Summer is a popular season for outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment as well as a diverse range of activities and events around the Roaring Fork Valley. If you’ve fallen in love with the town in the winter, chances are you’ll love it just as much in summer. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, following are a few suggestions for summertime activities and happenings in the Roaring Fork Valley:

 

• Art in Unexpected Places: Inspired by the vibrant arts and culture community in Aspen, Aspen Skiing Company created the "Art in Unexpected Places" program to activate works on the mountain and around town. The program sparks conversation through on-mountain art installations, artwork on lift tickets, artwork throughout the town, and more.
• Sightseeing and Gondola Rides: Aspen’s gondolas are the perfect way to quickly “climb” Ajax Mountain and take in the best view Aspen has to offer.
• Maroon Bells: The Maroon Bells are one of North America’s most-photographed landscapes—they're also a great location to hike, bike, camp, and simply reflect. Reservations for visitors are open for summer and fill up quickly. Guests can either book private parking permits or take a daily shuttle through the middle of October. 
• Hiking Aspen Mountain: Aspen Mountain is open to hiking in the summertime, offering nature-lovers the chance to challenge themselves and climb the notorious mountain.
• Garden Tours at The Little Nell: Recognized for being both beautiful and sustainable, The Nell Gardens include Aspen's only living wall, an herb garden, a cutting garden and more. Learn about high-altitude gardening plus pick up tips for maintaining your own garden at home. This complimentary tour is open to all and registration is not required. Tours are offered weekly from 4–4:30 p.m. from Friday, June 11, through Friday, September 3.
• Dinner and a Movie at Ajax Tavern: Every Monday night through the end of September, catch a flick al fresco in the heart of the Rocky Mountains at Ajax Tavern with dinner and a movie.
• FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen: This September 10 through the 12, this premier culinary event offers everything from cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and panel discussions by world-class chefs and wine experts.
• Aspen Saturday Market: Aspen Saturday Market creates a diverse marketplace for the Aspen community and its visitors. The market runs from June 15 through October 12, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. After Labor Day, it will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Yoga on the Mountain: Head up to the top of Aspen Mountain for a yoga session with a breathtaking view, instructed by Jayne Gottlieb from Aspen Shakti every Friday. Stretch out on The Sundeck and learn new poses, sequences, and increase your overall flexibility and peace of mind.
• White River National Forest: Take a trip to the most visited National Forest in the United States, encompassing 2.3 million acres. With 10 peaks over 14,000 feet, and eight wilderness areas encompassing more than 750,000 acres, the Forest is world-renowned for its scenery.
• North Star Nature Preserve in Aspen: “Where the Roaring Fork Whispers.” This preserve is an amazing escape to take in the breathtaking Aspen scenery, animals, and nature. Experience this preserve on foot, or from the river during any Aspen season.
  
  

• Snowmass Bike Park: The Snowmass Bike Park offers a full complement of trail offerings to every level and style of mountain bike rider. From the smooth and gentle banks of the Verde trail to the technical single track of Animal Crackers, Snowmass Bike Park delivers all your favorite aspects of a winter ski experience, except for the snow.
• Fly Fishing: Fly fishing is an enjoyable way to experience the quietness, serenity, and beauty of the river. The Roaring Fork River and the Frying Pan River are award-winning fly fishing rivers, plus the Crystal River and Colorado River are also close by.
• Summer Concert Series: Start your weekend off right with the free concert series in Snowmass Village on the Fanny Hill Concert Stage. Snowmass JAS will welcome artists to perform each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. These concerts have been a location favorite and tradition 29 years in the making! During the summer, each Thursday evening consists of a different musical performance with an incredible mountain backdrop!
• Breathtaker Alpine Coaster: Add a little adrenaline to your summer and glide along an elevated track through the Lost Forest for a family-fun experience.
• Whitewater Rafting: Snowmass is one of the top areas for rafting and kayaking in Colorado. Enjoy a breathtaking half-or full-day excursion within the beauty of the Roaring Fork River.
  
  

Basalt:

• Basalt Sunday Market: Every Sunday from mid-June through the end of September, the place to be is the Basalt Sunday Market. The Sunday Market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Midland Spur, next to Town Hall. Many of the Midvalley farmers are at the market with their fresh produce, along with other local artisans and small businesses.
• Stand-Up Paddle Boarding: Opportunities to Stand-Up Paddle Board—or “SUP” around Basalt—are numerous. Ruedi Reservoir is the prime paddling area in Basalt. The Ruedi Reservoir is just 15 miles upstream of Basalt. Another wonderful option is the Roaring Fork River, reaching approximately 70 miles long.
• Biking in Basalt: To get away from it all on two wheels, there’s nothing quite like mountain biking. Take an easy pedal on a jeep road or an exhilarating descent on singletrack. A few of the trails you may want to try are the Basalt Mountain Road, Beaver Creek Trail, Cattle Creek Trail, or the Dexter Park Trail.
  
  

Glenwood:

• Hot Springs: After hitting the scenic hikes and trails, ease every well-earned ache in the world's largest hot springs pool, open year-round.
• Glenwood Caverns: Hidden inside Glenwood Springs' Iron Mountain, this living cave network inspires awe. Learn about the living cavern that’s home to thousands of formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, cave bacon, and flowstone. There are two 40-minute walking tours appropriate for most ages that depart throughout the day.
• Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park: Take the Glenwood Gondola to America’s only mountain-top theme park, and Glenwood’s most popular attraction. Here you can explore the sensational rides and attractions. In summer 2022, the park is bringing in “Defiance,” a brand-new thrilling roller coaster. Spend all day fun with a Funday ticket which is $61 for adults, and $56 for kids.

Temperatures in the Roaring Fork Valley range from the high 70s during the day to the mid-40s at night. You can enjoy the warmth during the day and cozy up with a sweater at night. Summer is also a prime season for buying or selling a home in The Roaring Fork Valley. To find out more about what to see and do, how to put your home on the market, or find the home you have always dreamed of in the area, call 970.948.3737, email [email protected] or visit our website.