Aspen Summer Activities

Blazing Adventures - Aspen Rafting and Summer Fun

When the world-renowned Aspen/Snowmass ski areas close for the season, there are still plenty of things to do in the area. In fact, many Aspen locals feel that there’s even more to do in the summer. If you are ready to experience the outdoors of the Colorado Mountains, Aspen Snowmass is a prime spot to do so. The area truly comes to life in the summer with world-class events and festivals, as well as an abundance of recreational activities. Visitors and locals enjoy whitewater rafting, inflatable kayaking, hiking, biking, Jeeping, hot air ballooning, fly-fishing, sunset dinners, and more—all summer long! Incline Ski Shop's sister company, Blazing Adventures, is a one-stop shop for all your outdoor adventure needs.

With over 40 years of experience guiding outdoor activities in Colorado, Blazing Adventures is Aspen and Snowmass' most knowledgeable whitewater rafting and outdoor adventure company. Whether you are a family with small children or an adrenaline junkie, a group of 1 or 100, looking to bike the Maroon Bells or raft some Class IV+ rapids, Blazing Adventures has just the adventure for you. Read below for information on many of the outdoor activities offered by Blazing Adventures, and visit the site for more details.

Whitewater Rafting
Blazing offers a wide variety of raft trips, from beginner, intermediate, and advanced, on three different rivers - the Roaring Fork River, the Colorado River, and the Arkansas. There’s nothing better than a refreshing day out on the river in the summer, and Blazing Adventures has experienced guides that make every raft trip a memorable experience.

Inflatable Kayaks/Duckies
The inflatable kayaks offered by Blazing Adventures are a great way to test your skills on the water and learn from a guide. These kayaks are very stable, easy to master, and can make shallow water and smaller whitewater a little more exciting. Follow a guide down the middle section of the Roaring Fork River while you travel over smaller rapids and enjoy a refreshing day in the river. This is a completely different experience that a trip in a full-sized raft, and it offers fun for all ages!

Biking Tours
Offering scenic road rides, downhill cruises, and off-road and singletrack tours, Blazing Adventures offers a variety of bikes adventures for every type of rider. Choose from the popular Maroon Bells downhill, or the Rio Grande to the infamous Woody Creek Tavern, or something a bit more technical. Biking is an excellent way to take in the incredible scenery around Aspen Snowmass.

Hiking Tours
Blazing Adventures offers three types of hikes around Aspen Snowmass; beginner half day hikes to Crater Lake or Hunter Creek, ½-day and ¾-day intermediate hikes with a bit more challenging terrain, and three full-day hikes for the more experienced and fit hiker. All trips include an experienced guide and the chance to learn about the diverse flora and fauna, the geology of the area, and the incredible history of the Aspen Snowmass area. Blazing also offers guided fourteener trips, for those looking for even more of a challenge.

Jeep tours
Travel off the beaten path in one of Blazing Adventures’ custom open-air Jeeps. Climb through high alpine meadows and enjoy spectacular mountain views. Jeep tours take guests on Aspen Mountain, Snowmass Mountain, Lenado beyond Reudi Reservoir, and even over Taylor Pass. Knowledgeable guides teach guests about the history of the area, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Sunset Dinner Jeep Tours
This exciting evening includes a little bit of everything. Guests will be taken up Snowmass Ski Area on a four-wheel-drive tour of the mountain, while learning about Snowmass history, geology, and wildlife. The Jeep tour ends at the Burlingame Cabin, where people can hike around and see the sites, relax, or even play a game of horseshoes. An extensive BBQ meal is served at the cabin, including s’mores, and afterwards, a local musician plays music around a campfire. This is a great opportunity to see Snowmass Ski Area in the summer, eat great food outdoors, and enjoy time around a campfire under the stars. The sunset dinners are truly fun for all ages.

Horseback Riding
Blazing Adventures offers a diverse selection of horseback rides for riders of all abilities and ages. This is a fabulous way to get off the beaten path and see the Aspen Snowmass backcountry. Rides range from 1 ½ hours to full day adventures, with trips that are close to town or more remote. Spend some time outdoors in the wilderness on one of our fun-loving horses and learn about the area from an experienced guide. Many of the trips include lunch, and all include incredible views.

Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is one of the most loved Aspen Snowmass activities, and a wonderful way to experience the peace and beauty of our rivers. Blazing Adventures has full and half day guided trips on the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan Rivers, both offering some of the finest wild trout fishing in the state. Take in the gorgeous mountain vistas, spot wildlife like deer, elk, and wild duck, and try your hand at a beautiful sport on Gold Medal Rivers. Blazing even offers kids pond fishing for children of all ages.

Hot Air Balloon Tours
This peaceful and awe-inspiring activity is truly the best way to see the area and take in the fantastic scenery all at once. The Blazing Adventures hot air balloon rides start at sunset and take guests in the air for approximately one hour. View the rugged landscape surrounding Aspen and Snowmass, spot wildlife, and cap it all off with a champagne toast!

When visiting Aspen and Snowmass during the summer season, you will find a plethora of things to do. Numerous outdoor activities, festivals, events, live music, dining, shopping, and relaxing spas will keep you entertained for days, maybe even weeks. There is never a dull moment in the summer at Aspen Snowmass. If you have any questions about favorite hikes, mountain bike trails, fishing spots, or more, please don't hestitate to contact Incline for great summer advice!