Mountain towns are often synonymous with winter sports, but their appeal extends far beyond the snowy season. As the temperatures rise, these towns transform into summer destinations, offering a high altitude retreat from the heat and a plethora of activities that showcase their natural beauty. They have as much for an outdoor enthusiast eager to hike, bike or raft through spectacular landscapes as they do for someone who prefers a more leisurely pace with cultural events, local festivals and gourmet dining. Below are some of the best mountain towns to visit in the United States during the summer.
Aspen, Colorado
Sure, Aspen is renowned for its après-ski glamor, but it’s also dazzling in the summertime. The town is surrounded by numerous trails, including the 8.9-mile Hunter Creek Trail, known for the fiercely colorful wildflowers and forested areas, and the 42-mile Rio Grande trail, which stretches from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, with scenic views of the Roaring Fork River along the way. Perhaps the most popular hike is the 1.9-mile Scenic Loop Trail to see Maroon Bells, a pair of nearly identical 14,000-foot peaks anchored by a reflective lake considered one of North America’s most photographed spots. Other outdoor activities include everything from rafting and kayaking to paragliding and hot-air ballooning.
Aspen is also a food destination. Each June, the city brings together some of the best chefs and winemakers from around the world for the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. There, participants can watch live cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs, attend seminars led by industry experts, and drink a staggering amount of vino. Throughout the rest of the year, you can also dine at some of the only Michelin-recognized restaurants in Colorado, including Bosq, Prospect, Element 47 and Mawa’s Kitchen.
This year, the homegrown Stranahan’s Whiskey celebrated its 20th anniversary with the opening of its new Whiskey Lodge, where you can learn more about American Single Malt Whiskey (the only style Stranahan’s distills) and try exclusive-to-the-lounge drams.
Seward, Alaska
Seward, Alaska, is an impossibly charming city located on the Kenai Peninsula, where the mountains meet the sea. Known for its breathtaking nature, Seward is a gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the best spots to see towering glaciers and fjords up close, and watch whales breach and seabirds soar on a day cruise. Similarly, fishing for king salmon and barn door-sized trophy halibut on fishing charters (usefully on a vessel with a punny name, like Feelin’ Nauti or For Cod’s Sake) is a big draw.
On dry land, Mount Marathon is arguably the most popular hike. It’s also humbling. Each year on July 4, elite athletes race to the top and back on The Runner’s Trail, a three-mile loop that includes a vertical gain of 3,022 feet (hence its unofficial title, the toughest 5k on the planet). The record to beat is a mind-boggling 41 minutes and 26 seconds. There’s also a (slightly) easier, 4.1-mile Jeep Trail that’s less treacherous but still affords incredible views of the town, Resurrection Bay, and many nearby mountain ranges. Or for something more low-key, there’s the Alaska SeaLife Center, where you can poke around the touch tanks and meet the resident marine animals, like walruses and otters. And when you start to feel peckish, there are a slew of excellent dining options, including the seafood-focused Exit Glacier Salmon Bake and smoked meat-heavy Firebrand BBQ. Afterward, pop into Flamingo Lounge and Yukon Bar to have a pint with one of the local characters.
Jackson, Wyoming
A stone’s throw from two of America’s most treasured national parks — Grand Teton and Yellowstone — Jackson Hole has nearly endless outdoor experiences,including whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, four-wheeling and horseback riding.
With famously low light pollution, Wyoming also has some of the darkest night skies in the country, meaning you can see more stars here than you ever could in the city. The constellations are beautiful whether you know their names or not, but if you want to better understand the night sky, head to the new Snow King Observatory and Planetarium. Situated at 8,000 feet, the state-of-the-art facility has captivating astronomical displays, immersive multimedia experiences and live presentations led by expert guides.
The town center is stuffed with art galleries and boutiques —, you’ll find shops specializing in cowboy boots, custom leather hats, Native American jewelry, hand-crafted knives and outdoor gear. The restaurant scene has also exploded in recent years, with establishments like Bin22, a wine bar and tapas restaurant, and The Kitchen, which focuses on giving local ingredients an Asian twist. At night, visitors can explore the many iconic watering holes, including The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Stagecoach Bar and Virginian Saloon, each full of Wild West history.
Park City, Utah
Park City has an extensive network of trails — more than 450 miles of them — that cater to both hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels. The Mid Mountain Trail is a local favorite, with stunning views as it meanders through forests and alpine meadows. For a more challenging hike, tackle the Silver Lake Trail up to Bald Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Utah.
For a leisurely way to soak in the landscapes, take a chairlift ride at one of Park City’s ski resorts. Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort both offer summer lift rides that provide spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Strolling down Park City’s Historic Main Street and popping into the unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants along the way, is a lovely way to while away the afternoon. You can also learn more about the local history at the Park City Museum or take a walking tour to learn about the town’s silver mining heritage.
Durango, Colorado
This remote, former mining town and railroad hub, is renowned for its biking trails. It makes sense, considering a slew of Olympic cyclists are from the area, having honed their craft amongst the mountains, mesas and lakes. You can tackle part of the 486 mile Colorado Trail (which starts in Durango and ends in Denver) or head to the nearby Purgatory’s Bike Park to sample some of 400 miles of downhill trails.
On the Animas River, which cuts right through town, you can raft Class III through Class V rapids. Or you could head to the parks, horseback riding in the San Juan National Forest or scanning the skies for peregrine falcons in Perins Peak State Park. Drive just 45 minutes to Mesa Verde National Park to see some of the more than 5,000 archaeological sites, including the famous cliff dwellings built into the sandstone. After, you can stop by the Durango Hot Springs resort, where there are over a dozen spring-fed pools.
When you work up a thirst from all that adventuring, there are oodles of stellar breweries to rehydrate at, including Steamworks Brewing Company, Ska Brewing Co, Animas Brewing Company and Carver Brewing Co. If you’re looking for a more potent potable, The Diamond Belle Saloon located in The Strater Hotel sells stiff drinks in an atmosphere that’s much like it was when it opened in the 1800s.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is often referred to as the “Ski Capital of the East,” but its summer game is undeniable. Surrounded by the Green Mountains, Stowe creates a quaint New England experience, with tree-lined drives to waterfalls and covered bridges, summer festivals, and farm-to-table dining.
Summiting Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, via the Long Trail is one popular way to get outdoors, as is kayaking in the nearby Waterbury Reservoir and tubing down the West Branch River. Stowe’s urban trails don’t disappoint either, especially if you rent a bike and stop at many of the restaurants and breweries — like Idletyme Brewing Company, with its massive patio — along the routes. And though it’s technically in Waterbury, it would be a crime not to make the pilgrimage to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a tour and cone.
Stowe also has a strong arts scene, with theater performances and outdoor concerts, like the Music in the Meadow series, which draws hundreds of people to the Trapp Family Lodge each summer. The historic Stowe Village has plenty of shopping too, including roughly 50 boutique shops, galleries, specialty markets and sporting goods stores.
