Summer Outdoor Bucket List

Who says Aspen is just a winter wonderland? These six outdoor activities make the warm-weather months as appealing as ski season.

EVEN INDOOR types embrace the great outdoors in Aspen. From hiking the Maroon Bells to floating down the Roaring Fork River to driving to Independence Pass, here are half a dozen must-dos tempting enough to persuade you to buy a home in Aspen just to enjoy them all at your leisure.

1) See the Maroon Bells. The best way to admire the jaw-dropping, bell-shaped 14,000-foot twin peaks is to board the shuttle bus at Aspen Highlands for the ninemile ride up the scenic Maroon Creek Valley. (Open mid-May to mid-October. Reservations are required for the shuttle bus and for driving your own car. 970.930.6442; info@visitmaroonbells.com) The shuttle drops you steps from the shores of Maroon Lake, which offers a magnificent view, no hiking required. From here, you can meander around the lake, enjoy a picnic lunch, or hike to Crater Lake. For a true western experience, explore the extensive wilderness surrounding Aspen on horseback with Maroon Bells Guides and Outfitters, located at T Lazy 7 Ranch, at the base of the Maroon Creek Valley (970.925.4677). Another option is an alpinist adventure on foot with an experienced local guide, available through Aspen Expeditions (970.925.7625).

2) Take the Aspen Mountain Gondola to the summit. You’ll ascend 3,267 vertical feet from the base in 15 minutes. At the top you’ll find everything from the world’s highest disc golf course to yoga to free bluegrass concerts on Sundays. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views from an Adirondack chair or have lunch at The Sundeck, operated by The Little Nell, Aspen’s only five-star hotel.

3) Bike the scenic Rio Grande Trail to Woody Creek Tavern. Enjoy a leisurely (mostly downhill) eight-mile ride along the Roaring Fork River to Woody Creek Tavern (2858 Upper River Road, 970.923.4585). Bask in the sun on the outdoor patio at the funky bar and restaurant made famous by local legends like Hunter S. Thompson and Sheriff Bob Braudis. Treat yourself to spicy margaritas or mimosas and delicious Mexican food or elevated bar fare such as bison meatballs and oysters on the half shell.

4) Get your feet wet. Try white-water rafting or standup paddleboarding on the Colorado River, or kayaking on the Roaring Fork with Aspen outfitter Blazing Adventures (970.923.4544). Or catch the fabled rainbow trout in the Gold Medal waters of the Roaring Fork with Aspen Fly Fishing (970.920.6886).

5) Drive Colorado Highway 82 over Independence Pass. One of Colorado’s most breathtaking routes, this famous stretch of roadway makes you feel as if you’re in an airplane ascending the high alpine with the valley falling away thousands of feet below.

6) Meander through the John Denver Sanctuary. With the singer’s famous song lyrics carved into large boulders scattered among the grass-covered hills beside the Roaring Fork, this is the ideal place to absorb the meaning of “Rocky Mountain High.” —Alison Margo

CONTEMPORARY

HOME IN ASPEN’S EAST END | Aspen | $8,250,000

Enjoy all that Aspen has to offer from this beautifully furnished home designed by BOTO Architects of California. The contemporary home is conveniently located within blocks of the downtown core and Smuggler hiking trails. Sounds of the Roaring Fork River float through the house, adding to the zen energy of this modern, gated residence in Colorado. Full-height stacking and sliding glass doors merge the living room and a private courtyard into one unique indoor/outdoor living space. Situated on 2 levels, all above grade, the home also boasts mostly indirect natural light throughout and stunning en suite bedrooms with unobstructed views of Aspen Mountain. Web# 177961.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOME WITH INCREDIBLE VIEWS | Aspen | $5,600,000

This contemporary home on a corner immediately catches one's eye in Aspen's West End neighborhood. Designed by the highly recognized architect, Scott Lindenau of Studio B, the home offers an open floor plan and high ceilings, multiple patios with incredible mountain views and mahogany elements throughout the refined design. Residents will particularly enjoy accessing the heated outdoor patio through walls of glass doors off of the dining area and a private patio off of the beautiful primary suite in this mountain retreat. Web# 177178.

LUXURY SKI-IN/OUT RENTAL | Snowmass Village | $75,000/month

Enjoy the ultimate Colorado skiing outside your door with this luxurious, 4-bedroom rental home located off of Creekside Trail in the coveted Two Creeks neighborhood. Relax in the outdoor living area featuring a built-in grill, seating and dining, spa and gas fireplace, or head indoors to take advantage of the gourmet chef's kitchen, butler pantry, media room and sauna. Web# 177261.

HIGHLANDS MOUNTAIN GETAWAY | Aspen | $175,000/month

Within blocks to the base area chairlifts, downtown Aspen's favorite shops and restaurants and the Aspen Recreation Center, this 8-bedroom property offers a location close to all of Aspen's top adventures. Set behind the gated entry, the beautifully furnished home boasts an open floor plan, gourmet chef's kitchen and incredible mountain views. Web# 170201.

Lori Guilander, Broker Associate | O: 970.923.4700 | M: 970.987.1450 | lori.guilander@elliman.com

—LAS VEGAS —