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Aspen Summer Bucket List: 20 Things to do Before Fall

Its august already and geez that came WAY too fast for my liking. But of course we say the same thing every year about how we wish there were just a few more months in summer...anyhow I've put together a short list of things to do before summer flies by and it is strictly ski and snowboarding time here in the valley.

SO here are 20 things I think everyone should do in Aspen before the end of summer (in no particular order).

20. Jump the Punch Bowl: A locals favorite, this cliff jump is a short ways up the pass and is great for adrenaline junkies...

19. Floating Stillwater: For the slightly more tame, grabbing a raft, tube or paddle board and floating Stillwater is a great way to spend the last hot days of August.

18. Get up Independence Pass and do STUFF: There is SO much to do up independence pass that is only open for the summer months. Enjoy it while you can with a hike, bike, or even just drive.

17. Camp up Lincoln Creek: Make sure you have a 4 wheel vehicle to get to what are probably the very best car camping spot in Aspen.

16. Bike to Ashcroft: For a bit of a challenge get a road bike and take the 11 mile ride to Ashcroft. The views are stunning the whole time and once you get there it is a really fun downhill back to Aspen.

From my brother site Aspenmap.net

15. Frisbee Golf Atop Ajax: Just riding the Gondola to the top of Ajax is a breathtaking experience, but why not play some disc golf while your up there? A gentle hike for a fairly tricky course, free disc rentals are offered at the top of the mountain.

14. Downhill Valhalla in Snowmass: Another thrilling experience, get ready to be a covered in dirt and dust!

13. Hike to Crested Butte: This full day hike offers insanely gorgeous views the entire way and is a great way to check out the incredible little town of Crested Butte. A bit of an advanced hike so make sure to be in decent shape for this one and bring plenty of water.

12. Rock Climb: Whether its your first time or  you are an experienced climber, Aspen has so many incredible climbing routes to explore. Make sure to hire a guide if you are a first timer!

11. Let the Kids Play in the Fountain: Grab a drink at Justice Snows while the kids have a free day at the water park AKA the fountain across the street. Its not summer in Aspen without it!

10. Dine Outdoors: There are tons of great patio dining options in Aspen, make sure to check out some of the best: Meat at Cheese, Justice Snows, Ajax Tavern, and White House Tavern are some of my faves.

9. Bike to Woody Creek Tavern: The way there is all down hill and offers a scenic and relaxing bike ride. Enjoy a cocktail and some lunch at the Woody Creek Tavern and then bike or take the bus back to town.

8. First Friday in Carbondale: Though they do First Friday through the winter, there is just something magical about the summer events. Explore galleries, bars and street performers all night long!

7. Aspen's Saturday Market: Get local produce, meat, goods, wine, etc all right in town from early morning Saturday to about 3pm.

6. Hike the Ute, Smuggler, Hunter Creek, or Sunnyside trails: Some of my favorite hikes right in town, don't miss doing at least one of these!

5. Maroon Bells to Crater Lake: Even just going to the Bells alone is worth the trip, but step it up a notch and make the hike up to Crater lake. It will only take about an hour and it is well worth it for the view.

4. Backpack to Conundrum Hot Springs: If you are up for a bit of an adventure backpacking to Conundrum hot springs is a great place to start.

3. Ruedi Reservoir: That ice cold water found elsewhere in Aspen can be rough to swim in. Take the short drive down to Ruedi reservoir for some warmer water to play in.

2. Penny Hot Springs: Although you can use these springs all winter long, the summers can be the best time to enjoy them. Right out of town in Carbondale, these springs are natural and free!

1. Fly Fishing: There is something magical about catching a fish! Learn the art of fly fishing form one of the many local guides here in Aspen and enjoy a day on the river.

Well, that should be more than enough activities to fill the rest of your summer days, don't go into fall regretting a single moment of summer!

Hiking From Aspen to Crested Butte

After years of thinking about it and talking about it, I finally did the Aspen to Crested Butte hike. This hike is like a rite of passage, if you are an Aspen local you have to do this hike eventually. But even if you are not a local it is so worth it. I had been told it was fun, and I had been told it was beautiful, but I had no idea it would be as amazing as it was.

What you will need:

• A day-pack with enough food for 5-8 hours of hiking.
• Lots of water 3 liters a person to be safe.
• Good hiking shoes
• A Camera
• Warm Clothing (it gets a little chilly at the top) and a raincoat.
• Money
• Many people bring camping gear to be safe, you never know when you might get stuck and it its a long hike, we did not. We even ran into a man that had a satellite phone, i guess you can never be too safe in the back country...

Maroon Bells at the start of the hike.

We started on the Aspen side and parked over night at the Maroon Bells ($15 for overnight parking) and then headed to the West Maroon Pass. We did this hike August 11th and the wildflowers were spectacular, apparently the peak was the week before (August 4th). To be safe a few members of our group booked seats on a shuttle to get to Crested Butte on the other side of the pass and a few of us decided to wing it and try to hitchhike. The shuttle is $15 a person and takes about 45 mins, it must be booked in advance and fills up quickly.

We left early (7AM) which is generally thought to be a good plan to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The hike took us about 6 hours (5 on the way back as it was easier) and was relatively strenuous at parts (it is a 12 mile hike). The views were absolutely breathtaking and the wildflowers were getting oo's and ahh's even from the most manly men on our trip! We got lucky and met someone on the trail that we could hitchhike with, so we hopped in with our new friend and were also able to check out the reservoir nearby to the trail head before heading to town. Our friends that took the shuttle arrived just about the same time as we did.

 Upon arrival (after gorging on food and beer) we found accommodations at the Forrest Queen Hotel which was decently priced for a bunch of smelly hikers at $100 a room. Plus it was right downtown, and despite being very tired from the hike, we managed to go to every single bar. But there is also a hostel and numerous other hotels so just do some research.

I highly suggest checking out this hike, it was life changing!

We took the shuttle back as it was the most reliable way to get there early for another $15. The hike back is much easier but just as lovely!

Pictures can not do the wildflowers justice!

Whats in My Backpack (and should be in yours too)

There are certain goods that just make life in the mountains better., every year I take out and add in what I think is the essential gear for everyday life here. Here's what I have on me at all times right now.

1. Cammalback: A. Its super easy to get dehydrated, especially if you aren't from around here. And even if you are from here, you probably don't drink enough water, so get a cammalback and drink more water, its healthy I promise. But honestly the reason I love my cammalback is not for the hydration factor but that it hols all my other important crap that I need near me at all times, like:

2. A headlamp: Cheap & lightweight a headlamp is essential for mountain livin'. You may need this while biking or walking home from the bar at night. Maybe you want to take a nightime hike. And everyoine knows you cant go camping without one.

3. A raincoat: Mine fits into a tiny little bag that i shove in the bottom of my backpack. You never know up here what the weater will do, and often it rains on me for a good 10 mins randomly in the middle of a hike. I love having this handy little thing that I got at REI for only $50

4.Sunscreen: I always keep Alba Botanica in my backpack, but any sunscreen will do. I know that they say the sunscreen is bad for you, and I get that, but in this altitude I think its necessary.

5. Kind Bar: This one might be personal, but i don't like to go anywhere without a snack, especially not long hikes. Kind bars are a great healthy snack that doesn't go bad if you leave it in your bag for long periods of time.


I also keep a small pocket knife, and some cash for beer after a hike... What do you keep in your pack?