An Aspen, Colorado summer is absolutely magical. The sky dazzles with a brilliant blue (the town enjoys 300 sunny days a year), and temperatures stay comfortably in the 70s and low 80s. Wildflowers like Indian paintbrushes and bluebells blanket the meadows, filling the air with a fresh, sweet scent. The Rocky Mountains, free from heavy snow, stand tall and majestic. Countless trails invite hikers and bikers, while the Roaring Fork River beckons paddleboarders, kayakers, and fly fishers. Add in Aspen’s top-notch dining, cultural events (like the famous Food & Wine Classic in late June), and luxury shopping, and you’ve got a summer getaway worth every mile.

For those planning—or just dreaming of—an Aspen summer, Vogue has put together a guide to the best activities, stays, and restaurants. Here are our top picks.

### Things to Do

#### Hit the Hiking Trails
The Maroon Bells Scenic Trail is Aspen’s most famous hike—and for good reason. The trail offers stunning views of an alpine lake framed by wildflowers and the towering Maroon and North Maroon peaks. (Just be warned: it gets crowded at peak times.) For a tougher challenge, add the Crater Lake Trail, which leads to a pristine lake after a scramble over glacial rocks.

Another standout is Cathedral Lake, a 5.4-mile out-and-back hike with steep switchbacks near the end. Fewer crowds make the quad-burning climb worth it, rewarding hikers with a serene alpine lake.

For something more relaxed, try the Little Nell Trail, which starts under the Silver Queen Gondola in town. Hike up, ride the gondola down, then toast your efforts with an Aperol spritz at Ajax Tavern.

#### Visit the Aspen Art Museum
Located right in town, this contemporary art hub features six galleries, a rooftop sculpture garden, and an outdoor commons. This summer, don’t miss Sherrie Levine: 1977–1988, an exhibit showcasing the early work of the groundbreaking photographer and conceptual artist.

#### Bike the Rio Grande Trail to Woody Creek Tavern
This adventure doubles as a dining recommendation. Ride the Rio Grande Trail (about seven miles each way from town) to Woody Creek Tavern, a laid-back spot covered in Hunter S. Thompson memorabilia, known for its killer burgers and margaritas. The scenic route—winding past rivers, meadows, and mountains—makes the effort worthwhile.

#### Paddleboard Through Stillwater
True to its name, the Stillwater section of the Roaring Fork River has a gentle current, making it perfect for a peaceful paddleboard ride. Rent gear in town, slather on sunscreen, and glide down the crystal-clear water with breathtaking mountain views around every bend.

#### Fly Fishing
Let Wild Willow Outfitters arrange a guided fly-fishing trip on the Roaring Fork River. They provide gear, transportation, and expert tips—or, for the adventurous, an e-bike to reach more remote fishing spots.

### Shopping
While Aspen is packed with high-end boutiques, don’t miss its unique local gems. Kemo Sabe, Miron Crosby, and Nick Fouquet offer upscale Western wear and custom cowboy hats. Meat & Cheese is a must for gourmet treats, while Pitkin County Dry Goods is a beloved family-owned clothing shop. And for stylish finds, check out Littl… (the rest was cut off, but you get the idea!).Here’s your rewritten text in clear, natural English:

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For those craving luxury designer stores, Ralph Lauren’s East Cooper Avenue location embodies the brand’s timeless Americana style, while Moncler offers high-end outerwear ideal for mountain adventures. Bottega Veneta’s stunning store features interiors inspired by Colorado’s natural beauty.

Browse the Aspen Saturday Market
Every weekend from June to October, the Aspen Saturday Market takes over downtown at the corner of Galena and Hopkins. More than just a farmers’ market, it features fresh produce, bread, meats, jams, and handmade crafts from local vendors. Don’t miss the fantastic food court for a tasty lunch.

Catch a Concert at Belly Up or The Summer Lodge
Aspen has two great spots for live music. Belly Up, a legendary 450-capacity venue, has hosted acts like Deadmau5, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg. The Summer Lodge, a restaurant and lounge inside the St. Regis, offers courtyard concerts—it’s the warm-weather counterpart to the winter’s Snow Lodge.

Attend a Film Festival, Food Fair, or Cultural Event
One of Aspen’s best features is its packed cultural calendar. Summer weekends bring events like the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, where top chefs host tastings and demos (the grand pavilion alone has 200 booths). The Aspen Ideas Festival gathers global thought leaders for panel discussions, while the Aspen Music Festival is one of the country’s premier classical music events. Check the Aspen Chamber of Commerce for happenings during your stay—or plan your trip around them.

### Hotels

Hotel Jerome
Opened in 1899, Hotel Jerome blends historic charm with mountain ruggedness. The living room features plaid curtains, a candlelit chandelier, and leather couches, while guest rooms showcase cowhide chairs and Wild West art. In summer, the garden becomes a social hotspot thanks to their excellent cocktails.

The Little Nell
Famous for its lively après-ski scene, this five-star hotel shines year-round. The Holly Hunt-designed suites are luxurious, and Ajax Tavern’s sunlit patio is the perfect spot for a drink. This summer, they’re offering sunset off-roading tours to a wildflower-covered Aspen Mountain summit.

St. Regis Aspen
Nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, this sprawling resort boasts the best pool in town. Book a balcony room for alpine views with your iced coffee, and treat yourself to a spa day. Bonus: Meet Kitty, the hotel’s friendly Bernese Mountain dog who roams the halls.

Mollie Aspen
This boutique hotel, opened two years ago, brings a fresh, Japandi-inspired vibe to town. Guest rooms feature Noguchi lamps, and the lobby has shearling accent chairs. The rooftop offers 180-degree mountain views and craft cocktails. Plus, guests get free e-bikes to explore in summer.

### Restaurants

Betula
The deck at Betula, with its views of town and Aspen Mountain, is reason enough to book a table.

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At this must-visit hotspot, the unique blend of mountain and French island cuisine (it’s the sister property to Bonito in St. Barths) is reason enough to stay. Start with one of their ceviches, then treat yourself to the bison ribeye steak.

Pine Creek Cookhouse
Just thirty minutes from Aspen, the legendary Pine Creek Cookhouse sits in a remote log cabin nestled in the Elk Mountains. In winter, it’s only accessible by snowshoe, cross-country ski, or horse-drawn sleigh—though cars can manage the road, many guests still prefer arriving on foot or by bike. The seasonal menu features favorites like momos (Nepalese-style dumplings) and elk chops.

Casa Tua
Hidden in a chalet just a block from Aspen Mountain, Casa Tua’s lively Colorado outpost is a must-visit. While the top floor is for members only, the first floor welcomes the public—book ahead and enjoy dishes like fresh pasta or Colorado trout.

Meat and Cheese
This beloved Aspen spot doesn’t take reservations, but don’t let a short wait stop you from enjoying their patio. True to its name, the menu highlights locally sourced, sustainable meats and cheeses that change with the seasons. The meat and cheese board is always a safe bet.

White House Tavern
Snag an outdoor table at this former miner’s cottage turned eatery, order the French dip sandwich, and watch the world go by.

The Garden at Hotel Jerome
While Hotel Jerome’s living room is an Aspen classic, their sprawling summer garden is the perfect spot for cocktails made with homegrown herbs and flowers. With wicker tables, white umbrellas, and tealights under the sun, you’ll want to linger.

Spring Café
For healthy yet delicious fare, head to Spring Café for lunch. The bright, airy space specializes in vegan comfort food and organic juices. Don’t miss their tempeh Reuben, housemade lemonade, or any of their salads.

Sant Ambroeus
Designed by Giampiero Tagliaferri Studio, Sant Ambroeus blends Milanese elegance with mountain charm. Think Mario Bellini sofas, Carlo Ratti chairs, and a Verde Alpi marble bar. Next door, Il Baretto offers cocktails on an outdoor patio.

Catch Steak
As the name suggests, steak is the star here. Cuts come from Colorado (prime rib, ribeye) as well as Japanese and Australian wagyu. Don’t skip the mac and cheese, made with aged gouda and a buttery cracker topping.

Felix Roasting Co.
Stop by Felix Roasting Co. inside Hotel Jerome for coffee—or dessert. Their Hickory Smoked S’mores latte comes with a roasted marshmallow finish. Sip it in a plush teal booth or on a pink ottoman, surrounded by Ken Fulk’s bold designs.

Paradise Bakery
Lines often stretch around the block at Paradise Bakery—and for good reason. Their cookies (peanut butter chocolate chip, ginger molasses, seasonal lemon zester) and gelato are the best in town. Pair them with their famous lemonade.

Matsuhisa
For sushi, Matsuhisa remains unbeatable. Housed in a historic Victorian building, Chef Nobu’s restaurant serves standout rolls, miso black cod, and crisp sake.

Wayan
This French-Indonesian restaurant, led by chef Cedric Vongerichten and his wife Ochi, brings bold flavors to Aspen. Try dishes like lobster noodles with black pepper butter, corn fritters, and Thai basil or crab.

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Cache Cache has been a favorite Aspen restaurant for more than 30 years. The reason? Its classic Colorado dishes served in a cozy bistro atmosphere. The menu highlights locally sourced ingredients, from produce to dairy and meats, featuring dishes like Colorado rack of lamb and beet salad with local goat cheese.

Clark’s Oyster Bar, with locations in Austin and Montecito as well, serves a vibrant selection of seafood. Enjoy lobster rolls, crab cakes, crispy red snapper, and—naturally—freshly shucked oysters.