Rachel's Top 5 Picks for Can’t-Miss Summer Events and Activities in Aspen

Rachel’s Top 5 Picks for Can’t-Miss Summer Events and Activities in Aspen

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M A K I N G L U X U R Y T H E S T A N D A R D

A serene lake nestled among majestic mountains and lush trees, reflecting the beauty of nature.

There’s no denying the beauty and splendor of Aspen in the winter, but many people – including locals and visitors alike – fail to appreciate the magnificence of an Aspen summer fully. Aspen has you covered if you want to take in the rolling green

hills and crisp air from a mountain-top yoga session or enjoy fine dining before a late-night concert.

Here are my top 5 picks for can’t-miss summer events and activities in Aspen.

A bright white living room featuring a cozy fireplace and a comfortable chair, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

SUITE REYAD

Suite Reyad takes the salon experience to the next level. The famed New York Hair Salon returns to Aspen’s St. Regis for the summer, offering cuts, color, and styling treatments.You’ll be pampered from the moment you step inside (or even the moment before, since you can valet your car at the St. Regis). Sip a glass of Nomadic rose wine while you get a fresh blowout and then enjoy lunch before heading home.There’s a reason why Suite Reyad is considered one of the best salons in the country.

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A white plate filled with fresh radishes and sliced onions, showcasing vibrant colors and textures.

DUEMANI LUNCH

Situated in the heart of Aspen, Duemani offers mouthwatering dishes in an intimate setting that feels like a slice of the Mediterranean. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Deumani serves contemporary coastal Italian flavors, seafood dishes, and prime grilled meats. Duemani is also a paradise for fine wine lovers with a diverse wine list of domestic, Italian, and French varietals.Duemani’s new lunch hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. And since Duemani is one of the only restaurants in Aspen to take lunch reservations, it’s a perfect place to entertain out- of-town guests or have a long lunch after a day of planned activities.Are you visiting with a large group? Duemani accommodates parties of up to 26 in a private dining room. Just be sure to book early because they tend to fill up quickly.

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One of the best aspen summer activities is yoga with other people on a mountain peak, with stunning mountains visible in the distance.

ASPEN SHAKTI

If you’re looking for a spiritual, relaxing, and energizing experience, you can’t beat mountain top yoga at Aspen Shakti. The studio, which boasts incredible mountain views, is welcoming to people of all fitness levels, from seasoned yogis to those of us still working on our Tree Pose.Mountain Top Yoga is live at 10:30 am Monday through Friday. Your experience begins with a gondola ride up the mountain and finishes with a delightful lunch overlooking beautiful Aspen. In between, you’ll find your center, where the human journey meets the divine.Shakti Rituals are back this summer, allowing visitors to gather and amplify their manifestations with a New Moon Ritual. A journey toAspen Shakti is guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and connected.

A table laden with an array of colorful plates filled with various delicious foods.

CATCH STEAK BRUNCH

What could be better than weekend brunch atop one of Aspen’s only rooftop patios? Catch Steak curates an ideal atmosphere for sipping champagne and taking in the Ajax views.Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. The wide selection of dishes includes a range of flavors that put a fresh spin on the classic steakhouse menu. However, with offerings like wagyu burgers and cinnamon roll pancakes, it’s safe to say that Catch Steak isn’t your average spot brunch destination.

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A view of a building's interior featuring rustic wooden beams that enhance its architectural charm.

DJ SETS WITH GOLDEN AT THE AAM

One of my FAVORITE things returning this year after a long hiatus is “DJ Sets with Golden” (at the Aspen Art Museum). Local DJ Alex Golden has her own unique style – a 4/4 beat with a high tempo – which has made her a household name amongst Aspen’s electronic music crowd.This is a can’t-miss pick for me because it’s one of those experiences that you remember for decades and can never quite replicate. DJ Golden brings locals and visitors together for an exciting, fun, and unforgettable evening. It needs to be on your calendar if you’re lucky enough to be in town for one of her

Your Guide to Guides

Your Guide to Guides | ALC

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Aspen Guides - Majestic mountains rise above a landscape of green trees and grass, showcasing nature's beauty.
By Brooke Ely Danielson


Explore Aspen through a different lens with the help of a guide. The valley offers up some of the most accomplished outdoor athletes, who work their day jobs at high-end outfitters, guiding in activities such as: climbing, hiking, cycling and beyond. Hiring a guide has the potential to enhance your Aspen exploration tenfold. Think new terrain, outdoor education and all of your gear and routes provided, mapped out and planned. Aspen Luxury concierge will handle the booking and details for your desired guided adventure of choice. 

If you have dreamt about summiting a certain peak or finding that hidden gem of a trail with a breathtaking waterfall (a true instagram worthy moment), your guides will know just where to take you. Looking to fly fish in some of the best locations along the Rio grande? Your guides will know just where to take you. 

For the more serious adventurer, Aspen Alpine Guides is just the outfitter for you. Founded in 1987, AAG specializes in a variety of excursions ranging from Aspen to Crested Butte. They offer year-round guided trips including hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, snow-shoeing, cross country ski instruction and tours, backcountry skiing, out of bounds lift-assisted skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, hut trips on the 10th Mountain Hut System, and High Altitude Training for runners and Cyclists. Their guides are certified in emergency wilderness medicine and can tailor any trip to suit the clients needs and level of ability. 

For the hiker, climber and knowledge seeker, Aspen Expeditions offers up packaged climbing deals as well as outdoor activities custom tailored to your needs. Their guides all hold Wilderness First Responder certificates (also known at WFR) and even, additionally, EMT-paramedic medical certifications. 

Looking to unwind with a day of fly fishing, clay shooting or hunting? Aspen Outfitting company will help you escape for the day in any of these guided adventures by taking care of every detail, ensuring your utmost and total enjoyment on the river, at the shooting range or deep in the forest. 

Paddle your way down the Rio Grande river with Elk Mountain. They are the premier  water rafting guides. Elk Mountain offers comprehensive guided trips ranging from class 1-5 in difficulty. While these are group trips, Elk Mountain is also available for private river tours. Not into rapids? Their class 1 offer takes you via paddle board along the North Star nature preserve, where you can stand or sit on your board and enjoy the scenic views.