Laura's Aspen Summer Favorites

Aspen is a gorgeous destination no matter the season, but summer is the perfect time to visit. Of course, the cold and snowy winter season offers plenty of cozy charm and tons of opportunities to hit the slopes. However, the mild weather, breezy nights, soaring mountains and glistening lakes of summer are nothing short of spectacular. With incredible restaurants boasting international cuisines and dozens of outdoor activities, Aspen is the ideal location for your first post-COVID trip.

As LUDC founder Laura Umansky has adjusted to life in Colorado at our new studio, she has compiled a list of her summer favorites. Keep reading for her insider tips!

Laura’s perfect summer day in Aspen begins with a morning walk through Wagner Park with the family’s dogs. After this, she heads off for a challenging workout at TieHack. In her article “Uphill at Tiehack: A Lung-Busting, Locals' Favorite Spot” for RootsRated.com, Allison Pattillo writes about the intense hike. She notes that TieHack is located “off to the east side of Buttermilk, the smallest of Aspen’s four ski mountains.” A hike up TieHack offers “pleasantly challenging terrain” for those looking for a quality workout. Pattillo warns that the “base of the climb is 8,037 feet." This makes "for a nearly 1,700 foot gain over the two plus-mile route to the top.” Another great option for hiking is Smuggler’s Loop at Hunter Creek. This is a favorite due to its location just being a few minutes from downtown Aspen - plus the views at the summit will not disappoint!

[L to r] Laura’s daughter at the lookout at TieHack, fun sign at tiehack lookout, & the Hunter Creek/smuggler loop trail.

After a hike up TieHack, Laura’s perfect day in Aspen might feature lunch at Ajax Tavern. Next, an afternoon Aperol Spritz before dinner on the patio of Casa Tua is a must! According to Casa Tua’s website, the restaurant is “rustic, yet impossibly elegant.” It represents yet another “product of the ingenious partnership between Italian architect Michele Bonan, and owners Miky and Leticia Grendene.” The back patio, front patio and club terrace are all beautiful spots for late afternoon or evening drinks.

A perfect Aspen summer day must include watching the sun set at Smuggler Park with her family. For dinner, you will find Laura and her family at the Caribou Club enjoying the thoughtful and creative dishes and enjoying the elegant ambiance.

If you are visiting Aspen, be sure to check out the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. Anderson Ranch, the beneficiary of the Mountain Lane Show House opening ticket sales, is the cornerstone of the Aspen arts community and a hub of creativity. Explore the work of world-renowned artist and curators and stimulating conversations at the Ranch’s Summer Series. Their popular ‘Summer Series: Featured Artist and Conversations’ fosters a broader understanding of contemporary art and art making. Most presentations are free of charge and open to the public.

Looking for even more Aspen summer activities? Head over to the LUDC Journal for more, including where to grab delicious bites and refreshing drinks!