When the alpine air grows crisp, you know that Aspen in August is right around the corner. Aspen, Colorado, is well-known as a beautiful fall destination. However, August is the perfect time of year to visit. Right on the cusp between summer and fall, visitors can enjoy fall outdoor activities in the temperate summer weather.

What is the Weather Like in Aspen, Colorado in August?

In August, Aspen has moderate, summer weather. The average high temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees fahrenheit and the average low temperature is between 40 and 44 degrees fahrenheit. Aspen experiences moderate cloud cover during the day. There is brief, light rainfall during August; the Roaring Fork Valley usually gets around 1 inch of accumulated precipitation.

The moderate weather makes Aspen the perfect destination for an end of summer trip. It is the best time of year to hike, fly fish, golf, check out the nightlife, and more.

11 Exclusive Things to Do in Aspen in August

You don’t have to be an expert outdoorsman to experience Aspen’s natural beauty. This mountain destination caters to all activity and skill levels with a variety of terrains. If hiking isn’t your thing, Aspen also has a lively nightlife scene, luxury spas, and numerous music venues.

1. Enjoy a Luxury Picnic

There is no better way to enjoy Aspen’s natural beauty than with a picnic. Why waste a beautiful day when you can dine in the fresh air with a view of the mountains? A luxury picnic can be customized to your aesthetic, desires, and dietary requirements.

An Aspen picnic is one of the services offered by Aspen Luxury Concierge. When you book an outdoor dining experience, your concierge will:

Pick up locally sourced dishes from the Aspen Saturday Market
Pack the picnic or arrange for catering
Set up furniture, seating, and shade
Obtain permits and reserve space if needed
Arrange transportation to the outdoor venue
Recommend a suitable picnic location
Personally shop for any necessary hiking gear
And more!

If the Aspen weather in August decides not to cooperate, there’s always a backup plan! Aspen has some of the best restaurants in the world, including several Michelin starred and reccomended establishments. It is common for such eateries to host exclusive events with specialty menu options. Please refer to this guide for a full overview of the best restaurants in Aspen. Alternatively, your concierge can hire a personal chef for intimate dining or coordinate a takeout order.

2. Play a Round of Golf

Unique among mountain towns, Aspen is home to several full-sized, award-winning golf courses. The largest public course is The Aspen Golf Course, which was designed by renowned golf course architect Frank Hummel. Both visitors and locals enjoy the challenge of undulating greens and water elements, and you may even spot a moose out on the course! Maroon Creek Club is one of the most well-known golf courses in Aspen; if the name sounds familiar, that’s because the private club attracts high-profile professional golfers and celebrity visitors.

Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you’ll love the local golf scene. And if traditional golfing isn’t your thing, Aspen also has plenty of disc golfing areas, including one at the top of Aspen mountain.

3. Horseback Riding in the Aspen Area

Guests are riding a horse in the aspen woods

Horseback riding is one of the best things to do in Aspen in August for families. It is an all-ages activity that lets everyone see the majestic sights without the strenuousness of a hike. Children will love spending time with the gentle giants. Horseback riding can also be a romantic date activity for partners who need some quality time together.

Aspen, Colorado, is home to several ranches and horseback tour services. Offerings range from short lesson rides, half day tours, and full day tours. The Aspen weather in August is ideal for longer horseback riding tours. Additionally, leaf peeping season doesn’t begin until September, so August visitors will get relatively less crowded trails.

4. Attend the Aspen Music Festival

Musicians perform at the Aspen Music Festival — Zereshk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The annual Aspen Music Festival is a must-attend for anyone who loves classical live music. The festivities begin in late-June and run through mid-August.

There are over 400 performances put on by AMFS faculty, alums, current students, and summer program students. While the compositions change year to year, you can expect to hear:

Choral and acapella performances
Orchestral arrangements
Soloist performances, both vocal and instrumental
Chamber music concerts
Operas
Master class lectures
Children’s music classes
And more!

While the main festivities take place in covered, outdoor venues, the music permeates every corner of Aspen. Restaurants, bars, and hotels will host intimate, exclusive performances each night. The music festival is the biggest event in Aspen in August. Tickets for the Aspen Music Festival can go fast, so contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to get yours!

5. Enjoy the Nightlife

The DJ is performing in a nightclub in Aspen

You may not expect a small mountain town to have a vibrant club scene, but Aspen has it all! The Aspen nightlife is often compared to New York, L.A., and Miami. In fact, many venues are at-altitude outposts of well-known clubs in other cities. But in true Aspen fashion, the venues here take partying to a whole new level. You can expect clubs to have a dress code to maintain the atmosphere. All the major nightclubs also offer signature handcrafted cocktails that exemplify their role in Aspen.

If you’re ready to unwind, here are your options for party venues:

Escobar - EDM dance club
The Sterling - Party lounge
Gala - Miami-like nightclub
Belly Up - Concert venue
Bad Harriet - Swanky speakeasy
Silver City - Down-to-earth billiards bar and western saloon
Hooch - Cozy vibes with an extensive cocktail menu
Caribou Club - Exclusive private club with members-only events

Some clubs have VIP areas or may be rented out for a celebrity’s exclusive event. If you want to access the high-end side of nightlife, that may take some string-pulling. It’s a good thing that Aspen Luxury Concierge is well-connected. Simply plan your trip with ALC to experience the finest things that Aspen has to offer.

6. Go on a Hike to See Breathtaking Landscapes

A beautiful trail to explore in Aspen in August

Hiking is generally a year-round activity in Colorado. However, the moderate temperatures and dry season make Aspen in August the best time to hit the trails. The Roaring Fork Valley is home to more than 100 hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties.

The Lower Hunter Creek Trail is one of the most popular hikes. At only 1.5 miles and located close to downtown Aspen, it’s perfect for an afternoon stroll. Ute Trail is another nearby trail head; its altitude and climb of over 700 vertical feet of elevation makes it a true workout.

If you want a view, locals recommend heading up to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area or the top of Aspen Mountain. Although the elevation can be a challenge, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. There are hikes of various difficulties in each area, so visitors can choose a route that works for them. For a longer list of trails, check out this guide to Aspen hikes.

7. Go Fly Fishing

Amid Aspen’s other natural gems, the streams and rivers have some of the best fly fishing in the world. Like hiking, it can be a year-round activity in certain areas. Aspen, Colorado, in August is an ideal time to learn or perfect your cast. Since August is right on the cusp of fall and summer, anglers can take advantage of the overlapping hatching season.

If you’re in the mood to clear your mind, Aspen fly fishing is the perfect sport for you. The best way to have a good experience is to get a fishing guide. They can help you with your fly selection, your technique, and finding the perfect spot. Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to book an inclusive fly-fishing vacation package.

8. Bike the Rio Grande Trail

people biking on the Rio Grande Trail in August

The Rio Grande Trail is a paved 42.2 mile bike path that runs between Glenwood Springs and Aspen.

There are a few different ways that visitors can tackle this trail:

The Challenging Way: Start in Glenwood Springs and ride uphill to Aspen. It is a net gain of 2,732 feet and usually takes several hours.
The Fun Way: Start in Aspen and ride downhill to Glenwood Springs, then take the shuttle back to Aspen. This is a less strenuous option that allows you to enjoy the scenery.
The Family Friendly Way: Do a small section of the trail, then stop for lunch. The RFTA public transportation bus runs between Aspen and Glenwood Springs; it can drop you off at different points along the trail.
The Combo Way: Start in either Aspen or Glenwood Springs, then do an out-and-back ride. This way, you get a workout in and you have a breather while enjoying the views.

If mountain biking is more your speed, check out the Snowmass Bike Park. Located at the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift, this area covers 25 miles and 3,000 vertical feet of bike trails. Both the trail and bike park can get busy, so it’s best to visit Aspen in August to beat the crowds. Bike rentals, lessons, and lift tickets can be sourced through your ALC concierge.

9. Relax in a Luxury Hotel with a Spa

The ALC guest is relaxing in a luxury SPA in August

The Aspen ethos is all about playing hard, working hard, and relaxing thoroughly. This is represented in the many options for luxury hotels in and around Aspen. One of the most well-known of the Aspen luxury hotels is The St. Regis, which has the opulent RAKxa Wellness Spa. RAKxa specializes in cleansing treatments that banish toxins and rejuvenate your skin.

Another spa option is Yarrow at Hotel Jerome, which is open to all visitors no matter where they are staying. Widely regarded as one of the best spas in Aspen, Yarrow practitioners use herbal remedies to soothe the body and the mind. If you are interested in a different wellness practice, contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for all your spa booking needs.

10. Rafting on the Roaring Fork River

In Colorado, river rafting is a state pastime. There is no better water than in Aspen’s own backyard on the Roaring Fork River. Thanks to Aspen weather in August, you can have a warm, comfortable trip with minimal chance of sunburns.

When you go on a rafting trip, you get a helmet, a life vest, and an oar. Your guide will steer the raft, tell you when to row, and discuss the nearby geological features. River rafting combines exercise - you’ll feel sore in muscles you didn’t know you had - with sightseeing and nature-based education. River rafting trips can be booked in full day or half day. If you are a newbie, start slow, then work your way up to whitewater rafting trips.

11. Jeep Tours Around the Roaring Fork Valley

A beautiful Jeep used for Tours Around the Roaring Fork Valley

There are pros and cons to booking a Jeep tour in Aspen in August. The trees don’t start changing color until late September. In August, you won’t get to see the legendary fall colors. However, there are other stunning sights that make the adventure worth it. One of the most popular Jeep tours goes to Taylor Pass with a stop at the Ashcroft ghost town. This area is a time capsule of what life was like during the gold rush.

Luxury Accommodations Around Aspen, Colorado in August

A luxury accommodation in Aspen in August

After a long day of hiking, rafting, biking, and shopping you’ll want a relaxing homebase to return to. The only thing as important as booking your activities is booking accommodations.

During peak tourism season, vacation rentals and hotel rooms fill up fast. This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. Our team is connected in the Aspen community; we can use those connections to score you the best accommodations and amenities.

You have two options for luxury accommodations in Aspen: full-service hotel or a vacation rental.

Luxury Hotel vs. Vacation Rental

Hotels offer more amenities, such as a spa, on-site dining options, room service, and transportation. Guests at the hotel can also enjoy specialty events, gatherings, and menus as a perk of staying.

On the other hand, vacation rentals give you more space and more location options. ALC has connections to villas, chalets, downtown condos, penthouses, and vacation homes that our clients can rent. Vacation homes lend themselves to additional bespoke services like in-home yoga instruction, luxury car rental, or a personal chef.

Experience the Premier Luxury Destination

Aspen in August has all the ingredients for an unrivaled vacation. From the outdoor athletic offerings to the nightlife to the cultural experiences, Aspen has something for everyone. The only way to have a trip that you’ll never forget is to explore Aspen with ALC.

The team at Aspen Luxury Concierge are more than just travel planners; they are experts at using connections to open doors for you. Acting as a single point of contact, your concierge will seamlessly handle every aspect of your visit. Schedule a consultation with Aspen Luxury Concierge to start experiencing Aspen through luxury.

Aspen in August - Top 11 Best Indoor and Outdoor Activities