| Aspen Colorado - Hiking |
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| Summer Activities - hiking trails |
American Lake
This strenuous yet popular hike leads through groves of aspen and pine to a high-mountain lake. From mid-
June to mid-August, expect to see a virtual palette of wildflowers. Drive west on Highway 82 from Aspen, then
turn onto Castle Creek Road from the roundabout. Drive 10 miles up the Castle Creek Valley until you see the
Elk Mountain Lodge, a large log structure, on the left. The trailhead, and parking, are on the right. The trail starts
steeply, switchbacking for about 1.5 miles before reaching a spruce stand where it levels out. Continue hiking to
large meadow divided by aspen trees. The trail then rejoins the forest and rises more gently. About a half mile
before the lake, the trail crosses areas of rock slides. The lake, at 11,365 feet, is just beyond the second slide.
6.4 miles roundtrip.
Cathedral Lake Trail
Both tough and extremely popular, the trail follows Pine Creek canyon, ascending through forest, alpine
meadows and scree fields to a high-mountain lake. It's a steep climb for the first section, then levels out at the
top of the canyon before ascending again. As you'd imagine, the views of the Elk Mountain Range from the trail
are spectacular. If you're up for hiking farther, the trail continues up to Electric Pass. From Aspen drive west on
Highway 82 to the roundabout; from there turn onto Castle Creek Road. Drive 12.2 miles up the valley. Turn right
shortly after passing the Ashcroft ghost town on the left. Follow the gravel road a half mile to the trailhead. 6.4
miles roundtrip.
Crater Lake
This popular trail starts at Maroon Lake and leads to the base of the Maroon Bells. To encounter fewer people,
hike it early or late in the day. (For access to the trail, see Buckskin Pass, above). Traverse the meadow to the far
end of Crater Lake, then pick up the Maroon-Snowmass Trail to the right. You'll face a steady climb through
aspens up to the lake. Note that dogs are not allowed within 100 feet of Crater Lake. 3.6 miles roundtrip.
Crested Butte
Several trails will get you to Crested Butte, a summer neighbor and winter stranger. The shortest (and hardest)
route goes along the West Maroon Trail from Crater Lake, over West Maroon Pass and down to Schofield Park,
about14 miles from donwtown Crested Butte. (You can arrange for a taxi pickup from here to bring you to Crested
Butte.) This 11-mile hike includes a 3,000-foot ascent and takes approximately eight hours. It's easy enough for
inexperienced-yet-fit hikers who want to try something different but will still keep experienced hikers entertained.
The easiest, most direct route to Crested Butte follows the East Maroon Trail over East Maroon Pass to Gothic;
it's 16 miles one way. Given the complexity of such a journey,seek out good topo maps and directions at the
Aspen Forest Service ofice (806 W. Hallam).
Conundrum Creek Trail
This moderate trail is used most frequently by backpackers seeking out the warm waters of the Conundrum hot
springs, a set of natural pools at 11,200 feet. Given the popularity of the springs, the Forest Service has issued
special instructions regarding campsite useage, human waste and dogs. Pick up a "Conundrum Hot Springs
Hiking Guide" at the Aspen Forest Service office (806 W. Hallam). To help alleviate overcrowding, try to limit your
stay to one night. Not everyone on the trail is destined for the hot springs, however; many day hikers use it to
access some pretty meadows and bridged stream crossings. The views of mountains and wildflowers are
superb. To get to the trailhead, drive west from Aspen on Highway 82 to the roundabout. Turn onto Castle Creek
Road, and go five miles to Conundrum Road. Make a right and continue for 1.1 miles to the trailhead. If the
parking is full, backtrack to an overflow lot on Castle Creek Road—don't park on Conundrum. 17 miles roundtrip.
Difficult Creek Trail
(H) An easy, close getaway into the forest, the Difficult Creek Trail begins at the Difficult Campground east of
Aspen. Drive Highway 82 east toward Independence Pass for about 3 miles; you'll see signs for the campground
on your right. Drive a half mile down the campground road and park at the picnic area. The trailhead is at the lot's
southeast corner. Follow the trail onto a gravel road, which heads toward the Roaring Fork River. At the river, the
trail goes left. Cross the river via a wooden bridge; the trail then turns right and climbs the bank. Within a half
mile, you'll pass through an area of sagebrush and begin to parallel Difficult Creek. The trail peters out after you
pass the remains of several old cabins. 4.8 miles roundtrip.
East Maroon Trail
(H) This scenic wilderness trail near the Maroon Bells offers great views of Pyramid Peak. You'll need to take a
shuttle bus to reach the trailhead (see Buckskin Pass, above); ask the driver to drop you off at the East Maroon
Portal. The trail starts by crossing a bridge, then bears right. In 1.5 miles, you'll reach a fork. Continue left to stay
on the East Maroon Trail; the moderate Maroon Creek Trail to the right follows the creek and ends at Maroon
Lake, a nice shorter hike. At 4.5 miles, the East Maroon Trail branches again. Stay straight — the right fork leads
to a horse camp. A mile or so farther on, you'll spot two old cabins. At about the six-mile mark, just past a large
avalanche area, is the first of two stream crossings. The second crossing is about one mile later. During spring
runoff, these crossings can be treacherous. To reach East Maroon Pass, follow the trail two miles past the
second stream crossing. When the trail forks, take the right branch (the left goes to Copper Pass, Triangle Pass
and Conundrum Hot Springs). Cross a small stream and continue heading right on the main trail; soon you'll
reach the 11,820-foot pass. Up to 19.6 miles roundtrip.
Grizzly Lake Trail
This high-alpine lake is in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, at the foot of the Continental Divide. The trail follows
a moderate route that traverses forests, meadows and rocky crags before switchbacking more steeply up to the
lake. The wildflowers are plentiful in high season. The only catch is that you'll need a high-clearance vehicle,
preferable four-wheel-drive, to reach the trailhead. From Aspen, follow Highway 82 east for 11 miles to Lincoln
Creek Road. Turn right and follow the bumpy road for 6 miles to Grizzly Creek Reservoir. The trailhead is on the
left before the Portal Campground. The trail, which follows Grizzly Creek the entire way, climbs steeply for the first
half mile; the next 1.5 miles are easier, as you climb through pine and fir forests alternating with wildflower-
strewn meadows. For its last third, the trail climbs a steep rocky shelf, then winds through alpine tundra toward a
long hillside traverse. Once you crest the knoll on top, Grizzly Lake pops into view. 7.2 miles roundtrip.
Grottos Trail
Extremely popular because of multiple waterfalls and interesting rock formations, the Grottos is also easy to get
to from Aspen and is a great picnicking and sunbathing spot. Drive nine miles east on Highway 82 to the Weller
Campground. Continue past the campground on 82 for almost a mile, then look for a trailhead on the right. Turn
here and drive about 200 feet to the parking area. You have several options for short hikes: The main hiking trail
crosses a bridge and heads left. The easiest trail is 30 yards past the bridge, on the right of the Old Stage Road.
The intermediate trail is on the left, just before the bridge. It is 200 yards long and follows the Roaring Fork River
upstream. The longest and most challenging trail is the Old Stage Road, 100 yards past the bridge on the left.
It's a scenic trail with a fishing dock and streamside picnic tables. Distances vary.
Hunter Valley Trail
This is the gateway to Aspen's backyard — the Hunter Creek Valley. Visitors and locals alike go for the beauty,
the serenity and the feeling of being a world away from town. To get there from town, walk or drive north on Mill
Street, bear left onto Red Mountain Road after crossing the bridge over the Roarking Fork River, then take the
next right onto Lone Pine Road. Trail access is behind the Hunter Creek Condos (look for the sign). You'll start
out by descending some steps to a shaded path that follows Hunter Creek, climbing steadily to the Benedict
Bridge, which crosses Hunter Creek. It's then a somewhat steep uphill until the Forest Service boundary sign
and the meadows of Hunter Valley, which stretch out around you. Hike into the meadow past the Forest Service
sign, staying left at junctures. You'll soon spot a side trail to the left, which descends to the 10th Mountain Bridge
across Hunter Creek. After you cross the bridge, you'll see the remains of several old cabins in a meadow.
Follow the trail past these structures, paralleling Hunter Creek. After a mile or so, look for a small footbridge on
the right; recross Hunter Creek and hike back down the other side of it. You'll eventually wind up on the main trail
again and can retrace your steps back to Aspen. An interesting note: Local governments and residents recently
rallied and raised nearly $2.6 million to buy an 10-acre inholding in the Hunter Creek Valley called the
Hummingbird Lode. The previous owners had the right to build a monster home there; the purchase prevented
that and helps keep Aspen's playground pristine. 6 miles roundtrip.
Rio Grande Trail
This well-loved trail for hikers, bikers, rollerbladers and joggers follows the old Denver & Rio Grande railroad
right-of-way and parallels the Roaring Fork River. It's primarily flat, and the first couple of miles are on pavement.
An easy place to pick it up is across from the Aspen post office; from there you can go all the way to Woody Creek
(about 9 miles). The scenery runs the gamut: from views of the ski areas to small canyons and waterfalls. A
popular outing is to bike to the Woody Creek Tavern for lunch. And don't worry: you don't necessarily have to walk
or bike back. Buses to Aspen stop near the trailhead at the Upper Woody Creek Bridge, or you can call a taxi from
the tavern. 9 miles one way.
Smuggler Mountain
Smuggler is Aspen's most popular trail, for athletes from the casual to the near elite, because it is accessible
and useable year-round. The vertical climb is about 800 feet, and getting up it in 20 minutes or less is
considered good time on foot or mountain bike (really fast bikers can do it under 12 minutes, and local lore has
some runners doing it in under 12 minutes, too). The trail follows a wide dirt road as it switchbacks and curves
up the lower flanks of Smuggler Mountain. Most people's turnaround point is a viewing platform in a small
clearing off to the right, about 1.5 miles up; from here the view down into Aspen and across to Mount Sopris is
excellent. About 3 miles roundtrip
This strenuous yet popular hike leads through groves of aspen and pine to a high-mountain lake. From mid-
June to mid-August, expect to see a virtual palette of wildflowers. Drive west on Highway 82 from Aspen, then
turn onto Castle Creek Road from the roundabout. Drive 10 miles up the Castle Creek Valley until you see the
Elk Mountain Lodge, a large log structure, on the left. The trailhead, and parking, are on the right. The trail starts
steeply, switchbacking for about 1.5 miles before reaching a spruce stand where it levels out. Continue hiking to
large meadow divided by aspen trees. The trail then rejoins the forest and rises more gently. About a half mile
before the lake, the trail crosses areas of rock slides. The lake, at 11,365 feet, is just beyond the second slide.
6.4 miles roundtrip.
Cathedral Lake Trail
Both tough and extremely popular, the trail follows Pine Creek canyon, ascending through forest, alpine
meadows and scree fields to a high-mountain lake. It's a steep climb for the first section, then levels out at the
top of the canyon before ascending again. As you'd imagine, the views of the Elk Mountain Range from the trail
are spectacular. If you're up for hiking farther, the trail continues up to Electric Pass. From Aspen drive west on
Highway 82 to the roundabout; from there turn onto Castle Creek Road. Drive 12.2 miles up the valley. Turn right
shortly after passing the Ashcroft ghost town on the left. Follow the gravel road a half mile to the trailhead. 6.4
miles roundtrip.
Crater Lake
This popular trail starts at Maroon Lake and leads to the base of the Maroon Bells. To encounter fewer people,
hike it early or late in the day. (For access to the trail, see Buckskin Pass, above). Traverse the meadow to the far
end of Crater Lake, then pick up the Maroon-Snowmass Trail to the right. You'll face a steady climb through
aspens up to the lake. Note that dogs are not allowed within 100 feet of Crater Lake. 3.6 miles roundtrip.
Crested Butte
Several trails will get you to Crested Butte, a summer neighbor and winter stranger. The shortest (and hardest)
route goes along the West Maroon Trail from Crater Lake, over West Maroon Pass and down to Schofield Park,
about14 miles from donwtown Crested Butte. (You can arrange for a taxi pickup from here to bring you to Crested
Butte.) This 11-mile hike includes a 3,000-foot ascent and takes approximately eight hours. It's easy enough for
inexperienced-yet-fit hikers who want to try something different but will still keep experienced hikers entertained.
The easiest, most direct route to Crested Butte follows the East Maroon Trail over East Maroon Pass to Gothic;
it's 16 miles one way. Given the complexity of such a journey,seek out good topo maps and directions at the
Aspen Forest Service ofice (806 W. Hallam).
Conundrum Creek Trail
This moderate trail is used most frequently by backpackers seeking out the warm waters of the Conundrum hot
springs, a set of natural pools at 11,200 feet. Given the popularity of the springs, the Forest Service has issued
special instructions regarding campsite useage, human waste and dogs. Pick up a "Conundrum Hot Springs
Hiking Guide" at the Aspen Forest Service office (806 W. Hallam). To help alleviate overcrowding, try to limit your
stay to one night. Not everyone on the trail is destined for the hot springs, however; many day hikers use it to
access some pretty meadows and bridged stream crossings. The views of mountains and wildflowers are
superb. To get to the trailhead, drive west from Aspen on Highway 82 to the roundabout. Turn onto Castle Creek
Road, and go five miles to Conundrum Road. Make a right and continue for 1.1 miles to the trailhead. If the
parking is full, backtrack to an overflow lot on Castle Creek Road—don't park on Conundrum. 17 miles roundtrip.
Difficult Creek Trail
(H) An easy, close getaway into the forest, the Difficult Creek Trail begins at the Difficult Campground east of
Aspen. Drive Highway 82 east toward Independence Pass for about 3 miles; you'll see signs for the campground
on your right. Drive a half mile down the campground road and park at the picnic area. The trailhead is at the lot's
southeast corner. Follow the trail onto a gravel road, which heads toward the Roaring Fork River. At the river, the
trail goes left. Cross the river via a wooden bridge; the trail then turns right and climbs the bank. Within a half
mile, you'll pass through an area of sagebrush and begin to parallel Difficult Creek. The trail peters out after you
pass the remains of several old cabins. 4.8 miles roundtrip.
East Maroon Trail
(H) This scenic wilderness trail near the Maroon Bells offers great views of Pyramid Peak. You'll need to take a
shuttle bus to reach the trailhead (see Buckskin Pass, above); ask the driver to drop you off at the East Maroon
Portal. The trail starts by crossing a bridge, then bears right. In 1.5 miles, you'll reach a fork. Continue left to stay
on the East Maroon Trail; the moderate Maroon Creek Trail to the right follows the creek and ends at Maroon
Lake, a nice shorter hike. At 4.5 miles, the East Maroon Trail branches again. Stay straight — the right fork leads
to a horse camp. A mile or so farther on, you'll spot two old cabins. At about the six-mile mark, just past a large
avalanche area, is the first of two stream crossings. The second crossing is about one mile later. During spring
runoff, these crossings can be treacherous. To reach East Maroon Pass, follow the trail two miles past the
second stream crossing. When the trail forks, take the right branch (the left goes to Copper Pass, Triangle Pass
and Conundrum Hot Springs). Cross a small stream and continue heading right on the main trail; soon you'll
reach the 11,820-foot pass. Up to 19.6 miles roundtrip.
Grizzly Lake Trail
This high-alpine lake is in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, at the foot of the Continental Divide. The trail follows
a moderate route that traverses forests, meadows and rocky crags before switchbacking more steeply up to the
lake. The wildflowers are plentiful in high season. The only catch is that you'll need a high-clearance vehicle,
preferable four-wheel-drive, to reach the trailhead. From Aspen, follow Highway 82 east for 11 miles to Lincoln
Creek Road. Turn right and follow the bumpy road for 6 miles to Grizzly Creek Reservoir. The trailhead is on the
left before the Portal Campground. The trail, which follows Grizzly Creek the entire way, climbs steeply for the first
half mile; the next 1.5 miles are easier, as you climb through pine and fir forests alternating with wildflower-
strewn meadows. For its last third, the trail climbs a steep rocky shelf, then winds through alpine tundra toward a
long hillside traverse. Once you crest the knoll on top, Grizzly Lake pops into view. 7.2 miles roundtrip.
Grottos Trail
Extremely popular because of multiple waterfalls and interesting rock formations, the Grottos is also easy to get
to from Aspen and is a great picnicking and sunbathing spot. Drive nine miles east on Highway 82 to the Weller
Campground. Continue past the campground on 82 for almost a mile, then look for a trailhead on the right. Turn
here and drive about 200 feet to the parking area. You have several options for short hikes: The main hiking trail
crosses a bridge and heads left. The easiest trail is 30 yards past the bridge, on the right of the Old Stage Road.
The intermediate trail is on the left, just before the bridge. It is 200 yards long and follows the Roaring Fork River
upstream. The longest and most challenging trail is the Old Stage Road, 100 yards past the bridge on the left.
It's a scenic trail with a fishing dock and streamside picnic tables. Distances vary.
Hunter Valley Trail
This is the gateway to Aspen's backyard — the Hunter Creek Valley. Visitors and locals alike go for the beauty,
the serenity and the feeling of being a world away from town. To get there from town, walk or drive north on Mill
Street, bear left onto Red Mountain Road after crossing the bridge over the Roarking Fork River, then take the
next right onto Lone Pine Road. Trail access is behind the Hunter Creek Condos (look for the sign). You'll start
out by descending some steps to a shaded path that follows Hunter Creek, climbing steadily to the Benedict
Bridge, which crosses Hunter Creek. It's then a somewhat steep uphill until the Forest Service boundary sign
and the meadows of Hunter Valley, which stretch out around you. Hike into the meadow past the Forest Service
sign, staying left at junctures. You'll soon spot a side trail to the left, which descends to the 10th Mountain Bridge
across Hunter Creek. After you cross the bridge, you'll see the remains of several old cabins in a meadow.
Follow the trail past these structures, paralleling Hunter Creek. After a mile or so, look for a small footbridge on
the right; recross Hunter Creek and hike back down the other side of it. You'll eventually wind up on the main trail
again and can retrace your steps back to Aspen. An interesting note: Local governments and residents recently
rallied and raised nearly $2.6 million to buy an 10-acre inholding in the Hunter Creek Valley called the
Hummingbird Lode. The previous owners had the right to build a monster home there; the purchase prevented
that and helps keep Aspen's playground pristine. 6 miles roundtrip.
Rio Grande Trail
This well-loved trail for hikers, bikers, rollerbladers and joggers follows the old Denver & Rio Grande railroad
right-of-way and parallels the Roaring Fork River. It's primarily flat, and the first couple of miles are on pavement.
An easy place to pick it up is across from the Aspen post office; from there you can go all the way to Woody Creek
(about 9 miles). The scenery runs the gamut: from views of the ski areas to small canyons and waterfalls. A
popular outing is to bike to the Woody Creek Tavern for lunch. And don't worry: you don't necessarily have to walk
or bike back. Buses to Aspen stop near the trailhead at the Upper Woody Creek Bridge, or you can call a taxi from
the tavern. 9 miles one way.
Smuggler Mountain
Smuggler is Aspen's most popular trail, for athletes from the casual to the near elite, because it is accessible
and useable year-round. The vertical climb is about 800 feet, and getting up it in 20 minutes or less is
considered good time on foot or mountain bike (really fast bikers can do it under 12 minutes, and local lore has
some runners doing it in under 12 minutes, too). The trail follows a wide dirt road as it switchbacks and curves
up the lower flanks of Smuggler Mountain. Most people's turnaround point is a viewing platform in a small
clearing off to the right, about 1.5 miles up; from here the view down into Aspen and across to Mount Sopris is
excellent. About 3 miles roundtrip
| Home - Contact Us - Summer - Winter - Links - Terms of Use Coda Travel, PO Box 11004, Aspen CO 81612 Tel. 970 544 0991, Fax. 970 544 6102 info@codatravel.com Coda Travel is a division of Alpine Ski Vacations LLC |
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| Coda Travel, P.O. Box 11004, Aspen, CO 81612. Tel: 970 544 0991 Fax: 970 544 6102 email: info@codatravel.com |