snowmass, just 9 miles northwest of Aspen, a major resort in the Elk Mountain range, which form part of the 3000-mile-long Rocky Mountains. On the drive into the village, you'll pass the rodeo arena and have a first glimpse of the gondola that takes you up Snowmass Mountain, a strong first indicator of what the area is all about.
Snowmass is geared towards active enthusiasts, and summer brings with it a wealth of things to do. Gloriously scenic hiking and biking trails range from beginner to advanced; there's a climbing wall, zipline and the Breathtaker Alpine coaster - just imagine a thrilling rollercoaster through the trees.
The village itself is compact with a handful of eateries and bars, and the fabulous Limelight Hotel is really a complex all of its own, and has direct gondola access up the mountain. With this as your base, there's much to see and do.
A 10-mile drive from Snowmass brings you to the very picturesque Maroon Bells, which rise to 14,000 feet. A pleasant hiking trail leads you to a glassy lake, the peaks and surroundings reflected in its still waters. You can choose, as we did, to cycle back down the mountain – your hire company can meet you there with bikes and helmets. After that, the scenic ride is for the most part downhill, all the way into Aspen town.
The snowmass rodeo at dusk, Snowmass, Colorado © Kate Drynan
For evening entertainment, you can't do better than the all-American rodeo. Held weekly in Snowmass, it’s loud and brash, with music blasting from speakers and a live commentator energising the crowd as highly skilled horsemen and women demonstrate their lassoing skills in the sandy arena. Families and groups of friends flock from miles around to this sell-out event – grab a beer or a drink from the stalls, find a good seat in the stands, sit back, and enjoy the exhilarating show.
Horse riding in Alpine meadows, Castle Creek, Colorado ©Kate Drynan
Continuing with the equine theme, the following day saw us head to Castle Creek for some horse riding. Long a lover of equine pursuits, I couldn’t wait to ride cowboy-style in Colorado. The area is dotted with trails that in winter are used for alpine skiing and snowshoeing but come spring and summer are perfect for horse trekking.
A lush trail, bordered by Aspen trees, leads to vast, flower-filled meadows with the mountains in the backdrop. It’s hard not to feel perfectly in tune with nature here — man, woman, and horse, reflecting on life in the mining days, relishing in the tranquil beauty of the place.
Once again, the tours are carefully planned, and our group rode to the restaurant where we were having lunch. A local institution decorated in mountain-chalet style, with a lovely sunny terrace for summer dining.
Those keen to learn about the area’s mining past will enjoy a visit to the Ashcroft Ghost Town in Castle Creek. The former silver mining settlement dates back to 1880 and today showcases a selection of restored original buildings alongside relocated historical structures. Once the hunting grounds of the native Ute tribe, it is situated amidst alpine meadows, and the eerie quietness of the place reverberates with the harsh reality of the boom-and-bust nature of mining in mountain towns.
While here, pop into the Conservation just opposite to discover more about life in the mountains and traditional crafts. ACE runs nature walks with knowledgeable staff, offering insight into the region's flora and fauna.
A fun fact we learned was that the white powder on the bark of the native Aspen tree contains low levels of natural sunscreen, with an SPF of approximately 5 and was used historically for this very purpose.
Aspen town's pretty red-brick facades against the backdrop of Aspen Mountain ©Kate Drynan
Moving on to Aspen, it was interesting to find I quickly dropped my preconceptions of it being a celebrity-only haunt. While it is undoubtedly popular with the rich and famous, as evidenced by the number of luxury boutiques here, come summer, the town becomes a much more accessible vacation hotspot for all.
According to our guide John Dicculo:
"Aspen Mountain’s black diamond slopes are viable for only the most advanced skiers in winter but from late spring they are transformed into a haven for mountaintop yoga, gondola rides with staggering views, and myriad hiking trails."
Aspen itself is a perfectly proportioned grid of streets, lined with attractive red-brick historic houses, while the surrounding area features some wonderful examples of Victorian architecture dating back to the days when mining was a major industry here. When not up a mountain, you can explore the market, full of fresh produce and local crafts, browse the town’s lovely shops, bookshop or art gallery, or simply stop for a coffee, smoothie or gelato at one of the many busy curb-side cafés.
Again, there are plenty of things to do once the sun goes down. For a history lesson with a twist, we booked onto a walking ghost tour that takes a circuit around the town. Dubious as to what this could possibly involve in such an idyllic setting, I was surprised to discover Aspen has a darker past. Led by Dean, with the perfect blend of humour, terror, and intrigue, there were shrieks, laughter, and spine-tingling moments throughout.
Lyle Lovett performing at Belly Up, July 2025 © Bill Leckie
An unmissable start to the day is a trip up Aspen Mountain. The gondola ascends at a steady pace, all the way to the Sun Deck at 11,212ft. Up and up it goes, revealing breathtaking views as the sun shimmers on grassy slopes beneath, snowcapped peaks sparkling white in the distance. It was here that we went to join our mountain-top yoga session. It was undoubtedly the best class I've ever had - the setting, the views, the group moving in unison into poses, all equally in awe of the majesty of nature around us.
Early evening, we attended a classical concert in the park by the Aspen Chamber of Music. It’s a lovely way to spend a summer’s evening, with people picnicking on blankets on the grass (a free way to enjoy the event), while inside the domed tent, the stage presence of the musicians and acoustics (reserved seat ticketholders only) captivate from start to finish.
Back in town, Belly Up is reputedly one of the best live music venues in the United States. The club has hosted a long list of celebrity performers, including B.B King, Joe Cocker, Lyle Lovett, and The Killers. Needless to say, there's no argument that it's a fun night out.
Firstly, the setting is undeniably beautiful. And the people are friendly and welcoming. The range of activities on offer is extensive, and the quality of the food at every price point, as well as the overall level of service, is outstanding. And while all this might mean it is more of a bucket-list destination than a budget trip, it’s worth it. Indeed, in a place so renowned for excellence, it should come as no surprise that Aspen and Snowmass deliver on the ultimate summer vacation.
Here is how we made the trip from the UK:
Fly into Denver International Airport, we flew with Aer Lingus; with internal transfers with United Airlines. From here, a connecting flight to Pitkin County in Aspen takes just under an hour. Alternatively, it’s just under a 4-hour drive by car.
A superior room in the Limelight Snowmass, Colorado © Meaghan Lynch
Two standout places to stay include:
Duemani's sleek restaurant, Aspen, Colorado © Nik House Media
There is no shortage of places to get a drink or a bite to eat, but to give you an idea, here are my favorites.
There are plenty of ways to fill your days, here are just a few ideas:
There are many great events held throughout the summer, here are a few you can coincide with your trip:
A trip to the mountains, even in summer, requires some special gear:
The weather in Aspen and Snowmass can be unpredictable, from 80 degrees and sunny one second to 40 degrees and rain the next, so bring light layers and a sweater or two to cover all eventualities. Workout clothes, bathing suit or trunks, shorts, hiking shoes, a raincoat and a light jacket will all be essential for any activities. Evening attire is smart-casual. A refillable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and lip balm are also advisable.
Mountain vacations at high altitude involve some special considerations:
Be aware that the area’s high altitude may pose issues for some travellers who might suffer from altitude sickness. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and seek medical help if symptoms do not improve within the first day or so. Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, and dizzy spells. Over-the-counter oxygen canisters are available in all local pharmacies and can help to alleviate symptoms.
Many thanks to everyone at Aspen and Snowmass Chamber of Commerce, to Grace at Black Diamond PR and most especially to all our wonderful hosts and guides, especially Sara Stookey Sanchez at Snowmass, Sarah Reynolds Lasser at ACRA, Hannah Dixon, Abby Birdsall, Janelle at Aspen One, and John DiCuollo at Backbone PR. And a huge thank you to Emma Stubbs at Black Diamond PR for her excellent planning and great company, and to Bill and Gemma for all the adventures, fun and laughter.
For more information on the area and planning your trip, pick up a copy of the new look, new edition Insight Guide Colorado, (paperback and eBook), available at all good bookshops. For a 30% discount in the Rough Guides shop, use code AUTHOR0042.
written by
Kate Drynan
updated 16.04.2026
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