by Adam David Seeley

Created on: June 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Aspen, Colorado; a name that stirs up images of snowy landscapes speckled with log cabins and ski resorts, with roaring fires in the great rooms and complimentary hot cocoa as well. This relaxing mountain getaway is also a great summer vacationing location. The area offers stunning green landscapes, beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and warm dry weather. This area is known for its extreme winter sports, but as you will learn there is much more to Aspen. Not many people know of Aspen's secret summer activities. This area is bustling with fun family activities, and the best aspect of this vacationing spot is you're spending your time and money in the good old USA.

A little known fact about Aspen is the music. The Aspen Music Festival is a great family event. This isn't your run-of-the-mill county music festival; this is a large gathering of musicians, famous and otherwise. The festival usually runs from June through August. The genre of music here varies greatly, from rock to classical to country and folk, this music festival will entertain someone with tastes in any genre. Some events charge to get into; others are free to all that want to enjoy the music. There are also some free music classes available throughout the festival. The cost of an event ranges from free to about fifty dollars.

Aspen's view of the Rockies is breath taking. With all those rocky hillsides and cliffs, there are only a few activities that can be applied to those facades. One such activity is rock climbing, an extreme sport that is popular among Americans and tourists alike. The area has many climbing establishments offering a safe way to have tons of fun. There are two world famous hiking trails near Aspen as well. One such Trail is known as Conundrum Creek Trail. The trail is about 8.5 miles long one way and takes about a day to traverse. The trail is a moderate one and has a treat for those who dare to travel through its twists and turns. After a hard day of hiking through grottos and climbing walls of stone, a nice hot soak sounds great. There is natural hot springs on the Conundrum Trail; you could soak your tired body in nature's Jacuzzi. The hot springs are worth the trip, however, this trip is not for the feint of heart and will be enjoyed more by the backpackers and nature lovers than the average vacationer. Aspen is a town geared to the great outdoors. That being said, it is no surprise that they offer off-road jeeps to play in the mud. If you want to get even dirtier, there are also ATVs for off-road fun.

Aspen is world-renowned for its ski resorts, however, it should be known for its health resorts as well. If you want to relax then Aspen offers plenty. Get a massage, drink a cup of tea while soaking in a hot tub, its your choice. No matter what your idea of relaxing is Aspen offers it.

What would vacation be without a hole-in-one? Aspen offers a few golf courses for those who have to tee off on the green. Tennis is another popular sport offered to the tourists visiting Aspen during the summer months.

There are some reasons, other than the fun summer activities, for visiting Aspen in the off-season. During the fall the view is breathtaking, the colors of the leaves changing and the brisk mountain air flowing down around you set a wonderfully romantic spot for you and your lover. Maybe you are a photographer looking for a vacation spot; well Aspen, Colorado offers comfort and beauty. Come to Aspen to enjoy some R&R in the company of America's most famous mountains. Whether you come to Aspen for rest and relaxation or for the outdoor activities, this area will surely please even the pickiest of vacationers.

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