Hiking Trails

Rio Grande Trail (EASY)

Elevation: 7,700 ft. - 7,900 ft.

This is both a hiking and biking trail. The trail starts behind the Post Office on Puppy Smith Road. The first two miles of the trail are paved and before becoming a dirt trail after crossing Cemetery Lane.

Hunter Creek (EASY - MODERATE)

Elevation: 8,900 ft. - 10,400 ft.

The trail begins just east of the apartments on Lone Pine Road or directly off of the Rio Grande Trail extension. This is a gradual uphill climb along Hunter Creek towards Hunter Valley. To access the upper trail, drive north on Mill Street, veer left onto Red Mountain Road and follow it for 1.1 miles to Hunter Creek Road. Turn right onto Hunter Creek Road and follow the signs to the parking lot. Upper portions of the trail pass through alpine meadows scattered with several abandoned homestead cabins. 

Smuggler Trail (EASY - MODERATE)

This trail is accessed through Smuggler Mountain Road, one of the most popular recreation areas in the immediate Aspen vicinity. Any spring, summer or fall afternoon, Smuggler Mountain Road is busy with Aspenites hiking, running, mountain biking or walking their dogs. Smuggler Road provides a short (1-1/2 mile) workout with great views of Aspen from the look-out point, making it very popular. You can access the Hunter Creek Trail or continue to Warren Lakes.

Sunnyside Trail (MODERATE - DIFFICULT)

Elevation: 8,000 ft. - 10,000 ft.

The first part of the trail contains a series of switchbacks through sagebrush and scrub oak. About 1 mile along the trail, you will cross a driveway and continue on to Red Mountain. The trail eventually merges with the Hunter Creek Trail in the Hunter Creek Valley. Since there are many spurs that can lead to one getting lost, a topographical map is recommended. Miles one way: 6.3.

Ute Trail (DIFFICULT)

The trail starts close to town on Ute Avenue. The sign for the trail is approximately 0.4 miles up Ute Avenue on the right if you are headed east. It's a steady uphill with switchbacks, 0.9 miles and 1,000 vertical feet to a rock outcropping. The view of Aspen from the rock outcropping is spectacular. This is a mile long aerobic workout.

Red Butte Trail (DIFFICULT)

This trail is accessed off of Cemetery Lane and is a quick but difficult trail with amazing views. If you aren't up for the challenge, enjoy the view from our 360 Tour of Red Butte.

Weller Lake (EASY)

One way, the trip is about 0.6 miles.

Grottos (EASY)

This is a popular area for picnicking and exploring. There is a waterfall, interesting rock formations, an ice cave, and numerous short trails. This is a great area for families.

Ruby (EASY)

The old town of Ruby is an abandoned mining camp. Drive east on Hwy 82 for 11 miles to the Lincoln Creek Road turnoff. Follow the dirt road 6 miles to Grizzly Reservoir. At this point the road becomes a four-wheel drive only road. You can begin your hike here. The road continues 5 miles to the ghost town of Ruby. 

Discovery Trail (EASY)

The hike begins at about 10,400 feet in elevation.

This trail is located approximately 13.5 miles east of Aspen on Hwy 82 on your right. This is designed to give the blind hiker a feel for the outdoors. Twenty-two messages are provided along the trail in both Braille and in print. Nylon cord guides are provided for the blind. 

Grizzly Lake (MODERATE)

The hike is 3.6 miles (one way) in length with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. This is a moderate hike until a 1/4 mile of switchbacks at the end.

Tabor Creek Trail (MODERATE)

Elevation: 10,300 ft. - 12,300 ft.

The trail is 3.9 miles one way. Tabor Creek Trail is great for running, hiking, or horseback riding. Tabor Lake is accessed from the trail.

Anderson & Petroleum Lakes (MODERATE)

Elevation: 11,200 ft. - 12,200 ft.

The trail follows an old jeep road and will end with Anderson Lake 1/3 of a mile to the left and Petroleum Lake 3/4 of a mile to the right. The total hiking distance to Petroleum Lake is 1.8 miles one way. 

Lost Man Trail (MODERATE - DIFFICULT)

Miles one way: 8.9.  Elevation: 10,500 ft. - 12,800 ft. With a higher elevation, this is an ideal late summer hike when the wildflowers bloom and snow is melted. 

Midway Trail (DIFFICULT)

Miles one way: 8.8.  Elevation: 9,900 ft. - 11,900 ft.

The trail connects with the Hunter Creek Trail that eventually takes you back to Aspen (20 miles).  A topographical map is mandatory! 

New York Creek Trail (DIFFICULT)

Elevation: 10,000 ft. - 12,300 ft.

The length is 4.2 miles one way. A topographical map is mandatory - it is easy to get lost.

Woody Creek Trail (MODERATE)

Miles one way: 9.7.  Elevation: 8,600 ft. - 11,600 ft. 

Spruce Creek Trail (MODERATE)

Elevation: 8,500 ft. - 12,500 ft.

The trailhead begins 7 miles past the town of Lenado. Lenado is about 10 miles east of the Town of Woody Creek. Length is 8 miles.

Conundrum Hot Springs (EASY - MODERATE - DIFFICULT)

Miles one way: 8.5.  Elevation: 8,500 ft. - 12,500 ft. 

The natural Hot Springs is at the end of a gradual 8.8 mile ascent. Camping around the Hot Springs is limited and as of 2018 a permit is required.  If continuing up Triangle Pass, you can connect with the East Maroon and Copper Passes, or continue approximately 10 miles further to Gothic at Crested Butte.

Pearl Pass Road (MODERATE)

This was once a popular old wagon road to Crested Butte. This trail, which is also a 4-wheel drive road, begins off of Castle Creek Road about 1 3/4 miles beyond the ghost town of Ashcroft. The road starts to the right, continuing about 3 1/4 miles until a fork is reached. Veering to the left will take you to the top of Pearl Pass (4 1/2 miles). The right fork leads to Montezuma Basin. 

American Lake (MODERATE - DIFFICULT)

Miles one way: 3.2.  Elevation: 9,400 ft. - 11,400 ft. 

The trail rises steeply and then follows a series of switchbacks for the first 1.5 miles. Then the trail levels off with gentle rises until you reach the lake at 3.2 miles. 

Cathedral Lake (MODERATE - DIFFICULT)

Elevation: 9,500 ft. - 11,866 ft. 

The trail climbs steadily and eventually reaches a series of switchbacks followed by a marked fork. Take the left fork to Cathedral Lake. Cathedral Lake is very scenic and offers some fishing. If hiking to Electric Pass, it is advisable to start early and descend by noon, as lightning storms are likely to occur in the afternoon hours.

Maroon Lake Scenic Trail (EASY)

Miles one way: 1.3.  Elevation: 9,500 ft. - 10,000 ft.

The trail follows the lake to the far side and meanders along the creek flowing into the lake. This is a great place for pictures and picnics.

Crater Lake (MODERATE)

The trail begins at Maroon Lake, 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs through the Aspens to the lake. The left trail or the scenic trail follows a river and crosses two bridges, then climbs steeply to meet with the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. The distance to the trail is 1 3/4 miles one way.

East Maroon Trail (EASY - MODERATE - LONG)

Miles one way: 8.5. Elevation: 9,000 ft. - 12,000 ft.

West Maroon Pass (MODERATE - LONG)

Miles one way: 6.2. Elevation: 10,000 ft. - 12,500 ft. 

From the top of the pass, the trail descends to the Frigid Air Pass and Schofield Park out of Crested Butte. The hike to Crested Butte is about 12 miles. The top of the pass is tricky and steep. The soil can be slick if it is wet. 

Buckskin Pass (DIFFICULT)

The total distance is 4.6 miles one way. 

About .5 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake junction. Take the left fork that ascends steadily to Buckskin Pass. 

Willow Lake Trail (DIFFICULT)

The total hiking distance is 6 1/2 miles. 

Follow the directions to Crater Lake. Then at the Crater Lake bulletin board, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply. About .5 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake trail junction. At the junction, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply to the top of Willow Pass. From the top of the pass, the trail descends to the junction with East Snowmass trail. Continue straight on the trail for the last .5 mile to the lake. 

Brush Creek (a.k.a. Government Trail) (EASY - LONG)

Miles one way: 6.8.  Elevation: 9,400 ft. - 11,400 ft.

The trail begins a short distance up Maroon Creek Road at Islen Park behind the tennis courts. It continues across the river to Buttermilk Mountain. The total trip of 7 miles (one way) to Snowmass Village winds through wooded areas and meadows. This is a pleasant hike after a steep beginning. Hikers MUST be careful to stay on the trail as it crosses private property.

East Snowmass Creek / Willow Lake (DIFFICULT)

Miles one way: 8.2.  Elevation: 8,400 ft. - 12,600 ft.

This trail is fairly steep and goes through varying terrain along East Snowmass Creek. Round trip the hike is about 17 miles with an elevation gain of 4,200 feet. 

To discover more hiking trails in Snowmass, click here.