As you explore the outdoors in Colorado, you’ll discover natural beauty at every step. To preserve these special places for generations to come, the Colorado Tourism Office partnered with the Leave No Trace organization to create 7 principles that address the impacts of recreation. Follow these 7 principles to give future explorers the chance to discover and admire the beauty that defines Aspen.
1. Know Before You Go
Take time to learn about the area before exploring. With Aspen’s diverse range of terrain, reading about the trails in advance and exploring responsibly will make the day more enjoyable.
The weather in Colorado is highly unpredictable. While it may start out being a sunny, warm day, in the blink of an eye, you could see rain or snow. Check the weather and wear layers to prepare for sudden changes.
Choose trails with fewer crowds to maximize your outdoor experience. During peak summer months, parking lots with access to trailheads can get full. Prepare a backup plan by learning about Aspen’s extensive variety of trails.
Aspen has an elevation of 7,891 feet. The high elevation makes it particularly important to prioritize hydration, especially during exercise. Bring a reusable water bottle to feel your best and reduce waste.
2. Stick To Trails
Diverging from the trail can lead to erosion and disrupt the habitat of local wildlife. Aspen is picturesque with spectacular views and natural beauty at every turn. Capture the moment with a picture and avoid venturing off the trail to stay safe and protect the plants. While most Aspen trails are well marked, bring a map and get familiar with the route ahead of time.
Going on an overnight adventure? After a rewarding day of hiking, set up camp in a designated campsite and rest beneath the stars. Some of Aspen’s most popular trails meander along rivers and lead to scenic alpine lakes, making them desirable campsites. Be sure to camp at least 200 feet away from waterways to avoid interfering with nearby wildlife.
3. Leave It As You Find It
Trails are full of neat rocks, plants, and artifacts. While it’s tempting to take them home, leave everything as you found it so others can enjoy discovering them too. In July and August, trails wind through fields of vibrant wildflowers. Remember them with a picture rather than picking one- it will last much longer and allow others to take in their beauty.
Make your gear last longer and prevent invasive species from spreading by cleaning your hiking shoes, bike tires, or water vessels after a day on the trails or rivers.
From colorful fall foliage to different shades of green, the trees are part of the natural beauty that makes Aspen special. Refrain from carving the trees to preserve the ecosystem and pristine beauty of the trails.
4. Trash The Trash
Pack all your trash (including peels and other natural trash) to leave the site better than you found it. Bring disposable WAG bags to pack human waste or bury waste 6-8 inches down at least 70 steps away from water and the trail.
5. Be Careful With Fire
There’s nothing better than relaxing by a campfire at the end of the day. Prevent wildfires by making sure the campsite allows campfires and keeping them small, attended, and manageable. When it’s time to extinguish, the embers should be cold to the touch.
Buy or collect firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive species and save yourself from the hassle of traveling with it.
Be careful while smoking and disposing of products. Discarded butts are one of the most common causes of wildfires.
6. Keep Wildlife Wild
Aspen is home to a variety of wildlife, ranging from moose to bears to deer. It’s exciting to spot them, but maintain a safe distance from animals and keep your dog away.
Who doesn’t love a tasty snack? Animals can sniff out food from a distance. Store anything with a scent in canisters, bear proof lockers, or secured vehicles to keep yourself and the animals safe.
7. Share Our Parks & Trails
Make Aspen a place for everyone to enjoy and be considerate of others while exploring the outdoors. Practice trail etiquette by yielding to the uphill hikers and bikers and giving wheelchairs and horseback riders the right of way.
Looking for a way to make a difference right now? Sign the Aspen Pledge to commit to keeping Aspen as beautiful as it is today.
