Aspen

Located in a pristine mountain valley at the confluence of the Roaring Fork River, Hunter Creek, Castle Creek and Maroon Creek, Aspen's beauty is awe-inspiring. While its ski slopes are world famous, Aspen’s adventure and cultural scene heats up when the snow melts. Climbers ascend granite faces on Independence Pass, foodies hobnob with industry leaders, mountain bikers weave down smooth single-track and musicians entertain amongst aspen groves. People from all walks of life are beckoned to the idyllic mountain town with roots as deep as the mountains are high.

Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley is one of the country’s premier cycling destinations. There are so many trails, it’s impossible to experience them all in one vacation. Options range from mild-mannered and smooth pavement to rocky and extreme lift-accessed downhill trails. Aspen’s cycling routes remain un-crowded even in peak summer months, offering dozens of trails in a wilderness setting and miles of undulating pavement devoid of car traffic. During most of the bike season, the weather is dry and sunny and the high elevation keeps temperatures comfortably cool even amidst the hotter months of the year.

For road riders, look no further than Independence Pass, where the best riders in the world have descended upon Aspen during the annual USA Pro Challenge. The Maroon Creek Road ascends to the most photographed peaks in North America, the Maroon Bells, after an 8 mile ride. Mountain bikers will find hundreds of miles of trails from scenic jeep roads to technical downhill single track.

Adventure isn’t the only specialty on Aspen’s summer menu. Akin to winter’s famed après-ski attractions, Aspen’s summertime après-adventure offerings are unrivaled. From hot pool scenes spiked with creative cocktails to nearly nightly live music shows, Aspen has all the amenities of an ideal base camp. Soothe tired muscles at sublime spas, or refuel at one of 130+ fabulous restaurants. For visitors looking to flex their minds after exhausting their muscles, Aspen’s cultural calendar peaks during the summer season with daily events and weekly festivals fêting everything from food and wine to classical music and literature.

Visit www.aspenchamber.org for a full calendar of events or call 970.925.1940 for more information.

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