When vacationing to Colorado what are the top things you are looking for? Mountains? Wildlife? Beautiful views? Good food? Cowboys? Well, Aspen, Colorado has it all! It is the perfect spot to vacation in Colorado! Tucked away in a valley of mountains and filled with wildlife! It has amazing food, cool shops, hot springs, rodeos, concerts, art, and so much more! Aspen, Colorado is mainly known for its great ski slopes, but there is so much more to it than that!
Come to Aspen, Colorado in summer, and you will have so many things to do and not enough time to do it! This is one of the best seasons to visit! Instead of being surrounded by snow, prepare to be surrounded by colorful wildflowers. While hiking stop to admire the elk and moose calves following their mothers. Enjoy hiking in weather that averages in the 80s and nights in the 60s! There is always some kind of festival, farmers market, concert, or rodeo going on! Aspen, Colorado in summer is something you will not want to miss, so pack your bags and prepare for a week of excitement and breathtaking beauty in the mountain air!
Top Essentials to pack
5 Day Itinerary for Aspen, Colorado in Summer
Day 1: Aspen, Colorado
Things you will need today: Sunscreen, hiking shoes, camera, picnic lunch, camel hydration pack
With kids: Toddler carrier, baby carrier (use discount code 2 Camilla15 for 15% off at http://tiny-toddlers.com), swimsuits, towels, sand toys
Start your trip off right by heading to the gem of Aspen, Maroon Bells. There are multiple ways to get here; bike, hike, drive, or ride the shuttle bus. Once you get to the top and walk the short walk past the trees you are in sight of the gorgeous mountain and lake! It is breathtaking! There is a 3.5 mile hike by the lakeside and it is covered in wildflowers, pine trees, and beauty! If you are lucky you might even see a moose! There are picnic tables around the trails for you to have a picnic by the riverside.
Website: https://aspenchamber.org/plan-trip/trip-highlights/maroon-bells/reservations
Price: Shuttles: $16 ages 13-64, $10 for seniors and children up to 12 yrs old/ Drive yourself: $10 per vehicle
Tips: Make a reservations for the shuttle beforehand to skip the line and the wait. The shuttle is about a 30 minute ride so plan accordingly. If you are planning on driving yourself, than make sure you book months in advance as tickets go fast and parking is very limited! Pack a lunch, there are picnic tables.
Once you get back to Aspen, check out the John Denver Sanctuary. This is an absolute favorite of our family! If you have kids they will love this park, but even without the little ones it is really beautiful. The sanctuary is filled with flowers and rocks with quotes and songs. There are picnic tables to sit at if you wanted to eat lunch here.
There are statues and art forms along the path and even a small beach play area for kids. So pack your kiddos swimsuits so they can play in the children’s play area. The water goes to about my 3 year old’s chest, so not too deep. I also like to bring sand toys so they can dig in the dirt surrounding the water. There are no benches at the small beach area so I advice you bring a foldable chair or sit on a towel over one of the boulders.
There are a series of bridges you can cross and a ton of rocks and flowers. It is in other words, a garden. Keep your eyes out for ducks and bears, for you have a good chance of seeing both!
Website: https://www.aspenrecreation.com/parks-trails/aspen-area-parks/john-denver-sanctuary
Price: FREE
Tips: Parking can be hard to find. There is a parking garage behind the library, but it does get filled pretty quick. Best place to park is across the street from Herron Park where there is a gravel parking lot for the park. The park is super fun too! It has a playground and a river to play in. Start there and follow the path up to the Sanctuary. Part of the Sanctuary is not paved and is stepping over the creeks, so if you do have a stroller, you will have to leave it when you do the nature walk.
Make sure your 2 hour parking isn’t up and take a stroll around downtown Aspen. There are all sorts of art galleries and fancy stores to shop at. If you have kids there is a fountain spraying water they can play in. As you are walking make your way to CP Burger. Gourmet burgers and some of the most delicious sweet potato fries you have ever had! My preference is the Summit Burger, but make sure you have the stomach for Bleu Cheese if you try this one! Eat, relax, and play some mini golf!
Day 2: Aspen, Colorado
Things you will need today: Hiking shoes, sunscreen, picnic lunch, bug spray, camera, camel hydration pack (optional: paddleboard, swimsuit, towel)
With kids: Toddler carrier, baby carrier (use discount code 2Camilla15 for 15% off at http://tiny-toddlers.com)
Wake up early and head up the mountain to explore Independence Pass! Independence Pass is a gorgeous scenic pass through the mountains between Aspen and Twin Lakes. Tues-Thurs are the best days to visit this pass, as it gets really busy on the weekends and extended weekends. Also getting up on the mountain before 10am will help you beat the rush. To learn more about the Independence Pass click here.
Length: 0.6 mile, there and back
Difficulty: Easy
First stop of the day is to the Grottos Ice Caves. This is a trail you will want to do first as it is by far one of the busiest and most popular of the trails. Also parking can be a bit rough, so get there before it gets too late so that you get parking. There are a series of amazing sites along this trail! First the Grottos Ice Caves. A deep cave that you can climb into that is coated with amazing ice structures. Climb through this beautiful natural structure and then out to the cascades rushing down the mountain. Hike down the rocky path, through the woods, and along a beautiful river bank!
Tips: The caves can be difficult to climb in and out of and the ice can be slippery. Make sure you have help and don’t go in if you think you won’t be able to climb out! It is so worth it to go in though! Don’t just stop at the caves and turn back! The cascades are amazing and just past the bridge of the trail! WEAR HIKING SHOES!
Length: 0.2 mile down to the first cabin, about 1 mile to see all of the townsite
Difficulty: Easy
Ready for your next hike! Drive up Independence Pass to the Independence Townsite. A mining ghost town tucked in the mountains surrounded by a fast moving creek bed! You cannot go into the buildings and they are rundown inside, but if just adds to the ghost town affect!
Follow the road up the pass and enjoy the scenery. Keep your eyes out for elk, moose, deer, and bears that roam the area. Once you get to the peak of the pass, put on your jackets cause it will be chilly, and enjoy the view! There is a short trail and a lake at the top.
Tips: Parking is limited so get here early!
Length: 1.3 miles there and back
Difficulty: Easy
Next stop is the Lost Man Reservoir. Head back down the mountain towards Aspen and you will reach a small parking lot. Pop open your picnic and enjoy lunch before taking the hike to and from the Lost Man Reservoir. A short hike through the woods, across a small bridge, next to a clear river, and to a hidden reservoir. It is a super easy and quick hike that even a toddler can do. If you are a fisherman, bring your gear for a beautiful, peaceful, and great place to fish!
Length: 1.1 mile
Difficulty: Easy, but strenuous
Last hike of the day and of course I saved the best for last! Weller Lake Trail is by far my favorite short trail on Independence Pass. Forewarning you now though, you are either going up or down on this trail there is no flat section of this trail. It is up the whole way there, and down the whole way back. For this trail you will really want a good pair of hiking shoes too, because it is really rocky. Save your feet the pain and wear a good pair of hiking shoes!
This hike is super short, but who says a short hike can’t be incredible! Hike across a bridge, next to a cascading waterfall, and up to a mini version of Maroon Bells! It is a breathtaking lake in the middle of the mountains! If you are a into paddle boarding this is the perfect lake to paddle board! The water is smooth and the view is amazing.
Tips: It is very rocky and I am not kidding when I say bring a good pair of hiking shoes. You will definitely want some bug spray too, the water attracts a lot of mosquitos.
For more information on hikes on Independence Pass, click here.
Day 3: Snowmass Village, Colorado
Things you will need today: Sunscreen, camel hydration pack, hiking shoes, camera (optional: cowboy hat, mountain bike)
With kids: Toddler hiking carrier, baby carrier (use discount code 2Camilla15 for 15% off http://tiny-toddlers.com, swimsuit, towels
Length: 2.6 miles, there and back
Difficulty: Easy
Start your day by hiking through a sea of aspen trees to the spiral and gorgeous view at the top of Snowmass Village! Spiral Point Trail is a steady uphill trail, but easy to follow. Colorful wildflowers are all around and its so fun to reach the top and stand in the middle of the stone spiral.
I don’t know about you, but not much sounds better after a hike than food! Park in the free parking lots beside Snowmass Village Mall and head through the mall! It is such a cute and fun mall. It is filled with all sorts of fun things! There are photo ops all over with bear art, large chairs, waterfalls, and so many flowers! It is the most colorful mall I have ever been too. I literally could not stop taking pictures of flowers, because they are everywhere!
Stop and shop around at all the adventurous and fun stores! I personally love the Snowmass Trading T-Shirt Store! It has some really hilarious shirts, magnets, decorations, and all things souvenirs! At the end of the mall, hop on the free sky cab gondola down to base village! You thought the mall was fun, well just wait till you get to base village!
This place is a toddlers dream come true! I am talking bean bag toss, slacklining, the coolest treetop playground, and a splash zone! Pack your kids swim suits, cause there is no way they are leaving dry!
Now remember how I mentioned food! Well stop by the Crepe Shack over by the splash zone and try out their amazing crepes! They are huge too! I had the Mawa’s Parfait and it was filled with bananas, berries, yogurt, and granola! SO GOOD! Not in the mood for something sweet? No problem, they have crepe like sandwiches, crepe like snacks, and crepe like burritos! Such a fun and delicious meal in a cute place with a ceiling of hot air balloons!
Website: https://thecrepeshack.com/
Running up from base village is the Elk Camp Gondola! Take a gorgeous ride up the mountain for the best view of Snowmass Village. This is fun for all ages! Now if you want to make it more exciting, rent a mountain bike, ride the gondola to the top, and ride your bike down through the many trails offered.
If biking isn’t your thing than go up for the Lost Forest Adventure! Try the Alpine Coaster, the climbing wall, disc golf, fishing, hiking trails, and even a treeline course! Have an adventure!
Website: https://www.gosnowmass.com/activity/scenic-gondola-rides/
Price: Single Ride: $31, Pass: $139, Children 3 and under are FREE, Single Ride Package: $39 (see sight for details, click here) Lost Forest Base Ticket: $67 adults, $52 kids 12 and under Lost Forest Treeline Ticket: $97 adults, $72 kids 8-12
5pm is right around the corner so head down to the bottom of Snowmass Village. Its time to eat your heart out in BBQ, pet some little critters, and enjoy the western life at the Snowmass Village Rodeo! Every week on Wednesday is a day of calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding that you will not want to miss!
Website: http://www.snowmassrodeo.org/
Price: $25 adult, $10 kids 3-12
Day 4: Carbondale, Colorado
Things you will need today: Hiking shoes, towels, swimsuit, camel hydration pack, sunscreen, camera, picnic dinner
With Kids: Toddler hiking carrier, baby carrier (use discount code 2Camilla15 for 15% off http://tiny-toddlers.com), swimsuits, float wings, towels
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Start your day with a hike up a mountain to the Mushroom Rock. This hike is right off of Hwy 82 at the intersection to Carbondale. It is a beautiful hike with incredible views of Mt Sopris. The hike is ranked as moderate as it is pretty much all up hill and very rocky. I would definitely wear a good pair of hiking shoes to help hiking the rocks all across the trails. Just don’t wear white cause by the end you will be covered in red dirt!
Lunch time! Drive up north towards Glenwood Springs and stop by the Nepal Restaurant and try some incredible exotic food from Nepal. The waiters and waitresses are so friendly and the food is SO good! Their cheesy Naan Bread is fantastic!
Time to take a scenic drive through Carbondale and right next to Mt Sopris. Head towards the hidden town of Redstone, Colorado. This pass will lead you all the way to Paonia, but we are just gonna drive about 25 minutes out off town, through the canyon and park right off the side of the road. There will be a small sign that says Hayes Creek Falls that you can park at the side of the road by. Then get out of your car and walk towards to sign and you will spot a beautiful waterfall. Its just a quick road side stop, but sure is a beautiful sight!
Location:
Turn around and head back towards Carbondale, and make another quick stop at the Redstone Coke Ovens. You will see them off to the left and just drive towards the middle of them and follow the road to the parking lot. There isn’t much to these, but it is a really cool piece of Colorado history!
Location:
Time to relax and soak in some warm water! Penny Hot Springs is a gorgeous hot springs right off of the river. There is a dirt parking lot next to them, and a very steep trail down the cliff side. There are a series of small man made pools to trap in the warm water and is connected to the river.
So if the water is cold add more rocks around you to trap in the warm water. Careful cause the water can get VERY hot, so make sure you test it before jumping in! The pools are for soaking not swimming as they are not deep enough to swim in. Best part about these pools is that they are FREE!!
Tips: Parking is limited so try to go on a weekday! There is no trail down and it is very steep to get down to the hot springs. Sandals are not a good idea for hiking down to the hot springs, I would suggest water shoes. They will keep your feet from slipping and you can wear them in the pools where it is really rocky. There is no shade so wear sunscreen! Keep your kids close if you bring them cause the river is very deep and can get fast if it rains a lot. Keep out of the puddles of water as they will burn you with how hot they get!
Location:
Day 5: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Things you will need today: Quarters, swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, camera, change of clothes
With Kids: swimsuits, towels, float wings, change of clothes
What better way to start your morning than with some donuts? Coloradough is the number one bakery in the valley and is a must see stop in Glenwood Springs! The doughnuts are super fun and huge!
Website: https://sweetcoloradough.com/
Bring a couple quarters and go feed some fish at the Glenwood Fish Hatchery. Rainbow Trout are the main hit for fisherman in the valley and hatcheries are fish breeding aquariums with hundreds of fish! These fish literally jump out of the water with excitement when you throw food to them. This is a huge hit for little kids!
Location:
Head towards the hot springs and stop off for a quick sandwich at the Chomps Deli! Their sandwiches are heavenly! My personal favorite is the Corned Beef and Swiss! It is the best corned beef sandwich I have ever had! Perfect lunch before jumping in the warm hot springs!
Website: http://chompsdeli.com/
Now that you belly is full, time for the number one Glenwood Springs activity soaking in the Glenwood Hot Springs! Complete with spray zones, pools, and some slides! The water is warm and feels so good! It isn’t cheap, but it is the top thing to do in Glenwood!
Website: https://www.hotspringspool.com/
Price: $35 ages 13 and older, $22 kids 3-12, and kids 2 and under are FREE
Tips: Bring your own towel and bring some sunscreen!
After all that swimming it is time to eat! Head across the bridge and over to the Grind. Pick your meat, whether it is lamb, buffalo, pork, or just beef and they will grind it up to make a delicious gourmet burger. Mine was the HogFather, and it was a super creative burger with Italian dressing, pepperoncini, and pork.
Website: http://www.grindglenwood.com/
A great meal deserves a great desert! Walk around downtown Glenwood Springs and have fun shopping at all of the stores, take pictures at the Butterfly Wings and grab some amazing ice cream on a fancy cone at the Sundae! We had the Kids Sundae- Chocolate Ice Cream, gummy bears, sprinkles, and unicorn horns! Yeah we were on a sugar high for awhile, but it was too good!
Website: https://www.sundaeicecream.com/
Want To Extend Your Trip? Here Are Some Destination Options:
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