5 Reasons To Visit Aspen Before Summer Ends

Many people view Aspen, Colorado, as being a winter destination. However, there is beauty, adventure, and tranquility to be discovered in the summer and fall months. Here is a glimpse into a few of the sublime reasons why Aspen is a special place to visit any time of the year.

Looking for late summer getaway? Make Aspen your top choice destination.

The mountain resort town might be best known as a winter wonderland, but come summertime, Aspen transforms into a sublime escape brimming with wildflowers and emerald-green slopes. Plus, Aspen’s reliably sunny days and perfectly temperate weather lend themselves to the seemingly endless array of activities this sky-high spot offers in late summer.

Here’s why you should visit Aspen before summer’s over.

Take an Iconic Bike Ride

The pandemic has made biking more popular than ever, and there’s no better place to put your new cycling skills to the test than in Aspen. Don’t worry about schlepping your own bike, though. Four Mountain Sports offers convenient locations throughout Aspen Snowmass to rent bikes during your trip.

Opt for an e-bike (it’ll help you tackle hills if the altitude gets you winded). Then, head to Aspen Highlands where you can start the iconic bike ride up to Maroon Bells. Restrictions on road traffic make the 16-mile round-trip journey feel super safe on two wheels, allowing you to bask in the scenic views of aspen groves and enjoy every inch of the 1,580-foot climb.

You’ll eventually arrive at Maroon Lake, whose serene glossy waters act like a mirror to the bell-shaped mountains in the distance. If you’ve got some energy left, consider strolling around the pristine alpine lake—or just lay out a picnic and recharge lakeside.

Once you’ve soaked up the views (and snapped postcard-worthy photos), hop back on your bike and head back down to town via Maroon Creek Road. The return descent is so smooth, you’ll feel like you’re flying.

Nosh on Freshly Foraged Forest Fare

The flavors of the Aspen Valley come to life at Bosq, a cozy, dim restaurant filled with magical touches in downtown Aspen. And this is never more true than in late summer, when Chef Barclay Dodge and his fox red lab, Roca, personally forage for porcini mushrooms in the forests up Independence Pass. Don’t ask him exactly where, though—Chef Dodge has discovered prime locations filled with pounds upon pounds of the seasonal shrooms, and he’s dead-set on to keeping his treasure map a secret.

He uses the prized fungi, along with other foraged ingredients like watercress and wild plums, to create epic yet approachable tasting menus of four to seven courses—each somehow tastier than the last. Every dish is presented with the utmost care and artistry, reflecting the majesty of the landscape. Think: duck liver mousse smoothed atop river rocks, seeds scattered around miso-glazed cantaloupe as if they’ve just been shaken off a bush by a crisp mountain breeze, and tonka bean ice cream with red cherries sprinkled with flower petals, like those you see scattered on the sidewalks around the city. And since Chef Dodge puts just as much care into dishes made for vegans and vegetarians, a meal at Bosq is one you won’t want to miss in Aspen—even if you’ve got dietary restrictions.

Splash Around a Pool Surrounded by Mountains

Between the hiking and biking, you’ll want some time to chill out while visiting Aspen in the summer. Enter the Wet Deck at the W Aspen. The posh rooftop hangout boasts a sparkling pool and hot tub with downright killer views of the mountains and downtown Aspen, along with plenty of plush lounge seating surrounded by colorful flower beds.

The Wet Deck’s menu of shareable snacks, burgers and wraps, and summery cocktails (like the Farmers Market: mezcal-based tipple infused with cucumber and basil) give guests plenty of reason to linger for hours. And once the sun sets, warm up next to the fire pits or in the hot tub until your heart’s content. While the bar and restaurant close up shop at 10 p.m., the pool is open all the time (save for scheduled cleaning), so consider booking a stay at the W Aspen to maximize your time in this breathtaking spot.

Get Your Thrills on a Mountain Coaster

The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster will inject your summer trip to Aspen with up to 9 straight minutes of pure thrill. Located at Elk Camp in Snowmass, the mountain coaster zips you through the forest on an elevated track filled with hairpin turns and spiraling descents. Riders age 16 and up get their own sled and control their brakes. You can hit speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, depending on your driving style. Maybe it’s the adrenaline pumping through your veins or the fresh mountain breeze against your skin—this is a ride that will leave you feeling invigorated long after it’s over.

Keep the mountain fun going on other nearby attractions in the Lost Forest on Snowmass. Open daily until Sept. 6 and weekends through Oct. 3, the summer adventure park offers a climbing wall, ropes course, fishing ponds, and trails for hiking and biking to round out your day.

See the Aspen Art Museum’s Rooftop in Full Bloom

There’s something special growing atop the Aspen Art Museum, and it’s absolutely spectacular right now. Working with local growers, poet and artist Precious Okoyomon has transformed the museum’s rooftop into a lush garden that’s bursting with blossoms in late summer.

It features a combination of indigenous plants, like dandelions and milk thistle, and invasive species, including kudzu and honeysuckle, to convey Okoyomon’s view of the natural world as “an object of colonization and enslavement.” Eerie clay angel sculptures are tucked throughout the plants and black algae water stream, offering a sense of supernatural protection as you move throughout the garden. Afterward, contemplate the meaning of the verdant scene over a glass of wine at the museum’s rooftop cafe, located adjacent to the installation.

Are you looking to book a trip? Whether you’re a couple or a corporate group, Go Tour Luxe will collaborate with you and our travel partners around the world to design an experience beyond your expectations. Contact us to discover more at 844-446-8687, or find us on our Facebook page here.

Reference: [https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonisweet/2021/08/17/…]