Are you ready for the summer? WE MOST CERTAINLY ARE! Warmer weather has us thinking about long summer days, hungry fish and awe-inspiring sunsets. If you are as excited as we are, you’re probably already making plans. Here’s a list of some of our favorite Summer activities for 2023!
Catch a fish on a Dry Fly
This is our favorite thing to do in the summer, hands down. The Roaring Fork is a world famous dry fly fishery! The best time to get in on the dry fly action is from the 3rd week of June through the month of July. We have prolific Caddis, Pale Morning Dun, Green Drake and Blue Winged Olive Hatches!
There’s nothing better than watching a wild trout eat a dry fly. If you’ve never done it, you’ve got to try it this summer. If you have, we know you’ll want to do it again!
Break a Clay Target
Breaking a Clay Target is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. Though challenging, hitting a moving target is about as much fun as you can have with a shotgun. Come make some clays disintegrate in front of our favorite view in the world this summer! To learn more about Clay Target Shooting in Aspen, click here.
Ride Your Bike To The Woody Creek Tavern
The Woody Creek Tavern is a world-famous summer watering hole for anglers, bikers, locals and visitors. Ride your bike down the Rio Grande Trail from Aspen to Woody Creek, enjoy a great meal (and killer margarita) – you’ll be glad you did. While you’re waiting for a table or mustering the strength to get back on your bike, stop in and see us next door!
Try Woody Creek’s Best Coffee and the World’s Best Donuts!
Looking for the best way to start your day? Need a little sugar and caffeine to pick you up after your bike ride? We’ve got what you need! Lattes, Cappuccinos, Americanos, Pour Over Coffee and More! Plus, we’re lucky to have the best donuts in the world from Sweet Coloradough in Glenwood Springs makes our favorite donuts in the world. Swing by the woody creek shop to start your day of with the world’s best sugary treat!
Visit the Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are one of Aspen’s true gems. If you’ve never been, you have to go see the most photographed peaks in North America! The best way to get there is to take the Roaring Fork Transit Authority’s Maroon Bells Shuttle. Reservations are highly recommended, so if you’re planning a trip, click here to find more information and book!
If you’re going up there, we always recommend bringing a fly rod and fishing Maroon Lake! This stunning alpine lake is home to beautiful brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Although we don’t guide trips on Maroon Lake, we have everything that you need to be successful in our shop. If you’re planning on going up there, stop by and we’ll customize a complete alpine set up for you.
If you feel like stretching your legs, hike from Maroon Lake to Crater Lake. This beautiful 3.5 mile out and back trail is one of our favorite hikes. It’s entertaining for avid hikers, but not too difficult for people who aren’t used to hiking at elevation.
Food and Wine Classic Aspen (and AOC Afterparty!)
The Food and Wine Festival is always one of the highlights of the year, and an incredible way to kick off the summer! If you’ve been in the past, you know how much fun it is. Click here to learn more about this year’s festival.
But, the fun will continue after the festival! We will be hosting our annual Food and Wine (unofficial) official closing party again this year. Join us at our Woody Creek Shop for great food, frosty beverages, amazing people and an incredible time! Stay tuned for more for more details.
Drive to the Top of Independence Pass
If you have a car while you’re in the area, driving up Independence pass is a must! Take Highway 82 east out of town and climb through stunning aspen groves, mighty stands of conifers and breathtaking alpine terrain.
See Some Live Music
Aspen is home to amazing live music every summer. Whether you’re into Jazz, Rock, Classical, Electronic, Soul, Funk, or Hip Hop, Aspen hosts a range of amazing venues and music festivals. Check out the following link to learn about the Aspen Jazz Festival, Snowmass Summer Concert Series, Aspen Music Festival, Music on the Mountain, Blue Grass Sundays, and who is coming to Belly Up!
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/discover/experiences/guides/live-music-guide
We hope you’re as excited as we are for summer 2023, let us know what your favorite things to do in aspen are on social media or by emailing us at contact@aspenoutfitting.com.
Written by Cian McGillicuddy, Video footage by Anna Stonehouse.