If you want to relax your bones on a sandy beach, watch the seagulls pass by and swim with the dolphins then you shouldn't be heading for Aspen, Colorado. But if you want to feel energized by the outdoors and by hills that come alive even without the sound of music, then you are definitely heading for the right destination! Even the most lethargic of tourists will vibrate with the natural beauty and the pristine landscapes. There are so many things you can do in Aspen during the warm months that you will run out of time before you run out of things to do.
Biking anyone? It is a great family adventure. You can rent different styles and sizes of bikes based on your fitness level. If you are Tour de France material, you'll go for a sophisticated performance road bike and hit those rolling hills. But if speed is not your thing, get a cruiser and take your time to watch the wildflowers and butterflies, taking as many water breaks as you need. Kids under 12 can join in. You can go for 1/2 day, 3/4 day or for a full day. There are companies that offer organized bike tours of different levels: novice, intermediate and advanced. Choose wisely, remember you are on vacation and you want to enjoy the ride. Beware of that competitive soul.
Why don't you take your family, hike up those mountains and sing The Hills are Alive? Take a hiking tour! Check the different routes offered. Lengths, distances, steepness and difficulty levels vary a lot. Most of these tours have a minimum age requirement. The easiest routes take kids eight years old and up. Use comfortable clothes, shirt, shorts and a light jacket just in case it cools down. Remember to take your H2O and some health snacks: no MSG, trans fat, red colorant, aspartame, corn syrup, enriched white flour...mmm...did I miss anything?
Do you like horseback riding? Go get on that saddle and choose one of many tours available. (Sorry, kids under seven, there is a minimum age requirement for this one, too.) You can go for 1/2 day or for a full day. If you are really feeling the wilderness, you can even go on a camping adventure that will last up to seven days!
If you are not cowboy material, and feel more at home with the country club element, grab your golf clubs (or rent them) and head for the Aspen Golf and Tennis Club, two miles from Downtown Aspen. Experience truly challenging golf in a beautiful setting. The Club is nestled in the heart of the Rockies. This spectacular course with fabulous mountain views is sure to provide a unique experience for every player. If not all the family is into golf, head for the Aspen Recreation Center, complete with two pools, a luxurious hot tub, sauna, steam room, water slide, lazy river, ice arena, freestanding rock wall, state-of-the art fitness center, and weight room. They are open seven days a week for your recreational enjoyment.
Want to get wild and wet? Go whitewater rafting! There are Class I Rapids that are pretty much as crazy as your bath tub, where even kids that are six years old can go. The classification goes all the way up to Class V, which of course it is for the expert and the brave. Remember to wear quick drying clothing or bathing suits, old sneakers or sandals with a heal strap, and put on tons of sunscreen .
If you want to feel on top of the world, literally, take a hot air balloon ride and soar up through the clouds. A spectular flight with amazing views that finishes up with a fancy champagne brunch. Kids seven years old and up are welcome to join the crew.
As you can see there is so much you can do in Aspen, Colorado any time from May through October. Besides all of these activities, there are different arts, crafts and music festivals. You can even practice yoga poses on top of a mountain with breathtaking views. The nightlife is very lively, too. Restaurants, pubs, clubs, you name it. It's all there for you, in Aspen, Colorado!
This guide to Summertime in Aspen was btought to you by Viviana Victoriano.