Aspen Outdoor and Cultural Summer Activities
A complete list of Fourth of July events and activities in Aspen is available here.
Aspen may be known for its skiing, but the Elk Mountains offer endless activities in the summer. The following is a guide to some of the valley’s most popular summer pursuits. For a general source, please visit www.aspensnowmass.com.
Aspen Mountain Gondola
Climb 2 1/2 miles and more than 3,000 vertical feet from the heart of Aspen to the top of Aspen Mountain in the Silver Queen Gondola and take in picturesque views of the Elk Mountain Range. Enjoy the abundance of activities at the top, such as free concerts, nature walks and Frisbee golf. Either bring a picnic or dine at the Sundeck. Adult passes are available for $27 at the lift ticket office.
Fishing
The Roaring Fork Valley is home to some of the country's best fly-fishing. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Frying Pan, Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers as experienced guides show you the way to brown and rainbow trout. Call the Taylor Creek Fly Shop at 970-920-1128 for more information.
Hiking
The Roaring Fork Valley has a plethora of hiking opportunities. Simply ask a local for directions to one of the many hikes adjacent to town, or call Blazing Adventures at 800-282-7238 to schedule a longer, guided hike. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies also offers free, 45-minute guided nature walks. These depart every day on the hour (between 11:00am and 3:00pm) from the top of the gondola.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy a guided Colorado horseback riding tour on picturesque Snowmass Mountain and take in beautiful views of Mt. Daley and the surrounding area. Rides depart at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm, and all rides meet half an hour before scheduled ride time. Call 888-649-5982, or e-mail info@stayaspensnowmass.com for more information.
Mountain Biking
Hop on a mountain bike and explore some of the valley’s most scenic areas with an experienced guide. There are tours to suit all skill levels. Call Blazing Adventures for more information at 1-800-282-7238. If you prefer to simply rent a bike and head out on your own, Aspen Velo has a wide variety of bikes to rent, which are available for a couple of hours up to an entire week. Aspen Velo is located at 465 N. Mill St. and can be reached at 970-925-1495.
Music
The Aspen Music Festival & School has wonderful programming throughout the summer.
Off-Road Jeep Tours
Experience the rugged backcountry roads that weave through the wilderness of the Elk Mountain Range. Travel on old mining roads past wildflower fields and the occasional herd of elk. Tours range from 3 to 5 ½ hours. Call Blazing Adventures at 800-282-7238 for more information.
Paragliding
Fly high above Aspen with a certified United States Hang Gliding Association instructor. Flights leave at 7:00, 8:30, 10:30 am, and 5:00 pm. A tandem flight lasts about two hours. Contact Aspen Paragliding at fly@aspenparagliding.com or 970-925-7625 for more information.
Whitewater Rafting
Tackle some of the country's best whitewater rafting on the Colorado, Arkansas, and Roaring Fork Rivers. Experienced guides lead you through Class II, III, and IV rapids on half and full day trips. Lunch is included. Call Blazing Adventures for more information at 800-282-7238.
Movie Theaters
Isis Theater, 406 E. Hopkins Avenue, (970) 925-7584
The Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Avenue, (970) 925-5973.
Galleries and Fine Art
Aspen Art Museum
590 North Mill Street Aspen, CO 80611 970-925-8050
Aspen Grove Fine Arts, Ltd.
525 E. Cooper Ave., Suite 205 • Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-925-5151 Fax: 970-963-5886
Aspen's premier gallery. Acclaimed artists, paintings, graphics and sculpture.
Baldwin Gallery
290 South Galena Street
Phone: (970) 920-9797
David Floria Gallery, Inc.
312 S. Mill St. • Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-544-5705 Fax: 970-544-9729
Contemporary art. International and emerging artists. Archival framing.
Duval Smart Gallery
525 E. Cooper Ave. • Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-925-9044 Fax: 970-925-9076
Chihuly, Morris, Marioni, Vallien. Namingha, Fraser, Cox, Moses, Anthony, Waddell.
Elliott Yeary Gallery
419 E. Hyman Ave. Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-429-1111 Email: info@elliottyeary.com
Elliott Yeary Gallery offers fine 19th and 20th Century European and American masters as well as contemporary paintings and sculpture.
Galerie Maximillian
602 E. Cooper Ave. • Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-925-6100 Fax: 970-925-1111
www.galeriemax.com
Specializing in contemporary European paintings, sculptures and historical masterworks on paper.
Huntsman Gallery of Fine Art Ltd.
410 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-920-1910
The Huntsman Gallery of Fine Art contains diverse work by over 40 artists, of which more than one-third are in permanent museum collections. Surrounded by his collection of sculptures and paintings, sculptor Don Huntsman also shows his own bronzes and his works-in-progress. Huntsman is best known for commissioned pieces that include baseball legend Reggie Jackson and performer Marcel Marceau.
Joel Soroka Gallery
400 E. Hyman Ave. • Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-925-3152 Fax: 970-920-3152
Fine art, vintage and contemporary photography.
Magidson Fine Art
525 E. Cooper Ave., Aspen, CO 81611
970-920-1001, www.magidson.com
Exhibitions include original works by: Mark Cesark, Aaron Fink, David Begbie, Richard Carter, Eva Cellini, Paul Pascarella, Candice Eisenfeld, Michael Kessler, Claudia Meyer, Linda Prince, and William DeBilzan.
Omnibus Gallery
422 E. Cooper Ave. • Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-925-5567
One of the world's largest collections of original, rare and vintage posters. Primarily from the late 1880's to World War II.
Pismo Gallery at Aspen
433 E. Cooper Ave. Aspen, CO 8161
Phone: 970-920-1313 www.pismoglass.com
Colorado's largest selection of fine art glass in all price ranges - from very affordable gifts to museum quality collectables.
Rachael Collection
433 E. Cooper Ave. • Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-920-1313 Fax: 970-925-8039
Contemporary glass art gallery.
Toklat at Ashcroft
P.O. Box 1048, Aspen, CO 81612
Phone: 970-925-7345
Museums and Historical Activities
The Aspen Historical Society (www.aspenhistory.org) offers a variety of activities and historical tours throughout town and around the valley, as well as information about historical exhibitions. The Society is located at 620 West Bleeker Street; for more information on the week’s activities, call (970) 925-3721 or (800) 925-3721
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