The Off-Season Guide to Having Fun in Aspen
While we all know that Aspen is one of the world’s premier skiing destinations during winter, the off-season is a great time to visit if you want to save some money and don’t want to deal with the huge winter sports crowds. Check out our off-season guide to having fun in Aspen below!
Bike Ride
You can get outside and experience the wondrous natural beauty of Aspen and the surrounding area in many ways without the benefit of snow and a pair of skis, like taking a bike ride. Plenty of trails and options are available, whether you prefer to stick to smooth road cycling or want to get adventurous with mountain biking!
There’s the Rio Grande Trail, 42 miles of amazing vistas as you head toward Glenwood Springs, or visit the Roaring Fork Valley, one of the few gold-level mountain biking centers recognized by the International Mountain Bicycling Association! Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your bike, plenty of places offer rentals.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is one of the most popular activities for locals and visitors in the spring, summer, and fall if you prefer a more aquatic, easygoing adventure! It’s an incredible way to experience the high-alpine lakes and streams of the Rocky Mountains, and there’s no shortage of places to see.
The North Star Nature Preserve, Twin Lakes, Ruedi Reservoir, and Beaver Lake in Marble are just a few of the many paddleboarding destinations around Aspen. Plenty of guides and rentals are available to lend you a board and show you the best spots to go, whichever destination you choose.
Off-Roading
Aspen is also an excellent off-roading destination if you’re the more adventurous type and love to drive on untamed and wild terrain! Many adventure tour companies in the area will take you toward the summit of Aspen on hour-long adventures through the challenging but beautiful terrain, or you can rent or bring your off-road vehicle! But ensure you understand the rules for off-roading every driver should know before you get behind the wheel if you’re inexperienced.
Whitewater Rafting
There’s no shortage of whitewater rafting options in Aspen for those seeking a water adventure! The Roaring Fork River, Colorado River, and Arkansas River are all great options for whitewater rafting, and many tour guide companies will give you a day of fun and gorgeous views of the rivers and surrounding areas.
Fly Fishing
While it may be the off-season for skiing, summer is the best time for fly fishing! Aspen is an incredible location for fly fishing, whether you’re an experienced angler or don’t know a thing about fishing but want to try it. The Colorado River and Frying Pan River are excellent fly-fishing spots in the summer, and you can hire a guide to show you the ropes and help you catch your dinner!
We hope our off-season guide to having fun in Aspen inspired your vacation plans! There’s much more to the famed Colorado destination than world-class skiing, and you’ll get a chance to experience everything Aspen offers visitors if you visit in the off-season.