Aspen packs a lot into a small town. Gold Medal water, the most photographed mountains in the country, and bluegrass at the top of a gondola, all within reach of the same walkable downtown. Figuring out what to do in Aspen comes down to how you want to spend the light: casting on the Roaring Fork at dawn, hiking to catch first sun on the Maroon Bells before the crowds, or riding the Silver Queen up for Sunday tunes and long views. These are the things to do in Aspen we'd point a friend toward. This is your local's guide to the season: where to go, what to book, and when to just wander.
Catch and release in the pristine, Gold Medal waters of the Roaring Fork Valley, a must-do for seasoned anglers and newbies alike. The renowned fly fishing destination is as serene as it is stocked, with plentiful trout in summer. To book, contact the Adventure Center at The Little Nell at (970) 920-6315 or email adventure@thelittlenell.com.
Just five minutes from downtown Aspen, the Slaughterhouse section of the Roaring Fork river promises Class IV rapids and nonstop action. Not for the faint of heart, the physically demanding trip is made for thrillseekers. For more information, visit the front desk, email us at aspenfrontdesk@limelighthotels.com or call (970) 925-3025.
Hike the most photographed mountains in America to experience their majesty firsthand (insider tip: sunrise or sunset views strongly encouraged). Reflected in the lake below, the breathtaking bell-shaped peaks are one of Colorado’s most striking natural wonders. Reservations recommended.
Each Sunday of the summer season, Colorado's best bluegrass bands play on Aspen Mountain. Steps from our front doors, the Silver Queen Gondola takes you to the top to soak in the sights, sounds and tastes, with views of the Elk Mountain Range, local tunes and great food and drinks from the Sundeck.
From stand-up paddleboarding and bike tours to fireside gatherings and live music, there's always something happening at Limelight. Explore the adventures that put you right in the landscape, or check out our lineup of events—open to guests and locals alike.
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Aspen's highlights include hiking and photographing the Maroon Bells, fly fishing the Roaring Fork River, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and exploring downtown Aspen's shops, dining, and music. Limelight Aspen's concierge team can book guided outings and point you to local favorites.
Summer in Aspen means hiking, fly fishing, rafting, mountain biking, and the Maroon Bells, plus festivals and downtown dining. Limelight Aspen is a walkable home base for all of it.
Aspen is not just a place for winter activities. Beyond skiing in the winter, Aspen offers summer hiking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, the Maroon Bells, and a lively arts and dining scene year-round.
The Maroon Bells, among the most photographed peaks in North America, are reached via Maroon Creek Road, with seasonal access by reservation or shuttle. The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is an easy loop. Limelight Aspen's concierge can help with timing and transportation.
Families in Aspen can hike easy trails, ride the gondola, explore downtown, and visit the Maroon Bells. Limelight Aspen's concierge can recommend family-friendly outings for every age.
There's a reason to visit Aspen in just about any season. Summer, from late spring through early fall, is prime for hiking, fly fishing, rafting, and mountain biking, and winter brings world-class skiing across four mountains. The quieter stretches of late spring and late fall have a slower, more local feel all their own. Whatever you're planning around, Limelight Aspen puts you steps from the gondola and the heart of downtown.
