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Summer Favorites: Hikes, Activities, Evenings & IMBA Gold Trail Rides

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Summer in Snowmass is nothing short of spectacular. With wide open spaces to explore, a vibrant village, and endless activities, our cozy mountain town offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a day tripper, weekend warrior or are here for the long haul, there is plenty for you and your crew to do while visiting Snowmass. The volume of activities, hikes, bike rides and sites in Snowmass see can be overwhelming, so we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to help get you on your way.

Hikes:

More than 90 miles of trails connect directly to the Village, which puts nature right at your doorstep.

Tom Blake Trail – Tom Blake is a shaded bike, hike, and equestrian friendly trail that winds through some of the prettiest Aspen groves in the valley as its makes its way across Snowmass Ski Area. This trail is a fan favorite in the summer, be sure to stay aware and share the trail!

Government Trail – Government Trail is filled with short up- and downhill sections between forests, meadows, and streams all the way to Buttermilk.

Elk Camp – Arguably the best view in Snowmass, the top of the Elk Camp chairlift offers 360-degree alpine views that include the Maroon Bells. Start from Base Village and follow the Vista Trail to the top of the Elk Camp Gondola where you connect to Summit Trail that takes you to the top. Looking for something shorter? Opt to take the gondola to meet the Summit Trail to eliminate some of the uphill hiking. Even better? After taking in the view from the top, take the Elk Camp chairlift and/or gondola back to Base Village for a more forgiving descent. 

Snowmass Lake – If you backpack once this summer, make it to a location worth the hike. This 16-mile hike is best enjoyed with a picnic lunch and plenty of water in your pack. This longer hike is the best way to soak in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness’ largest (and perhaps most spectacular) alpine lake which will alleviate any sore muscles and make the view from your tent nothing short of extraordinary.

 

Bike Rides:

Snowmass is at the heart of Colorado’s first and only IMBA Gold-Level Ride Center, with cross-country and lift-served biking for all ages and abilities.

Snowmass Bike Park – In Base Village, you can load your bike into the gondola at 8,432 feet, and then on Elk Camp Chairlift to start your ride at 11,325 feet with views of dramatic alpine scenery and 14,000-foot peaks. At almost three miles long, with 1,400 feet in elevation drop, the black-diamond Valhalla is chock-full of dipping berms, thrilling wall rides, and perfectly constructed jump features. Beginner trails, skill-building parks and lessons open the door to new riders who want to explore what all the hype is about.

Rim Trail – A Snowmass Classic, Rim Trail climbs up to a ridge that offers true cross-country riding (think climbs and descents) through spruce and aspen groves, then high-desert scrub oak—all with expansive views of the valley. This trail can be shuttled from the trail head on upper divide road to wildcat reserve, or connects to Seven Star for the full Rim Trail Loop

Deadline – A part of the beloved Sky Mountain Park Trails, Deadline is a downhill flow trail with generous in-sloped berms, rollers, table tops, drops and a couple doubles that can be gapped at speed is a must-ride.

 

Three-Day Itinerary:

Day 1 – Hiking and activities. Start the day with a hike up the Rim Trail to the yin-yang platform overlooking Mt. Daly, Snowmass’ iconic mountain with a handsome diagonal stripe. Grab lunch on the Snowmass Mall, then head to the Elk Camp Gondola to ride up the mountain for the hub of activities, The Lost Forest, complete with climbing walls, ropes course and the exhilarating Breathtaker Alpine Coaster.

Day 2 –Mountain Biking. Sky Mountain Park offers the Roaring Fork Valley’s smoothest singletrack, rolling terrain, gradual grades and banked turns designed so riders can carry momentum with minimal peddling and braking. End your ride at the Snowmass Recreation Center, where the saltwater pool and hot tubs beckon.

Day 3 – Whitewater rafting. Spend the morning rafting the Roaring Fork River, enjoy lunch on the Snowmass Mall for dine-in or takeout on the new Fanny Hill picnic tables! Spend the afternoon hiking on some of Snowmass’ 80+ miles of trail. 

 

Evenings:

Wednesdays – The Snowmass Rodeo returns every Wednesday this summer! Come early for a free petting zoo and roping for the kids, plus shopping, mechanical bull rides, a cowboy dinner, and more!

Thursdays – Join us every Thursday for live music on Fanny Hill! Wind your way through the Snowmass Mall and Snowmass Base Village for restaurant specials, entertainment, and more.

Fridays – Kick off the weekend with Fridays on the Mall, featuring live music from local Roaring Fork Valley musicians.

Weekends – Keep and eye out on our events page for all the exciting events making their way back to Snowmass. Highlights include, Ragnar Race, Snowmass Rendezvous, Balloon Festival and the Golden Leaf Half Marathon. 

 

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