Thrill List

The Ultimate Guide to Aspen Summer Adventures

More than 50 ways to explore outside on two feet, two wheels, and whatever floats your boat.

06/24/2025 By Cindy Hirschfeld With Kelly Bastone, James Dziezynski, Manasseh Franklin, Todd Hartley, and Catherine Lutz

Dog Days in Aspen

10 Top Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Roaring Fork Valley

These close-to-town routes come recommended by local pups and their owners.

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Get the Gear for a High-Altitude Summit

Everything you need for peak performance

07/05/2021 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: Williams Mountain South C

The ponderous name belies an accessible peak.

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: Tabor Peak

A dramatic knife-edge walk and a blazing blue high-alpine tarn

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: Petroleum Peak

Bag a summit far more scenic than the oily moniker implies.

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: UN 13,001 "Lost Man Lake Peak"

Test your scrambling skills on Colorado's lowest ranked 13er.

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

High-Altitude Hiking Preparedness Basics

What to know before you go

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

Explore Aspen's 13ers

Hike a 13er: East Geissler Mountain

A full day’s worth of scenery in a compact outing

07/05/2021 By James Dziezynski

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

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

Field Notes

Hike of the Week: Chapman Lake Trail

This short hike in the upper Fryingpan Valley has a big payoff.

06/24/2020 By Aspen Sojourner Staff

Great Outdoors

Family Hiking Gear

Trail-worthy picks for hikers, big and little

07/23/2019 By Cindy Hirschfeld

Field Notes

Hike of the Week: Conundrum Creek Trail

Choose your distance on this gorgeous out-and-back route or hoof it all the way to the natural hot springs.

10/10/2018 By Aspen Sojourner Staff