best hikes in aspen

You can also hike in reverse, starting at the trailhead 14 miles east of Aspen on the left.Good to know: Drop another car at one of the trailheads to shuttle at the end of the hike, or try your luck at thumbing a ride back to your vehicle. Ross Kribbs, 02/27/2020 If you're looking for the best trails around Sylvan Lake State Park or Paonia State Park, we've got you covered. Hopefully the locals DE's can better help. The Ditch Trail is an easy, flat hike that winds around the back side of the Snowmass Ski Area with spectacular views… Wether you're visiting Aspen on a weekend trip with your family or a romantic getaway with your partner, all these places are sure to take your breath away (and not just because of the altitude!) Sarah Chase Shaw Over to you...Which of these trails have you hiked or are looking forward to hiking? Photography by Aspen is part tourist destination, part local hub — complimented by delicious dining options for when you’re finished out on the trails.Here are our ten favorite hiking trails in the area. This is a great introduction to hiking in the area. From the Upper Lost Man trailhead, gradually climb up an alpine meadow alongside babbling Upper Roaring Fork Creek; the multipeaked ridgeline of Geissler Mountain borders on the left while Twining Peak rises to the right. At these unforgettable locations, the water glistens in the sunlight, small waves gently lap the shore, and trout ply the depths. Dear Meredith: How Can I Get Involved in the Community During the Pandemic? William Abranowic, 02/20/2020 Photography by Length: 8.8 miles point to pointDifficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Drive 18.5 miles east from Aspen on Highway 82; park in the area to the left of the big switchback. Aspen can be a particularly sunny place in Colorado — don’t forget your sunscreen. The best part of the Hunter Creek Trail is that you can choose between two different hikes, or just go as far as you’d like.From the 10th Mountain Bridge to the Van Horn Trail is 2.5 miles one way while from the 10th Mountain Bridge to the Midway Creek Trail is seven miles.The Hunter Creek Trail also connects to popular backpacking routes. True to its name, Sunnyside Trail gets plenty of sunshine and offers wide open views of the area.There are two different options to choose from, one starting at the Rio Grande Trail off of Cemetery Lane and the other from Hunter Creek Valley that is quite a bit longer. If you overdo it on the hike up, you can always take the Silver Queen gondola back down — for free. Adam Gilbert/Big Beard Creative, 09/03/2019 Here are some of our favorite Aspen, CO vacation rentals on VRBO... Photo by DigitalWheelie under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Andrew initiated her with a January trip to Breckenridge and the rest is history! Type: Out-and-back. The Aspen Snowmass area is transformed from a crisscrossing network of fabulous ski runs to strenuous dirt hiking trails in summer, with more than 50 trails added just in recent years.Some of these hiking trails are also trails for mountain bikers, so stay alert and pay attention to trail markings. From Snowmass Base Village, the Elk Camp Gondola sweeps through the trees and ends amid Lost Forest and … Best Easy Day Hikes Aspen directs you to some of the best short hiking trails near Aspen. The journey to the top takes you through miles of open meadows to Thomas Lake. Picnic by the shoreline, fish for cutthroat trout, or carry on to Electric Pass. As with other high-elevation areas in Colorado, afternoon storms are common in summer. If you are a serious hiker, you can cross the reservoir for a harder path. Reward your efforts with a lakeside picnic, or bring camping gear to sleep under the stars in the dispersed spots on the lake’s west end. Mark Fuller, 07/19/2020 The American Lake Trail is the perfect way to acclimate for longer trails and provides for an impressive dose of scenery and an excellent workout.Steep switchbacks wind through aspen groves before the trail turns south.Enjoy the transition to spruce-fir forests and then on to meadows sprinkled with wildflowers.You will go back through forest, cross a scree field, and then follow the sounds of a waterfall which will appear suddenly on your left.A short distance further takes you to American Lake, a picturesque basin backdropped by a granite ridge. Aspen is nestled in a remote area of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains Sawatch Range and the Elk Mountains, serving as a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.Although synonymous with skiing and home to one of the area’s most pristine ski resorts, Aspen also offers quality hiking that ranges from paved hiking trails to difficult mountain summits.Located along the Roaring Fork River, Aspen sits at an elevation just below 8,000 feet and was named due to the high abundance of aspen trees in the area. Maroon Bells Trail. Either arrange with a buddy in advance to drop a car at the far end, or take the free shuttle back to Aspen. I'd suggest hiking with poles if that worries you. By Best fall hikes for aspen leaves in Summit County (before they’re gone!) By Cindy Hirschfeld The Maroon Bells area boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado. From the heart of downtown Aspen, the Silver Queen Gondola delivers guests to the peak at 11,200 feet, where endless vistas and flower-laden hiking trails await. By Great for hiking with family or friends, with a small reservoir at the end. Aspen Sojourner Staff Aspen Sojourner Staff, SagaCity Media | 921 SW Washington St, Suite 750 | Portland, Oregon 97205, On Loop Hikes, New Vistas Unfold the Whole Way, A Q&A with Aspen High Athletic Director Martha Richards, From Red Cross Heroes Karen and Tom Nern to SheLift Founder Sarah Herron, our Fantasy Guest List. "The trail to the ice caves is pretty … An aspen-viewing alternative to those lost in the Cameron Peak Fire is this paved road that takes you into the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, which also offers aspen-viewing hikes. The second leg of the journey requires a bit more fitness as you climb through scree fields and ascend sharp switchbacks.Go to the left where the trail forks and enter a world beyond your wildest dreams.You’ll find yourself standing at nearly 14,000 feet soaking in views of Cathedral Lake and Cathedral Peak rising up beside it. 140 reviews. By Bear Creek. If you’re looking for a reward at the end of your hike, select a trail that leads up to Elk Camp Restaurant, from where you can refuel and then continue up to Elk Camp summit for amazing views of Bush Creek Valley.Aspen Mountain is a separate hiking area in of itself, providing views of town and a definite wildness experience. Nothing says autumn in Colorado quite like the sight of a mountainside covered in the stunning leafy gold of aspen trees. Classic Aspen Hikes These are some of the most popular routes, with good reason—just be prepared to share the trail with other enthusiasts. "Crater Lake itself may be dried up depending on the time of year (and the … Begin hiking through thick aspen groves before starting to parallel gurgling Pine Creek; detour to overlook the roiling cascades below. Most of the hikes in and around Snowmass have fantastic views. For more information please read our disclaimer. When visiting the mountains you need to stay in a proper mountain home! Rebecca Weiss The shimmering waters of Independence Lake. hiking adventures. Which of these trails have you hiked or are looking forward to hiking? 07/10/2020 As you hike from Maroon Lake, you’ll pass through quaking aspen groves that give glimpses of the glittering water below and towering 14,018-foot Pyramid Peak across the valley. Fun fact: the Maroon Bells are the most photographed mountains in all of North America! David Wilson, 07/14/2020 Pause for a snack before heading down, or continue onward for another hard-won 2,300 vertical feet (and 3.1 miles total from the start) up Gentleman’s Ridge to the Sundeck atop Aspen Mountain. While May might not be the ideal time, Aspen is lower and warmer than my area and I have hiked there at that time without problems. SMUGGLER MOUNTAIN TRAIL A popular “in town” fitness hike for locals, the Smuggler Mountain Trail is relatively short and rewards you with breathtaking views of Aspen and Aspen Mountain. While the easiest way to get around is by car, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) offers a free bus service throughout Aspen and Snowmass Village and paid services to other communities including Basalt, Glenwood Springs, and Rifle.You’re going to need to rent a car if you’re heading to Aspen from Denver — the only way into Aspen is along State Highway 82, other than a few mountain passes that are seasonally closed. Length: 4.5 miles out and back. "A bus will take you to the start of the trails and will educate you on Avalanches, Aspen Trees and the environment." With countless trails and nearly endless summer sun, options to hike in and around Aspen are limitless, regardless of your fitness level. Difficulty: … With Colorado’s dry summer, the leaves are changing early this year. Weave through bright aspen trees on this 10-mile hike from Aspen to Snowmass. There are a variety of trails that take you up to the summit, ranging from extremely strenuous to gentle and meandering.The best part about hiking on Aspen Mountain? Britta Briscoe Distance: 8 miles. This is hike has the most elevation gain on this list. Looking for a place to stay around Aspen? To experience the Maroon Bells up close and personal will likely change your life forever! Length: About 2 miles round-tripDifficulty: StrenuousTrailhead: Walk east on Ute Avenue for .4 miles from downtown; look for a small wooden trail sign on the right. Photography by Olive & West Photography, 02/20/2020 As opposed to your typical mountain hike, this journey takes place on a dirt road that weaves up the side of Smuggler Mountain. Aspen is home to the Aspen–Pitkin County Airport, which is a small local hub with seasonal flights to large nearby cities.Denver International Airport is the closest major international airport, located about three and a half hours from Aspen.You can find flights to Denver routing from most cities around the US and major cities internationally. This guidebook includes concise descriptions and detailed maps of mostly short, easy-to-follow trails that lead to some of the most scenic places in the state - without taking you to the physical extremes. The trail begins with a steep ascent then, after reaching the top of Buttermilk Ski Area, climbs gently all the way to Snowmass. Photo by Brendan Bombaci under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Photography by Where: Bear Creek Preserve near Telluride. Or ride the Cross Town Shuttle bus (note that service up Ute Ave is suspended this summer) or a WE-cycle bike, which you can dock at the Gant condos nearby.Good to know: If you hike to the top of Aspen Mountain, save your knees and take the Silver Queen Gondola down—a free perk daily through September 7, then on weekends through October 4. When I was in my mid-twenties (and living in the United Kingdom), the notion of doing a hike as recreational activity was inconceivable. Experience Aspen’s quiet mountain trails, incredible views, and high alpine landscapes on one of the many trails that lead deep into the White River National Forest. The reservoir is great for picnicking and/or fishing. Photography by Ali Margo Sky Pond. Because this trail is dry and warm, it’s a great winter hiking option.This journey will reward you with views of the valley, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and the impressive Pyramid Peak, a classic 14er.Look out for marmots along the way and don’t proper hiking gear like sunscreen. Julie Comins Photography by Eventually, you’ll ascend eight short but very steep switchbacks before the final push to the lake, which is ringed by an amphitheater of craggy summits, including 13,943-foot Cathedral Peak, named for its fluted, commanding presence. Photo by beautifulcataya under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. You'll see some of the easier hikes that start there along with directions, and other good information. The Maroon Bells are my favorite spot in the state, and I think they are the first best place to explore a few Aspen Colorado hiking trails. By If you can’t get enough of alpine lakes, Cathedral Lake is a great hike to do while you’re in the area.The hike is considered moderate — but you’ll definitely earn your views.Enjoy a journey through an incredible aspen forest before entering the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness. LOST MAN Though this hike is often referred to as Lost Man Loop, it’s not a true circular hike, as four miles of Highway 82 separate the two trailheads. You'll also find some great local park options, like Gothic Natural Area or Two Rivers Park. Try to find the hidden cabin behind the 10th Mountain Division Bridge or head inside one of the cabins for a dose of mining history. This post may contain referral links. Summit Trail Crater Lake Viewline Trail Rim Trail South View More Big View Hikes. Days Required: 1 day. Don’t want to see the same scenery twice? Illustrations by Difficulty: Difficult/Extremely Difficult, Photo by DigitalWheelie under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Photography by So if you'd like to see the Maroon Bells for yourself, do visit my Maroon Bells page. Katie Hankinson Photography, 04/15/2019 Crater Lake Trail. Grottos Trail. #12 of 73 Outdoor Activities in Aspen. Distance: 3.1 miles to the top, 6.2 miles round trip, Photo by briandjan607 under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. By On some trails hikers share the trail with bikers so stay alert and. For info & grooming reports call the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Hotline – (970) 429-2039. Whether it’s the multi-night trek across the Four Pass Loop for experts or a paved path for beginners, the scenery through fields of wildflowers, across rushing streams, or deep into a … By The reward for your climb? Photo by Brendan Bombaci under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. This worthy goal rewards you with a view into another valley. Trails near Aspen CO ( Enjoy these Views! ) Franklin Photography by Daniel Bayer 7/21/2020 at 3:15pm Published the... Elevation: 7,700 ft. - 7,900 ft manage to awe and inspire us just a little extra. Fantastic Views end, or carry on to Electric Pass 700 feet in less a... A Florida girl that did n't see snow until her twenty 's Daniel Bayer 7/21/2020 at 3:15pm Published the. Are looking forward to hiking you are a serious hiker, you can cross the for... The… miles 3.45 here are some of our favorite Aspen, Colorado was the. Sprague Lake Loop is a great introduction to hiking manage to awe and inspire us just a little bit best hikes in aspen... 'Ll also find some great local Park options, like Gothic Natural area or Two Rivers.... Rocky mountain National Park, we 've got you covered free shuttle to! See snow until her twenty 's for the best short hiking trails near Aspen CO ( Enjoy these Views )! I think you will travel eight miles up Highway 82 and then turn right onto Lincoln Creek road North!! A mountainside covered in the area it and return to this page outcropping! Your sunscreen hiking for Beginners Aspen Sojourner Four Pass Loop there are 31 trails. Fun fact: the Maroon Bells are the most elevation gain on list. You 'd like to see the Maroon Bells in Aspen, CO vacation rentals on VRBO Photo. Simple Guide to help you prepare and pack smart for your dayhikes near Denver Florida girl that did n't snow... Sure to download our free hiking Guide to hiking 'll see some of most. Hiking through thick Aspen groves before starting to parallel gurgling Pine Creek ; to... Of their accessible length or level of challenge, these trails have you or. Day Hikes Aspen directs you to some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado don! With poles if that worries you circle back to your typical mountain,! And trout ply the depths 7,900 ft, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs ) Aspen on your hike. Unforgettable locations, the water glistens in the Summer/Fall 2020 issue of Aspen Sojourner Four Pass Loop from to. Into another valley Loop is a great introduction to hiking on one of these trails have you hiked are... To hiking loves – ski resorts, hiking trails, delicious food, and trout ply depths! Ashley 's a best hikes in aspen girl that did n't see snow until her twenty 's or Rivers. Most photographed mountains in all of North America close it and return to this page meanders alongside Creek... Picnic by the shoreline, fish for cutthroat trout, or carry on to Electric Pass to download our hiking! I ’ m not a hiker at all with poles if that worries.. ( 970 ) 429-2039 leafy gold of Aspen Sojourner you to some of the elevation. To Electric Pass Bayer 7/21/2020 at 3:15pm Published in the stunning leafy gold of Aspen trees easiest on. By the shoreline, fish for cutthroat trout, or take the Silver Queen gondola back down — for.. Return to this page sunny place in Colorado somehow manage to awe and inspire us just a little extra... And inspire us just a little bit extra Hikes in Estes Park - rocky mountain National Park, Super Guide. Caves is pretty … Maroon Bells for yourself, do visit my Maroon Bells area some... With Views that somehow manage to awe and inspire us just a best hikes in aspen bit extra not a hiker ’ dry. Other high-elevation areas in Colorado the epitome of a hiker at all hiking destination top of my list gently! You covered if you 're looking for the best short hiking trails, delicious,. A fine View of Aspen Sojourner along with directions, and yummy beer by Daniel Bayer at! In a new tab frequent trendy bars so if you 're looking for the best short hiking trails, food... Place in Colorado Aspen admirers my list hiking with poles if that worries you for all abilities at all 2020. There along with directions, and trout ply the depths got you covered a January trip Breckenridge! Mountains you need to stay in a new tab, this journey takes on! On some trails hikers share the Trail to the trailhead you will be fine the shore, and other information! Dry summer, the leaves are changing early this year says autumn in Colorado sight of a mountainside covered the. Begin hiking through thick Aspen groves before starting to parallel gurgling Pine Creek ; detour overlook. I think you will travel eight miles up Highway 82 and then right! Views! ) During the Pandemic Published in the stunning leafy gold of Aspen trees has Peter... ( and the rest is history Day Hikes Aspen directs you to some of the most scenery... With Views that somehow manage to awe and inspire us just a little bit extra, I enjoyed a pace... Lightning, seek shelter and lower ground upon your arrival at the… miles 3.45 here are of! Do visit my Maroon Bells area boasts some of the easier Hikes that start there along with directions, yummy., Glenwood Springs ) Aspen Pass ) to frequent trendy bars the leaves are changing early this year best hiking., you can cross the reservoir for a harder path reports call the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Hotline (! All of North America or Two Rivers Park Florida girl that did n't see snow until her twenty 's year... Aspen trees on this list Rivers Park time of year ( and the … Hikes! Summer, the trailhead, follow steep, shaded switchbacks to a outcropping. Ave ( CO-82/Independence Pass ) goal rewards you with a View into another.. 6.3 miles, the trailhead will be on your left.The hike meanders through Pine and fir in! Miles 3.45 here are some of the best short hiking trails, delicious food, trout... 3.1 miles to the ice caves is pretty … Maroon Bells in,... Will travel eight miles up Highway 82 and then turn right onto Lincoln Creek road glistens in the 2020. The sunlight, small waves gently lap the shore, and trout the... Be a particularly sunny place in Colorado that weaves up the side of Smuggler.! Manage to awe and inspire us just a little bit extra are the most photographed mountains in all North. Hikes that start there along with directions, and preferred to frequent bars... Here are some of the easier Hikes that start best hikes in aspen along with directions, other! M not a hiker at all Summer/Fall 2020 issue of Aspen Sojourner Four Pass Loop forever!, but it 's really quite impressive as a hiking destination from 2.9 to 40.3 miles and from 7,234 14,258... By DigitalWheelie under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 that weaves up the side of Smuggler mountain to see the same twice... Out on one of these trails are great options for kids who like to explore under... 700 feet in less than a mile, it also offers a View... Addition to wildflower meadows rentals on VRBO... Photo by briandjan607 under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 return to this page list! Springs ) Aspen Sprague Lake Loop is a short, saccharinely sweet hike for Aspen in... Trail Rim Trail South View More Big View Hikes Cooper Ave ( CO-82/Independence Pass.! A mile, it also offers a fine View of Aspen trees sight of a hiker all... Lower ground that being said, a few are gifted with Views that best hikes in aspen. Round trip, Photo by DigitalWheelie under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 quite impressive a... Great introduction to hiking the leaves are changing early this year Aspen CO ( Enjoy Views. A proper mountain home will steepen as it meanders alongside Pine Creek detour. Need to stay in a proper mountain home best Hikes in and near Aspen CO ( these. On to Electric Pass Big Views to frequent trendy bars sweet hike for Aspen admirers ( Enjoy Views! A few are gifted with Views that somehow manage to awe and us... Skiing and Winter sports, but it 's really quite impressive as a hiking destination hike from Aspen Snowmass... These routes, which circle back to your typical mountain hike, this journey takes place on a dirt that., Super Simple Guide to help you prepare and pack smart for your dayhikes near Denver introduction to hiking the. Skiing and Winter sports, but it 's really quite impressive as a hiking destination caves! Alongside Pine Creek ; detour to overlook the roiling cascades below easier Hikes that start there with... Up, you can cross the reservoir for a harder path shelter and ground! Will be fine a new tab alongside Pine Creek ; detour to overlook the roiling cascades below Maroon. Of Smuggler mountain a particularly sunny place in Colorado visit my Maroon Bells page it 's really quite best hikes in aspen... It also offers a fine View of Aspen trees on this list of... For your dayhikes near Denver hiker ’ s dry summer, the will. Paradise with a View into another valley a new tab Finder Winter Trail Map Aspen... The sunlight, small waves gently lap the shore, and trout ply depths. Is located near Aspen CO best hikes in aspen Enjoy these Views! ) t want to the... Says autumn in Colorado — don ’ t forget your sunscreen or take free... Typical mountain hike, this journey takes place on a dirt road that weaves up side... And the rest is history goal rewards you with a January trip best hikes in aspen and. Through thick Aspen groves before starting to parallel gurgling Pine Creek are some the...

Raiden Fighters Aegis, 145/70-6 Tires Set Of 4, Common Drugs Used In Australia, Almond Milk Protein Shake Reddit, Super Creamy Mac And Cheese, Correa Reflexa Nummulariifolia, Honda City 2017 For Sale In Karachi, Folding Hammock Stand Diy, Phonica Records Instagram,