What is there to do in Aspen in June?
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite June activities in and around Aspen. We’re sure you’ll find something for everyone in your crew!
Aspen June Events
The June Experience by JAS
An annual event hosted by Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS), The June Experience brings live performances to small downtown venues within walking distance from one another. Catch multiple musical acts in one day.
June’s Aspen Ideas Festival
Every year in June, international thought leaders gather in Aspen for the Aspen Ideas Festival, hosted by the Aspen Institute. Leading thinkers, creatives, experienced entrepreneurs, and scientists discuss current events and propose solutions to pressing worldwide concerns.
While normally an in-person event, it will take place digitally in 2021 during late June. This year’s Aspen Ideas Festival, themed “American Futures,” will incorporate four nights of digital programming as well as daytime interactive sessions. The intention of this year’s theme is to explore issues including democracy, science, equality, and our country’s role on the world stage.
Snowmass Free Summer Concert Series
While these weekly concerts last all summer long, the fun begins every Thursday night in June. The sound originates from an outdoor stage located on Fanny Hill in Snowmass Village, where stunning visual views are paired with acoustic entertainment (and often picnic fare). Watch the sun set over Snowmass Mountain while the sounds carry over the hill.
Other June Entertainment in Aspen
You’ll find a slew of entertainment options within the walls of the Aspen Art Museum’s latticelike cube (a piece of art in itself, designed by Pritzker prize–winning architect Shigeru Ban). Besides admiring rotating displays of provocative contemporary art, you’ll be able to take in summer workshops, Movies at the Museum, dance performances, and live music in the café.
The intimate Belly Up music venue in downtown Aspen offers performances by top musical guests year-round — June included. You can choose a reserved seat (and have dinner with your show) or take your chances with standing-room only.
For more variety in summer performances, you’ll want to check out the event calendars of both Theatre Aspen and the Wheeler Opera House for summer dance, film, stage and vocal productions.
The Aspen Outdoors in June
Is there Snow in Aspen in June?
The answer to this question depends on the year — the snowpack, the temperatures, and more. You won’t generally find snow on the ground in Aspen proper (although the occasional erratic summer snowstorm has occurred), but if you’re planning a June hike, there are a number of trails that may still be snow-covered — especially if you’re heading up Independence Pass.
June Hiking in Aspen
If you’re staying in town and aren’t feeling very rugged, then a paved downtown trail like the Rio Grande Trail may be your speed. The trail begins behind the Aspen post office and follows the Roaring Fork River. If the trails are clear of snow , don’t miss the opportunity for spectacular views on the Cathedral Lake and American Lake trails. Contact downtown’s Ute Mountaineer for the latest trail conditions.
June Biking in Aspen
Having joined the ranks of the designated international IMBA Gold Level Ride Centers, the Aspen valley is a prime spot for mountain biking enthusiasts. In June of every year, the Snowmass Bike Park opens. Take your bike up the Elk Camp Gondola and lift and cruise down over 25 miles of purpose-built downhill singletrack.
If you’re not the mountain biking type, there are several gorgeous road rides in the Aspen area. From the Rio Grande trail, which runs downhill all the way from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, to the scenic ride up to the iconic Maroon Bells or the heart- and muscle-busting climb up Independence Pass, you can still get your cycling fix.
Aspen River Adventures in June
While the water’s usually cold and the water’s high from the recent snowmelt, there are a number of safe (yet exciting) whitewater tours available. Local outdoor outfitters — like Blazing Adventures — have guides who’ll take you through epic class I to class IV rapids, depending on your appetite for adventure. East of town, you’ll find areas with slower water where standup paddleboarding is possible. Or, if you’re not into floating, hire a fly-fishing guide to teach you the secrets of catching brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout in the Roaring Fork River’s Gold Medal-rated fishing holes.
Enjoying the Views in Aspen in June
Ride Aspen’s Silver Queen Gondola
While you don’t have to purchase a gondola pass to see the scenery at the top of Aspen Mountain, the long and steep hike can be a bit much for those not used to significant heart-pumping at high elevation. If you do purchase a pass to ride Aspen’s Silver Queen Gondola to the top, your day pass also includes several free activities. You can play disc golf on one of the highest official courses in the world, hike through the aspen trees, catch some yoga, or grab lunch on the Sundeck patio while soaking in the surrounding beauty in the sunshine.
Journey to the Continental Divide
If you’ve got access to a vehicle and don’t mind a scenic drive on twisting roads, don’t miss your chance to stand on top of the Continental Divide, where the views are breathtaking at 12,095 feet. The summit of Independence Pass is located 19 miles east of downtown Aspen, and the drive generally takes about 30 minutes (not counting any stops you’ll want to make along the way to soak in the majestic terrain).
Local’s Guide to Aspen in June
If you’re visiting the Aspen area in June and would like some guidance from long-time locals, contact our team at Aspen Luxury Rentals. We’ll give you enough local intel to make you feel at home — and, if you find you don’t want to leave, we’ve got plenty of properties from which you can choose!