From wildflower-filled hiking trails and horse riding adventures to fly fishing and peaceful campsites beneath some of Colorado’s darkest skies, Aspen and Snowmass Village offer countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with nature or embrace an adventurous side of the Rocky Mountains, here are seven of the two towns’ most rejuvenating, nature-filled experiences.

Camping: Sleep beneath the stars in the Maroon Bells
Aspen may be famous for its five-star luxury hotels, but Silver Queen Campground offers a million stars of a different kind. Nestled within the spectacular Maroon Bells, this secluded campsite places visitors among some of Colorado’s most breathtaking scenery. Just a short walk from Maroon Creek and surrounded by towering aspen groves beneath the dramatic 14,018-foot Pyramid Peak, the five campsites come equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water and basic facilities. Spend the day hiking or fishing before settling in for an evening beneath vast, star-filled skies. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak season.

Horseback riding: Saddle up for a Rocky Mountain adventure
For an authentic taste of the Old West, join T-Lazy-7 Ranch on its Maroon Bells Outfitters’ Crested Butte Overnight Ride. This two-day horseback journey crosses the spectacular Maroon Bells Wilderness and East Maroon Pass before arriving in Crested Butte, with riders embracing the true cowboy experience by bringing their own meals for dinner and breakfast. For those looking for a gentler introduction to riding, Snowmass Creek Outfitters offers a half-day private lunch ride through beautiful aspen groves alongside Snowmass Creek, complete with a locally sourced charcuterie lunch overlooking Mount Daly. Half day rides start from £279 and the overnight rides start from £1,375 per person including accommodation.

Naturalist-led walk: Wander through the wildflowers
Summer transforms Aspen and Snowmass Village into a kaleidoscope of colourful wildflowers, and one of the best ways to experience them is on an ACES guided Snowmass Wildflower Walk. Led by expert naturalists, these leisurely walks explore the mountainside while introducing visitors to the region’s diverse alpine flora, local ecology and wildlife. It’s a peaceful way to appreciate the landscape while learning about the delicate ecosystems that thrive during the Rocky Mountain summer. Snowmass Wildflower Walks are free and run daily at 10am during the summer months.

Mountaintop yoga: Find your balance above the treeline
Rejuvenate mind, body and spirit at 11,212 feet with mountaintop yoga on Aspen Mountain. Held Monday to Friday throughout the summer, these uplifting morning sessions are led by local instructors from Aspen Shakti, offering the chance to practise surrounded by sweeping alpine views. Visitors can ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the summit or hike up free of charge, with yoga mats and blocks provided. Afterwards, stay to soak up the crisp mountain air and panoramic views stretching across rolling forests and shimmering aspen groves. Tickets start from £19.

Fly fishing: Cast a line in crystal-clear waters
With pristine rivers and mountain streams teeming with trout, Aspen and Snowmass Village are a dream destination for fishing-enthusiasts. Guided fly fishing trips with Blazing Adventures take visitors to some of the region’s most scenic waters, where experienced guides teach casting techniques while sharing their knowledge of the local environment. Suitable for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, it’s a peaceful way to experience Colorado’s wilderness while trying to land rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.

Spot wildlife: Search for beavers at sunset
One of the most magical ways to spend a summer evening is on ACES’ Sunset Beaver Walk at Hallam Lake Nature Preserve. Taking place at dusk, when wildlife is at its most active, this gentle guided walk offers the chance to spot the resident beaver family while learning about the surrounding wetland ecosystem from an experienced naturalist. The Sunset Beaver Walk is offered weekly during the summer every Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30pm and is free for ACES Members or £7 per family for non-members.

Hiking: Explore miles of spectacular trails
With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, Aspen and Snowmass Village are a paradise for walkers, offering everything from gentle nature strolls to challenging climbs. In Snowmass Village, the 3.98-mile Rim Trail South rewards hikers with sweeping 360-degree mountain views, while Aspen’s 5.3-mile Cathedral Lake Trail climbs from the historic Ashcroft Ghost Town to a stunning alpine lake, with breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells along the way. Visitors can take the Aspen Pledge to help protect these special landscapes, with Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) donating $18.80 (£14) to the Independence Pass Foundation or Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers for every pledge made.

For more information on Aspen, please visit aspenchamber.org.
For more information on Snowmass Village, please visit gosnowmass.com.