Get High in Colorado: A Guide to Scenic Chairlift Rides

Everyone loves to brag about how high they got in Colorado. We’re talking about the elevation of course. You’ve surely seen the pictures of people holding up signs at the top of mountains noting their elevation and which peak they’re on. What if you could reach those heights without exerting as much energy? That’s where the joy of a chairlift and a gondola come into play. 

Colorado’s Ski Country is most known for its breathtaking winter views but those same views could be found on a warm, sunny day during the summer. 

Summer Scenic Chairlift/Gondola Rides and How High They’ll Bring You

Arapahoe Basin – 11,500′

Arapahoe Basin 

Take the Black Mountain Express lift to mid-mountain at Arapahoe Basin, where you can discover unparalleled vistas of the Continental Divide, explore the upper mountain, enjoy a drink and snack on the deck of Black Mountain Lodge (Saturdays and Sundays) and hike the Half Moon or Argentine-North Fork trails. Once you’ve completed your time at mid-mountain, take the lift down or hike back to the base. 

Aspen Mountain – 11,212′

The peak of Aspen Mountain is 11,212 feet. Whether you are visiting in summer or winter a trip to the top of the mountain on the Silver Queen Gondola will include spectacular views and delicious food, and is a must while you are in town. 

Aspen Snowmass – 11,325′

Aspens gondolas are the perfect way to quickly climb a mountain and take in the view. Running every day between mid-June to early September, the Elk Camp Gondola and Silver Queen Gondola access free outdoor activities, miles of trails, and delectable on-mountain dining on sun-drenched outdoor decks. Groups are guaranteed their own private gondola, and cars are regularly cleaned and sterilized.

Copper Mountain – 10,817′

There’s nothing quite like mountain views and fresh air. Take it all in without any hard work on a scenic chairlift ride on the Woodward Express lift. Bring a lunch and make a day of it with a hike back down to West Village.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort – 9,850′

Our Scenic Chairlift Ride will whisk you away to the top of the Flat Top Flyer of Powderhorn’s summit where stunning views await. The Scenic Chairlift Ride is an adventure for every member of the family.

Purgatory Resort – 10,822′

Enjoy a scenic chairlift ride on Lift 1. Ride round-trip, or hop off at the top and enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains.

Steamboat Resort – 10,568′ 

Take a ride up Mt. Werner and enjoy the views that can only be appreciated from Steamboat’s new eight-passenger gondola

Telluride Ski Resort – 10,540′

This 8-mile, 13-minute ride the ride offers incredible 365-degree views of the San Juan mountains. Taking a ride on the “G” is an experience that cannot be replicated and is a must do while visiting!

Winter Park Resort – 10,700′

Experience the majestic summer beauty of the Colorado Rockies from a Scenic Gondola ride. Ascend to an elevation of 10,700 feet and soak in the spectacular views of the Continental Divide and the Fraser Valley both on your way up and when you reach the top.