Are you planning a summer vacation to Snowmass, Colorado?
Living in the Roaring Fork Valley myself in Glenwood Springs, I spend a lot of time in Snowmass during the summer season! It’s one of my favorite mountain towns to hike and explore nature.
Snowmass is a stunning Colorado mountain village near Aspen with tons of fun activities, beautiful mountain views, wonderful weather, and plenty of sunshine to enjoy!
From outdoorsy shopping in the Snowmass Base Village to hiking up gorgeous sunny trails on the Snowmass ski resort, there are so many things to do in Snowmass in the summertime. Let’s not forget drinks on the patios in the Base Village! (Base Camp Snowmass restaurant is the best for this!)
You can begin the morning with a hot or chilled coffee from Fuel Cafe on the Snowmass Mall, followed by a day of whitewater rafting with Blazing Adventures Snowmass. They’ll take you on one of three rivers: The Roaring Fork River, the Colorado River, or the Arkansas River.
In This Article
How to Get to Snowmass, Colorado
Snowmass is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, just a short 10-minute drive from Aspen, Colorado. From Denver, Snowmass is 183 miles west and south, and takes about 3 and 1/2 hours to drive it. It’s a gorgeous drive in the summer.
During the summer months, American Airlines and United Airlines have non-flight flights from Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Denver.
You can fly into Denver from your major city and then take a quick, short flight into Aspen Snowmass – it’s so easy! Learn more about the Aspen Snowmass Airport schedules here at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport website.
You can also fly into Denver International Airport, and make the beautiful drive up to Aspen, Colorado! This drive will take you through Summit County and Eagle County – both with stunning scenery! Make time for stops along the way for mountain summer photos.
Ground Transportation Options
From Denver, you can rent a car and enjoy the gorgeous drive up to the mountains of Aspen Snowmass on your own time. Or, you can also hire a ground transportation service.
There are shared or private transportation options. Epic Mountain Express is a fantastic shared shuttle option for getting from Denver to Aspen Snowmass. You can book a shuttle or learn more about their schedules at Epic Mountain Express.
Epic Mountain Express also offers private transportation on SUVs and Vans from Premier Mountain Express Service. Read more and schedule your car on their reservations page.
Getting Around Once You’re in Snowmass
Transportation within Snowmass is super easy and convenient!
If you’re staying at a hotel or condo in Base Village in Snowmass, you’ll find restaurants, shopping, bars, and access to hiking trails on Snowmass Mountain very convenient by walking out your door. The Base Village area in Snowmass has a plethora of amenities! So, no need for a car if you’re staying in Base Village.
There is complimentary Snowmass Transportation that can take you anywhere in the Snowmass area. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority is amazing and you can review the schedule here. This is a complimentary shuttle system around the Snowmass area. Roaring Fork Transportation will also take you to Aspen if you’re planning to head over to explore the town!
This post is all about Snowmass summer.
Best Time to Visit Snowmass Colorado
The summer in Snowmass, Colorado starts in mid-June once the weather starts getting warmer and the snow has fully melted. You can travel to Snowmass earlier than mid-June but some restaurants might not be open and the weather may be colder as the winter slowly departs.
The summer season in Snowmass officially runs from mid-June to early September. This is when the Elk Camp Gondola starts running for the summer season giving you the option to ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy the views. In September, the leaves change and it is beautiful! Definitely chillier and “fall-like” but still has some very sunny days.
You can really start to enjoy the hiking trails starting in mid-June! If you come to Colorado too early, you won’t be able to hike or bike because it will still be too muddy and soft.
After September 4th some businesses close for the fall season. Some shops will stay open through September, especially on the weekends because the weather can still be so lovely.
Through September, visitors still come to the mountains for weddings and group trips to Colorado during September because the pricing can be really great and the weather is still nice, just chilly at night. It’s a bit of a “best-kept secret”. So, if you’re looking to visit Snowmass in September, definitely consider it! It’s a “value-season” to come to Snowmass in September.
Weather in the Summer in Snowmass, Colorado
The weather in Snowmass, Colorado is extremely pleasant in the summer months! This makes it a perfect place to visit for a summer trip, especially if you love the outdoors. Visit Snowmass to enjoy the fresh mountain air and nice pleasant temperatures.
Typically, in June, July, and August, Snowmass averages around 70 to 75 in the daytime and mid 40’s in the evenings, making it a perfectly enjoyable time to visit! It can be chilly in the evenings so be sure to pack a sweater, jacket, or sweatshirt to stay warm and cozy. And, definitely do not forget the sunscreen.
This post is all about Snowmass summer.
Things To Do in Snowmass, Colorado
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Snowmass in the summer! And there are many options in the area for an easy hike, something more moderate, or even a challenging hike.
A great hike to try while in Snowmass is Summit Trail, which is located on the Snowmass ski resort. This is a short hike of fewer than 2 miles, with gorgeous views! It’s a good idea to get familiar with the trail here before heading out to experience it.
Another great trail for hiking in Snowmass is Rabbit Run Trail. This is also a very short hike and provides some spectacular scenery on the mountain.
There’s a nice, easy, family-friendly section of this trail to start. Here’s an awesome list of hiking trails in Snowmass, Colorado with difficulty ratings and directions to the trailheads.
Horseback Riding
If you haven’t tried horseback riding in the Colorado Rockies, you should put it on your list! It’s a perfect outdoor adventure to experience the beauty of the trails and gorgeous views in a unique way. You can choose from one or two-hour rides to get out and about.
The two top choice outfitters for horseback riding in the area are Blazing Adventures and Snowmass Creek Outfitters.
This post is all about Snowmass summer.
Mountain Biking
There are plenty of fun mountain biking trails on Snowmass Mountain to enjoy! From Snowmass Base Village you can ride up the Elk Camp Gondola, and connect with the Village to Village Trail.
Stop into Four Mountain Sports to chat about what the current conditions are on the trails and which ones they recommend! Mountain biking is one of the best things to do in Snowmass in the summer. Four Mountain Sports is also a terrific resource for mountain bike rentals.
Another great option for mountain biking is to head over to Aspen for the day! Or, do a “local’s” ride in Carbondale, Colorado.
Jeep Tours
Taking a jeep tour through scenic mountain vistas is an adventurous way to spend time outdoors and take in the mountain scenery!
In Snowmass, you can reserve a jeep tour with an experienced team of guides that will show you all there is to see in the high country of Colorado. You’ll have the chance to explore wildlife, wildflowers, and historic places in the Colorado Rockies!
Blazing Adventures is the leading jeep tour guide service in Aspen Snowmass. You can choose from mild-smooth terrain, moderate-mixed terrain, or wild and more rugged terrain! The guides at Blazing Adventures will discuss the options with you and help you decide.
Whitewater rafting is the perfect summer activity for families with young children. Whether you’re brand new to the sport and it’s your first adventure, or you’re very experienced it’s a special thing to do in Snowmass.
For the adrenaline seeker, there are plenty of spots on the Arkansas River and the Colorado River to try out. The Roaring Fork River is perfect for the moderate group that’s looking for a little bit of everything.
Timberline Tours is your go-to guide team for Whitewater Rafting too! You can read about their plentiful rafting options here.
Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing in Roaring Fork Valley is an unforgettable Rocky Mountain outdoor experience. If you’ve never done it before, this is a perfect place to learn. Newbies are welcome and encouraged! You’ll be fly fishing in the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork.
The fly fishing guides share their fishing knowledge and personalities with you so you go home with a super memorable time on the river in the Colorado Rockies.
The top choice for fly fishing in Snowmass is Aspen Flyfishing. Check out all of their fly fishing experiences and top-notch guides This is one of the most requested things to do in the Aspen Snowmass area.
Golf in Snowmass
In Aspen Snowmass, there are extraordinary golf courses with incredible mountain views and lovely greens for the perfect golf excursion.
To play golf in Snowmass in the summer is a special treat. The experience is like nothing else when you can see mountain vistas and even wildlife on the course as you make your way through the day. Here are some best golf courses in Aspen Snowmass.
Aspen Golf Club
The Aspen Golf Club is a stunning municipal course located along the Roaring Fork River. Located only 2 miles from downtown Aspen and a short drive from Snowmass, this is a lovely, challenging golf course that has been ranked as the 21st Best U.S. Municipal Golf Course, and the #1 Municipal Course in Colorado by Golfweek Magazine in 2009-10.
Spending your afternoon at The Aspen Golf Club is the perfect activity for a Summer day in Aspen.
Shopping in Snowmass Village
In Snowmass Village, there’s a wonderful array of shops, galleries, mountain gear stores, jewelry shops, and more! If you’re staying in the village, you can simply step out of your hotel with your morning coffee and make a day out of window shopping or pick up something to remind you of your time in Snowmass!
If you’re looking for any mountain gear for hikes, bike rides, or a logo shirt, you’ll find it in Snowmass Village. Here’s a great guide to shopping in Snowmass in the summer.
Culinary Experiences in Snowmass
There are so many great dining choices in Snowmass! Here are a few of the top restaurant recommendations for dining in Snowmass, Colorado to check out.
Aurum Food & Wine
Aurum Food & Wine is a perfect spot for dining and drinks with an outdoor patio and with a fun ambiance.
Aurum Aspen Snowmass offers seasonal slopeside dining in an elegantly casual space.
Refined seasonal New American cuisine in an elegantly casual atmosphere, in the heart of Snowmass Base Village. Enjoy slopeside dining, an outdoor patio with fire pit features, an intimate dining room, and a private dining space that can accommodate up to 16 guests. We look forward to serving you at Aurum Aspen Snowmass!
Venga Venga
Venga Venga’s menu features fresh Mexican fare that includes freshly made guacamole, creamy enchiladas, and fajitas. The menu also includes Mexican Tortilla Soup, Nachos, and Quesadillas. Take a peek at the Venga Venga menu here.
Located at the top of Snowmass Village, Venga Venga is the best place for Apres ski or Apres hike, a fun ski resort vibe, and hand-crafted cocktails. Venga Venga is a perfect place to watch skiers and hikers make their way up and down the mountain and enjoy the outdoors with a Classic Margarita in hand.
Kinichi
Kinichi is locally known for its fabulous sushi restaurants in the Aspen Snowmass area. The Snowmass location is a fairly new spot and is located across from the Elk Camp Gondola.
On the Kinichi menu, you’ll find salads, small plates, and specialties creatively prepared for you. Specialty rolls and Sashimi are delicious to share with your friends! Also available are the classic and traditional sushi rolls that you love.
The design of Kinichi Snowmass is stylish and welcoming for your evening out in Snowmass. You’ll enjoy the atmosphere while indulging in Kinichi’s creations.
Il Poggio
Il Poggio is a wonderful Italian restaurant featuring handmade, traditional dishes from Italy and beyond. Visit for dinner in Snowmass Village and find everything from a quick pasta or pizza to the full dining experience.
Try one of their popular dishes such as sweet potato ravioli, veal/truffle gnocchi, and pizzetta.
Take a Day Trip to Aspen
Hop in the car and head over to the historic streets of magical Aspen, Colorado for the day! Or, take the Roaring Fork Transporation to Ruby Park in Aspen.
It’s about a ten-minute drive from Snowmass to Aspen and you’ll love strolling the shops, galleries, and restaurants there! You could start with an early hike in the morning followed by lunch and boutique shopping.
Aspen is just as vibrant in the summer as it is during the winter.
In Conclusion
Snowmass, Colorado is a gorgeous mountain town in Colorado with so much to offer in the summer. My hope is that this guide helps you plan an epic summer vacation to Snowmass with your family and friends!
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Aspen Snowmass, this article will be helpful! It features properties and hotels in both Aspen and Snowmass.
If you need help knowing what to pack for a summer trip to Colorado, check out the Ultimate Colorado Packing List for Summer here!
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