Aspen Peak - Niche Media - Aspen living at its peak
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/67357
Guide fitness A hike to Maroon and Crater lakes at the Maroon Bells off the beaten path TOWN NOTABLES REVEAL THEIR TOP DAY HIKES WITH BRAGGING RIGHTS TO BOOT. by lolli johns Buttermilk Mountain A Mountains. It's also the site of one of their first dates. nthony Ruzzitto, owner of The Sports Center, is a Buttermilk fan. More challenging than your typical hike and a great way to escape the crowded trails that get busy during the summer, Buttermilk offers peace of mind and the occasional wildlife sighting as you hike among the wildflowers. Conundrum Hot Springs K enny and Robin Smith, owners of Meridian Jewelers, enjoy hiking together. The spectacular Conundrum is this Aspen couple's favorite hike for several reasons, including the rewarding hot springs at the top (the highest natural hot springs in North America) and the gorgeous Rocky Larkspur Mountain A imee Oates, wife of famed musician John Oates, takes to the winding roads at the base of Larkspur, perched just above Lenado. It's surrounded by the majestic Elk Mountain Range, with incredible views extending from Independence Pass to Mount Sopris, and the wildflowers are breathtaking. Smuggler Mountain T ony DiLucia, general manager of Hotel Jerome, has a busy schedule but still manages to sneak in a quick hike up Smuggler. A great hike with beautiful views overlook- ing Aspen and the surrounding ski mountains, Smuggler is a mainstay among locals and leads to the gorgeous Hunter Creek Valley. Sunnyside Trail J enny Shepherd, fitness and wellness expert, and owner of Flow Life, incorporates time outside into her daily routine. One of her go-to hikes is Sunnyside. As its name implies, the sun-drenched trail is a challenging path that offers incredible views of the Roaring Fork Valley, including Buttermilk and Snowmass. Water holes along the path for your pup to enjoy a quick dip are an added bonus. Ute Trail L ocal athlete and philanthropist Anna Hansen, partner to Lance Armstrong, hits the beautiful Ute Trail to get in a great workout. Located just outside the down- town core, the Ute is close to home and is Aspen's favorite lung-buster. The steep, narrow track is full of challenging switchbacks, with a rewarding view of town from the top. Windstar Land Conservancy Hike S eth Sachson, executive director of the Aspen Animal Shelter, is an avid outdoorsman. His favorite hiking spot is Windstar, a protected habitat in Old Snowmass founded by John Denver. At this sanctuary, he escapes into the beauty of the wilderness and connects with nature in his own backyard. The views don't hurt, either. AP FEEDING MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT Dirk Schultz, personal trainer and wellness coach at the aspen club & spa, discusses staying fit and embracing summer fun. How do you stay active during the summer? summer is jam-packed with so many incredible options. a few of my favorites include hiking to american lake, biking the government trail, and taking trx or rip trainer classes. The popular TRX suspension training class at The Aspen Club & Spa What's your perfect summer day in Aspen? the perfect saturday involves picking up breakfast at the farmers' market, getting in a workout, and meeting up with friends for happy hour and live music. i love the versatility of aspen—connecting with the locals, and taking advantage of the culture and nature that we are so lucky to have in our own backyard. 168 aspenpeak-magazine.com photography by jeremy swanson (trx; maroon bells)