With experience-led travel on the rise, Aspen and Snowmass Village should be next on your travel list. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, keen to uncover the area’s interesting history, or simply looking for different ways to experience the mountains, these towns offer no shortage of guided adventures throughout the summer months. From whitewater rapids and overnight backcountry hikes to Ice Age discoveries and sunset dinners, here’s ten of the best guided experiences this season.
For the thrill seekers
Take a whitewater raft down the Roaring Fork River
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Blazing Adventures offers epic whitewater rafting adventures on the Roaring Fork River. Choose from scenic, family-friendly floats through Glenwood Canyon or tackle exhilarating intermediate to advanced level rapids on full-day expeditions through Browns Canyon, one of America’s newest National Monuments as designated back in 2015. Hotel transfers from Aspen and Snowmass Village can be arranged, with lunch included on longer trips. Prices start from £107 per person.
Ride some of North America’s best mountain bike trails
Aspen and Snowmass Village may be famous for skiing, but the mountains are equally impressive on two wheels during the summer. Home to Colorado’s only Gold-Level bike park, Snowmass Bike Park boasts over 25 miles of expertly maintained downhill trails covering nearly 3,000 vertical feet. Book a private half-day mountain bike tour with Blazing Adventures to explore favourites beyond the bike park including the Rim Trail and Tom Blake. Routes are tailored to ability levels, with four-hour tours including hotel transfers, drinks and snacks. Prices start from £555 for up to three guests, with bike hire available separately.
Hike through the backcountry on a hut-to-hut adventure
Experience Colorado’s spectacular wilderness on a guided overnight hiking trip with Aspen Expeditions. Using the renowned 10th Mountain Division Hut System, these fully customisable adventures allow hikers to explore some of the most beautiful alpine landscapes behind Aspen and Snowmass Village, spending each night in rustic mountain huts. Whether you choose a single overnight stay or link together several huts for a multi-day journey, every trip is led by an experienced guide and includes meals, sleeping bags and backpacks. For those wanting an even bigger challenge, many of the huts can also be reached by mountain bike. Prices available upon enquiry.
For the inquisitive
Take a journey back in time to the Ice Age
Snowmass Village became internationally renowned after prehistoric fossils were uncovered at Ziegler Reservoir in 2010. Learn more about this extraordinary discovery on the free Snowmass Ice Age Discovery Hike, led by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES). Running daily from June through to September, this two-hour moderate hike explores glacial geology, extinct wildlife and the evolution of the surrounding alpine landscape through fascinating stories and artefacts from the excavation. Tours begin at 1pm and no reservations are required. Tours are free.
Discover Aspen’s iconic Wheeler Opera House
Take a free behind-the-scenes tour of the Wheeler Opera House with the Aspen Historical Society, the heart of Aspen’s arts and cultural scene since 1889. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored theatre, hear stories from its colourful past and view historic photographs that trace both the building’s history and Aspen’s remarkable transformation. The Wheeler is part of the Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit and has recently received a Historic Theatre Award and received recognition by the Colorado Green Business Network. Tours are free.
Walk through Aspen’s fascinating past
History comes alive on Dean’s Past to Present Aspen Tour, a 90-minute guided walking tour through downtown Aspen. Combining Native American legends, mining folklore and local stories, the tour charts Aspen’s remarkable evolution from a silver mining camp into one of the world’s most famous mountain resorts. The easy one-mile stroll visits many of Aspen’s best-known landmarks, including the Wheeler Opera House, the Red Onion, Pitkin County Courthouse and Hotel Jerome. Tour prices start from £33 per person.
Visit the Roaring Fork Valley’s first gold mining town
Journey back to the 1880s with a guided tour of Independence Ghost Town, the Roaring Fork Valley’s original gold mining settlement. Led by the Aspen Historical Society, this immersive walk explores the preserved buildings, legendary characters and pioneering spirit that shaped the region’s early history. Guided tours take place throughout the summer and self-guided visits are also available with a suggested donation. Prices start from £15 per person and children under 18 go free.
For the soft adventurers
Enjoy a sunset dinner high on Snowmass Mountain
One of the area’s most memorable evenings begins with a scenic four-wheel-drive Jeep ride to Snowmass’ historic Burlingame Cabin. Hosted by Blazing Adventures, this backcountry dining experience combines spectacular mountain views with an unmatched evening of food, music and campfire fun. The tour offers an extended Jeep ride up to a panoramic lookout before settling in for drinks and lawn games, including an animal-free version of calf roping, before dinner is served as the sun sets over Mt Daly. The evening concludes with live music and toasted s’mores around the campfire. Prices start from £115 per person.
Try your hand at fly fishing
Slow the pace with a guided fly-fishing experience from Aspen Outfitting Company on the Roaring Fork River, designated a “Gold Medal” fishery and offering some of the finest trout habitat in North America. Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced anglers, a half-day guided outing covers the fundamentals of wading, casting and useful techniques, while surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. All the essential equipment is provided, making this an easy-going way to experience one of Colorado’s quintessential outdoor pursuits. Prices start from £388 for two people.
Paddle your own inflatable kayak down the Roaring Fork
For those looking for a gentler dose of adventure, a Blazing Adventures’ inflatable kayak excursion is the perfect introduction to river paddling. Often known as “duckies”, these inflatable kayaks are more stable and forgiving than traditional hard-shell kayaks, making them ideal for beginners. Led by experienced guides, you’ll learn the best route through the river before taking control of your own kayak, combining the excitement of whitewater with the confidence of expert support. Prices start from £800 for up to three guests.
For more information on Aspen, please visit aspenchamber.org.
For more information on Snowmass Village, please visit gosnowmass.com.
Source: Organisations & Operators - breakingtravelnews
