Without its trademark blanket of winter snow, August in Aspen reveals a late summer playground, and the 8,000-foot elevation will literally take your breath away. August is the perfect time to experience a variety of lower-key activities and events as the frenzy of family summertime activities begins to subside in preparation for the school year. Since the summer heat can be intense, many locals prefer to stay indoors during midday and save outdoor activities like hiking or biking for the cooler morning and evening temperatures.
Summer may be winding down once August hits, but in Aspen, you don’t have to stop. Here’s how to make the most of your lengthy sunny days in this idyllic mountain town.
Why Visit Aspen in August?
A summer in Aspen, Colorado is nothing short of magnificent. The skies are a brilliant electric blue (Aspen receives 300 days of sunshine each year), and the temperature is just right (high 70s, low 80s). The meadows are dotted with Indian paintbrushes and blue bells, and the air seems to carry a new fragrance from everything in bloom. The Rocky Mountain peaks, free of heavy snow, reveal themselves in full splendor.
Aspen Activities in August
Hiking at the Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells Scenic Path is undoubtedly Aspen’s most renowned trek, and with good reason: the trail offers a stunning vista of an alpine lake covered by wildflowers, as well as up-close views of the twin peaks of Maroon and North Maroon. Add on the Crater Lake Trail for a longer, slightly more difficult hike that visits the rocky beach after traipsing through a glacial rock deposit.
Downhill Mountain Biking at Snowmass
On a mountain bike, you can cover more territory and get a better feel for the local atmosphere. Sure, the sport might seem daunting at first, but Snowmass makes it easy for bikers of any level to master new skills. Slogging uphill on a bike may seem tedious and out of reach, especially if you’re coming from sea level, but Snowmass Bike Park offers a gondola and a chairlift to take away all the effort and make way for pure fun.
Aspen Parkruns
August in Aspen continues this free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate at the Aspen Golf Course. Meet at the tennis courts ready to run. The event is timed, but it’s open to runners of all ages and abilities — even if you’re not competitive! Once all runners have completed the course, join your fellow runners for coffee and local pastries in the clubhouse.
Aspen Paddleboarding
The Stillwater area of the Roaring Fork River, part of North Star Nature Preserve, moves slowly enough that it’s practically a lazy river, so it’s ideal for a leisurely standup paddleboard ride. Rent one from the sports equipment rental shops in town, apply sunscreen, and paddle or float leisurely along the cool waters, while mountain panoramas surround you completely.
Mountaintop Yoga on Aspen Mountain
Each weekday morning in August (through August 27), you can either hike to the top of Aspen Mountain or purchase a gondola lift ticket, then center yourself with a 10:30am outdoor Mountaintop Yoga class with Jayne Gottlieb of Aspen Shakti. Post-class, feel free to enjoy the Sundeck and treat yourself to a cafe lunch. (In case you did choose to hike up to the top, your gondola ride back down is free!)
Aspen Art Museum Exhibits
In an incredibly modern facility, the Aspen Art Museum houses a changing collection of contemporary art. Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban constructed the three-story edifice in downtown Aspen. The purpose behind the design was to mix indoors and outdoors by combining wood and glass elements. The Rooftop Cafe’s view of Aspen Mountain is a not-to-miss backdrop for an afternoon snack or aperitif.
Aspen Events in August
August’s Bluegrass Sundays on Aspen Mountain
Get yourself to the Sundeck on top of Aspen Mountain on Sunday afternoons to be serenaded by the sounds of top Colorado bluegrass performers. This free bluegrass concert series begins at noon each Sunday, and lasts until around 3pm — the perfect time during which to simultaneously enjoy a picnic or purchased lunch at the Sundeck.
Aspen Dinner & Movie Nights
Stop by Aspen’s Ajax Tavern on August Monday evenings to relax with dinner and a movie on the Tavern’s mountainside patio. All movies begin at 8:30pm; an 8pm arrival time is recommended.
Aspen Center for Physics Lectures During August
The Aspen Center for Physics is continually bringing thoughtful and cutting-edge presenters to town. Every Wednesday, you can listen to a new expert expound on one of a variety of relevant and innovative topics.
Anderson Ranch’s Guest Lecture Series
Anderson Ranch regularly presents 60-minute talks by talented faculty members and visiting artists-in-residence. Learn about artistic inspiration, creative processes, innovation, exploration, and more. In August, you can sign up to hear a variety of inspiring presentations. View their upcoming faculty lectures.
Aspen Historical Society Ice Cream Social & Tours
Ice cream socials have been a regular summer event in Aspen since the mining period. Every August, the Aspen Historical Society hosts an Annual Ice Cream Social. While eating your free ice cream sundae (or a boozy adult milkshake for a fee), you can enjoy free live music followed by a 45-minute theater performance of “A Briefly Complete History of Aspen.” Besides the Annual Ice Cream Social, AHS offers a variety of ongoing local historical tours throughout August.
Aspen Music Festival & School Concerts & Events
Another annual summer staple, the Aspen Music Festival & School (a classical music festival founded in 1949) continues to offer 400+ classical music events during the summer months. August events include Music on the GO, Spotlight Recitals, Aspen Chamber Symphony performances, Aspen Festival Orchestra concerts, and even more special events. See the full classical concert calendar on the AMFS website.
The Perfect August Home Away from Home
A day — or even a week — may not be enough time for you to fully enjoy all Aspen offers during the month of August. No matter how long you choose to stay, Aspen Luxury Rentals is here to assist you in finding the perfect Aspen luxury rental that’s both comfortable and convenient to your preferred August events. If you’re looking for something special to make your time in Aspen even more memorable, reach out to our team for more information.