Snowmass, Colorado: A Favorite Heat Escape

This June, we escaped the brutal Texas heat and headed to Snowmass, Colorado and it was everything we needed. While it was blazing hot back home, we were soaking up cool mountain air in the 60s and 70s. Mornings were crisp, afternoons were breezy, and the evenings were perfect for throwing on a hoodie and relaxing under the stars.

Aerial view of snow-capped mountain ranges under a clear blue sky on a sunny day.
Purple iris flower blooming above lavender plants in a lush green sunlit garden.
Close-up of weathered dark wood panels with faded white decorative painted geometric patterns.
Scenic mountain landscape with pink-hued peak, forested hills, and dramatic white clouds above.
Brown bird perched on a branch surrounded by green leaves in a sunlit tree canopy.
A jet aircraft leaves white contrails across a clear blue sky above green treetops.
A realistic eye carved or painted onto the white bark of an aspen tree in a forest.
A bird soars in flight above green treetops with a lush mountain range in the background.
Massive white cumulus clouds billow above snow-capped mountains and evergreen forest treeline.
A waxing gibbous moon photographed in sharp detail against a dark navy night sky.
A pink plastic flamingo decoration perched on a log with scenic mountain views behind it.
A bird silhouetted against a large golden sun setting behind a forested hillside.
Warm golden sunlight filters through a dense forest of tall green trees at sunrise.
Silhouetted tree branches with round leaves backlit by a warm glowing sunset sky.
Close-up of a pine cone nestled among blue spruce branches with soft bokeh background.
Winding road through a lush green forest with a conifer tree in the foreground on a sunny day.
Sunlit aspen tree with white bark surrounded by green foliage near a wooden walkway in a park.
Wooden boardwalk with metal railings leading through lush green trees on a sunny day.
Waxing gibbous moon in a clear blue sky framed by dark silhouetted tree branches.
Delicate white wildflowers blooming on a slender branch with green leaves in soft bokeh light.
Close-up of fresh green leaves covered in glistening water droplets after rainfall in a garden.
Vibrant purple allium flower in full bloom with star-shaped florets in a colorful garden.
Wooden utility poles with power lines stretching across a blue sky with white clouds.
Orange umbrella canopy above a white Victorian gabled rooftop against blue sky.

One of our favorite moments was hopping on the Skittles gondola. It’s that short, colorful ride between the village and Base Village, and it made getting around super easy—and let’s be honest, it’s just fun. We used it more than once, especially after long hikes or when grabbing food in the village.

We also rented e-bikes and decided to take on Faraway Drive. Let me just say, we never would’ve made it to the top on regular bikes—those hills are no joke. But with the e-bikes, we cruised all the way up without breaking a sweat. The views at the top were worth every turn of the pedal. Quiet roads, mountain homes, and postcard-worthy scenery around every bend.

Between the gondola rides, e-bike adventures, and the cool weather, Snowmass was the perfect mix of easygoing and energizing. We hiked, explored, photographed and relaxed.

Metal donor recognition wall featuring rows of circular rings on a textured bronze surface.
Rusty metal wall art featuring rows of circular steel rings of varying sizes as an industrial decorative installation.
Art gallery interior with framed photographs on white walls and floral arrangement on a long table.
Rustic log cabin with metal roof surrounded by green lawn and white birch trees in a forest setting.
Vibrant yellow and orange spotted canna lily flowers blooming in a lush garden setting.
Purple allium flower in full spherical bloom on a tall stem in a colorful garden.
Bright pink zinnia flower with yellow center blooming among green leaves and purple flowers in a garden.
Close-up of a purple allium giganteum flower head showing star-shaped florets in a garden.
Looking up at a tall white birch tree trunk reaching into a green leafy canopy above.
Looking up through white birch tree trunks into a lush green leafy canopy against a bright sky.


One afternoon, we ventured out to Woody Creek Tavern. The place has this funky, lived-in vibe with walls covered in photos, string lights, and a quirky charm that just feels authentic mountain town.


Opened in 1980, the log-cabin bar is famous for a few key things:

  • Hunter S. Thompson's Regular Hangout: The "Gonzo" journalist lived at nearby Owl Farm and treated the tavern as his informal office and local living room for decades.
  • Eclectic, Anti-Aspen Atmosphere: Standing as the laid-back, divey antithesis to the luxury surrounding Aspen, its walls are plastered ceiling-to-floor with decades of photos, Polaroids, bumper stickers, and political memorabilia.
  • Margaritas & Comfort Food: It is legendary for its strong, freshly squeezed lime margaritas, as well as classic comfort foods like fresh pork green chile, fish tacos, and bison burgers.
  • Famous Visitors: Beyond Thompson, it attracted a mix of local mountain character regulars and high-profile celebrities (like Don Johnson and Ed Bradley) ducking out of the Aspen spotlight.


We sat on the patio, ordered a couple of drinks, and soaked in the atmosphere. But the real star? The enchiladas. Hands down, some of the best we’ve ever had. Perfectly cheesy, just the right kick of spice, and the green chile sauce was next level. One of those meals where you keep saying “just one more bite” long after you’re full.


If you’re anywhere near Snowmass or Aspen, make the drive to Woody Creek Tavern. It’s laid-back, memorable, and absolutely worth it for those enchiladas alone.

Mexican enchiladas topped with green sauce, black beans, pickled red onions, and sour cream drizzle.
Mexican tostada with black beans, avocado, tomato, lime, and sour cream on a dark tortilla.
Colorful garden display featuring white daisies, red, orange, and yellow petunias blooming together in a lush green flowerbed.
Framed pencil sketch of a cowboy surrounded by photos and memorabilia on a wall.

Elk and Horses


On a small farm between Snowmass and Aspen, a few gentle horses roam the pastures with the mountains as their backdrop. Visitors often stop by to feed them apples and carrots by hand, earning nuzzles and soft whinnies in return. It’s a peaceful, simple routine. People, horses, and the quiet magic of the Rockies.

Close-up of a dark brown horse with a white star marking and flowing black mane on a sunny day.
Person interacting with black horses along a wooden fence beside a rural road.
A palomino horse grazing alone on a lush green pasture near a small shrub.
Two brown elk grazing on a lush green meadow near a forested area at dusk.
Three brown elk grazing near dense shrubs and trees on a green meadow in soft evening light.
Three deer resting peacefully in a lush green meadow on a sunny day.
A herd of elk grazing and resting in a green field near trees.
Dark brown horse grazing on a green grass field dotted with small yellow wildflowers.
A white horse grazing in a green pasture behind a wooden fence with mountain scenery in the background.

Flowers and Nature

Dense meadow of white daisy flowers with yellow centers in natural sunlight.
Single purple iris flower surrounded by delicate lavender blooms in a green garden.
Yellow wildflowers blooming near a sparkling river with green foliage in foreground.
Purple bearded iris flowers blooming in a sunny garden with lavender plants.
White flowering shrub branch with green leaves in soft evening garden light.
Field of white daisy flowers with yellow centers blooming in soft natural light.
Purple lupine flowers blooming in a lush green meadow on a sunny day.
White daisy flowers with yellow centers growing in a garden with purple flowers.
Purple salvia and yellow columbine flowers blooming together in a colorful garden.
White daisy flowers with yellow centers growing in a lush green garden.
Fresh green spruce tree branches with new growth against a blue sky.
Close-up of a large water droplet resting on a bright green leaf.
Close-up of green leafy plant with water droplets after rain in a garden.
Vibrant yellow and orange spotted canna lily flowers blooming in a garden.
Bright pink zinnia flower with yellow center surrounded by green leaves and purple blooms.
Close-up of a purple allium flower head in full bloom in a garden.
Close-up of a vibrant purple allium flower in full bloom against a lush garden background.
Colorful garden display featuring white daisies, orange and red petunias in full bloom.

Explore Booksellers has been keeping Aspen’s literary soul alive since 1975. Set inside a restored 1880s Victorian home on Main Street, this iconic independent bookstore feels a world away from the high-end luxury shops down the road.

  • Victorian Vibe: The shop spans multiple rooms packed floor-to-ceiling with books, complete with creaky floorboards and cozy nooks to settle into.
  • Cultural Hub: Founded by former English professor Katherine Thalberg, it embodies the classic "Aspen Idea" of feeding mind, body, and spirit—hosting author talks, community lectures, and lively debates.
  • Upstairs Café: Head to the second floor for coffee, wine, or a fresh bite to eat while you flip through your latest find.
  • Saved by the Community: When skyrocketing real estate prices threatened to replace the shop with a high-end boutique, locals rallied to buy and preserve it as a permanent town sanctuary.
Close-up portrait of a golden retriever looking up inside a warmly lit bookstore.
Golden retriever on a red leash exploring a wooden staircase inside a bookstore.
Speaker presenting to a seated audience in a bright, modern living room setting.
Blurred figure walking past a bookstore window with shelves of colorful books visible.
Cozy bookstore reading nook with two armchairs, cushions, and books on a small table.
Chalkboard sidewalk sign reading a room without books is like a body without a soul.