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By: Cynthia Eveleth-Havens
Summer is my absolute favorite season here in Colorado. With rolling green mountain sides, lush wildflowers, turquoise alpine lakes, and world-class hiking, it’s easy to get outside any weekend.
Snowmass Village is one of my favorite spots as a springboard for accessing the best outdoor adventures in the Roaring Fork Valley. Whether you’re visiting Colorado for the first time or a long-time resident exploring new destinations, Snowmass is a natural wonder to add to your summer itinerary.
My family lives west of Denver, so the drive is just over three hours—perfect for a quick getaway with our one-year-old. There are also multiple routes to get there, so you can enjoy a variety of scenic landscapes along the way.
Here’s why you should visit Snowmass Village this summer!
Snowmass Village is ideally situated, with easy access to some of the most picturesque Colorado landmarks. Here’s just a few:
Maroon Bells: The Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed sights in America for a reason. Named for their stunning red color, the Bells are so famous that you’ll need a reservation to see them in person. The Bells are only half an hour from Snowmass Village, making it an easy trip from your doorstep.
Independence Pass: Starting in Snowmass Village, a spectacularly scenic drive brings you to the top of Independence Pass in about an hour. This is Colorado’s second-highest-elevation state highway, reaching over 12,000 feet. This high mountain pass boasts some of the best views in Colorado, all from the comfort of your car. There are a few easily accessible viewpoints and overlooks just off the road, and if you’re up for a hike, check out the trails to Linkins and Independence Lakes. It’s closed for about half the year—typically from November to Memorial Day—so make sure to plan accordingly.
Crystal Mill: For a full-day adventure, drive out to see the incredible Crystal Mill—a wooden powerhouse dating back to 1892 and above the scenic Crystal River. The trailhead is an hour and 15 minutes from Snowmass Village with the right vehicle (high clearance is a must), so you can drive up to the viewpoint or make the nine-mile round-trip hike. This area has many visitors, so please respect all fencing and signage to preserve this historic destination.
Notable Neighbors: After exploring Snowmass Village’s natural wonders, take a quick trip to nearby mountain towns to continue your Colorado adventure. Each town is a destination in its own right, with vibrant local culture, dining, and breathtaking views.
Snowmass Village can be your peaceful home base to return to after a day of adventure. With an abundance of lodging options, from luxe hotels to cozy condos and free activities every day of the week, it’s an ideal retreat in the center of it all.
Wildflowers in the Colorado mountains typically bloom in late May or early June, peaking in July. You can find them in abundance on virtually any hiking trail around Snowmass Village, but here are a few of my favorite areas for unmatched views of the best blooms. Leave No Trace: Please leave wildflowers where they are and never pick them. Mountain vegetation is fragile, and picking flowers can disrupt their future growth.
Lincoln Creek Road: This road starts just forty minutes from Snowmass Village, and you’ll need a four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle to access it. You can find lush paintbrush flowers along several hiking trails off this road. If you aren’t up for a strenuous activity, the columbines along the road past Grizzly Reservoir are just as incredible.
Prince Creek Road: Prince Creek Road is a lovely, low-key area for wildflower viewing around forty minutes in the opposite direction. If you’re looking for great hikes with wildflowers, you can reach the Hay Park Trailhead or Thomas Lakes off this road. I love a drive-up lake, so if you’d prefer to save the hikes for another day, try Dinkle Lake.
There’s a hiking trail for anyone in the Roaring Fork Valley. High peaks, scenic passes, turquoise lakes, and more—Snowmass Village is home to some of the best trails in Colorado. Leave No Trace: Please recreate responsibly, pack out all trash, and stay on the trail when hiking. In addition to the wildflower hikes mentioned above, here are some of the best hiking trails in the Roaring Fork Valley:
Spiral Point via Rim Trail South: This is a short, moderate hike steps away from Snowmass Village. It’s about 1.3 miles to the top, and the elevation gain is very gentle. With beautiful mountain views the whole way, this hike offers a beautiful payoff for the effort!
Ditch Trail: This is another easily accessible trail just outside of town. It’s a 3.5-mile loop through aspen groves with striking views of Mount Daly.
Buckskin Pass: If you want more of a challenge, access Buckskin Pass from the Maroon Bells scenic area. The hike is roughly eight miles with an intense elevation gain of 3,000 feet, so pack lots of water!
Capitol Creek: While this trail can take you to the summit of the 14,000-foot Capitol Peak mountain, I prefer to hike the first few low-elevation miles along the trail and then turn around. The summit may be beautiful, but it’s exceptionally technical, and the views from every point along the trail are fantastic on their own.
American Lakes: With stunning views of an alpine lake and a total distance of seven miles, the American Lakes is a convenient choice for a trailhead just thirty minutes from Snowmass Village. Be sure to check out the nearby ghost town of Ashcroft while you’re there!
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