Retreat to Nature

19 Hikes, from Family Friendly to High Altitude Adventure 19 Hikes, from Family Friendly to High Altitude Adventure

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

spinning tales

Aspen Fitness Entrepreneur Pete Holman Releases His First Novel

Through elite-level cycling, a young athlete rises above a challenging background.

07/16/2020 By Allison Pattillo

Virtual Reality

Tune into Aspen's Summer Arts Season

Music, theater, art exhibits, lectures—find a mix of live and online programming.

07/01/2020 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Eat & Drink

Root Down

The Seeds We Sow

A back-to-the-land food movement grows even stronger in the Roaring Fork Valley plus, where to get farm-fresh goods

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison and Olive & West Photography

plant the seed

Why Community Agriculture, Regenerative Farming, and Local Sourcing Matter More Than Ever

Digging in now to grow for the future is the motto for farmers in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison Photography by Olive & West Photography

Quality Control

Roaring Fork Valley Farmers Markets and Local Growers

Where to shop and what to expect this summer, plus who's growing what here and in the North Fork Valley

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison Photography by Olive & West Photography

The Connectors

Farm Runners Bridges the Gap Between Growers and Chefs

In a few short years, the delivery service has become one of the most important links in the local food chain.

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison Photography by Olive & West Photography

Close to Home

How Aspen Restaurant Bosq Does Food Locally

Owner and Chef C. Barclay Dodge digs deep into sustainable sourcing.

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison

The Long View

Aspen's Agricultural Visionary

Eden Vardy of the Farm Collaborative wants nothing less than to save the planet.

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison Photography by Olive & West Photography

Sweet Memories

A Mission to Celebrate Local History Bears Fruit

The Heritage Fruit Tree Project is thriving.

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison Photography by Olive & West Photography

culinary prowess

Field to Table in the North Fork Valley

The Forage Sisters turn a family farm’s abundance into a meaningful business.

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison

Digging In

2 Forks Club lends local growers a key ingredient for successful farming

Zero-interest loans help small farmers produce their bounty.

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison Photography by Olive & West Photography

one-stop shopping

Where to Find CSAs, Community Gardens, and Classes

Stock up on fresh food and knowledge all summer long.

07/19/2020 By Amanda M. Faison and Olive & West Photography

Bottle Rocket

Colorado as a Hot Wine Destination?

Indeed, Centennial State vintages are finding appreciative drinkers.

07/10/2020 By Tom Passavant

Health & Wellness

rescue remedy

A Skin Care Must: Antedotum's New Face Oil

The Aspen-based company offers a CBD-enhanced tonic for high-altitude hydration.

07/10/2020 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Home & Real Estate

Backcountry Bliss

Here's the Perfect High-Country Hideaway

A tucked-away aerie on the far side of Aspen Mountain lets a local couple live at one with the landscape.

07/16/2020 By Catherine Lutz Photography by Ross Kribbs

News & Profiles

Dear Readers

The Pandemic Has Given Us an Oasis of Calm

Without the frenzy of summer events, this quieter summer allows us to take a breather and focus on the outdoors.

07/16/2020 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Altitude Adjustment

Dear Meredith: Is It Okay to Stay in My Aspen Bubble During Covid-19?

Your only-in-Aspen questions, answered.

07/16/2020 By Meredith Carroll

Call & Response

A Q&A with Aspen High Athletic Director Martha Richards

The former pro golfer discusses the importance of practice rounds, the pitfalls of college-level coaching, and the value of being a good teammate.

07/10/2020 By as told to Sarah Chase Shaw

Community Table

From Red Cross Heroes Karen and Tom Nern to SheLift Founder Sarah Herron, our Fantasy Guest List

Here’s whom we’d invite if we could entertain this season’s most interesting visitors, locals, and newsmakers.

07/02/2020 By Cindy Hirschfeld Illustrations by Jen Gillette

Style & Shopping

style roundup

Saddle Up Like an Aspen Cowgirl

Three runway-inspired riffs on haute Wild West

07/10/2020 Styled by Britta Briscoe

Travel & Outdoors

retreat to nature

19 Great Hikes Around Aspen

High-mountain passes, alpine lakes, wildflower-strewn meadows, fragrant forests—the Aspen area offers adventurers all of this and more.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

safety first

Be Prepared to Hike in the High Country

Before setting out, read over these trail tips.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

all together now

Family-Friendly Hikes

Whether because of their accessible length or level of challenge, these trails are great options for kids who like to explore.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

top tarns

Hike to a High-Mountain Lake

At these unforgettable locations, the water glistens in the sunlight, small waves gently lap the shore, and trout ply the depths.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

crowd sourced

Classic Aspen Hikes

These are some of the most popular routes, with good reason—just be prepared to share the trail with other enthusiasts.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

Aim High

4 Ways to Ascend a Mountain Pass

This worthy goal rewards you with a view into another valley.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

Round and Round

On Loop Hikes, New Vistas Unfold the Whole Way

Don’t want to see the same scenery twice? Set out on one of these routes, which circle back to your starting point.

07/21/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

Hiking Elevated

19 Great Hikes in the Roaring Fork Valley

High-mountain passes, alpine lakes, wildflower-strewn meadows, fragrant forests—the Aspen area offers adventurers all of this and more.

07/16/2020 By Manasseh Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer

tweet this

A Birding Big Year in a Small Valley

Aspen and its environs are home to more than 150 avian species; two local birders set out to view as many of them as possible in 12 months.

07/14/2020 By Rebecca Weiss Photography by Mark Fuller

Your Perfect Day

Where to Golf in the Roaring Fork Valley

Get a taste of the private life at a fraction of the cost at these public courses.

07/13/2020 By Todd Hartley

Golden Hoofbeats

During a Legacy Anniversary, the Roaring Fork Hounds Pony Club Rides On.

An offshoot of the "Highest Hunt in America," the club grooms young equestrians in horsemanship and much more.

07/08/2020 By Linda Lafferty

on the run

Rickey Gates Is Running’s Renaissance Man

The Aspen native shares his epic journey across the country through photos and essays in a compelling new book.

07/02/2020 By Allison Pattillo

Perfect Getaway

Alternatives to Aspen's Most Popular Spots

Leave the throngs behind with one of these scenic stand-ins to our most-loved places.

07/02/2020 By Catherine Lutz

Wheel Deal

Why the Roaring Fork Valley Is Considered Colorado's Top Cycling Spot

New trails, a huge bike park addition, and the start of a pro stage race highlight this summer.

07/02/2020 By Allison Pattillo