As the old cliché goes, people come for the winters, but stay for the summers. You’ll soon see why. Hiking is a favorite local past time and the whole of the White River National Forest is open to you. It’s not all strenuous back-country hiking either - Aspenites of all ages hike the trails the Rio Grande trail through town and up Smuggler Mountain, Hunter Creek and the Ute Trail up Aspen Mountain right next to downtown.

We’re all crazy bikers here too, so rent some wheels and explore our green and leafy historic neighborhoods, or if you are more ambitious, head up on any number of elite level climbs on a road bike. Lance Armstrong himself lives and trains here, so who knows, maybe you’ll flash past him on a climb! A beautiful, quieter ride is the 10 mile ride to the Snowmass Monastery in the middle of the Capitol Peak wilderness – take a picnic and buy some of the monastery –produced cookies.

Summer would not be complete without the Aspen Saturday Farmers’ Market –far more than a produce market, this is the place to purchase the work of local artisans, eat delicious goodies, listen to music and best of all to experience the buzz of the community coming together.

And the most joyous experience of all – a hike or stroll at the Maroon Bells, one of the nation’s most photographed beauty spots. Guaranteed to feed the soul, the Bells are just a short, free bus ride away (no cars allowed during the day) with a fascinating interpretive tour thrown in en route.

Aspen Whitewater Rafting
970-920-3511
www.aspenwhitewater.com

Aspen Skiing Company
970-925-1220
www.aspensnowmass.com

Ajax Bike and Sports
970-925-7662
www.ajaxbikeandsport.com

Aspen Sports
970-925-6331
www.aspensports.com

Aspen Alpine Guides
970-925-6618
www.aspenalpine.com

Taylor Creek Fly Fishing
970-920-1128
www.taylorcreek.com