hiking

The scenery throughout the Elk Mountain Range surrounding Aspen and the entire Roaring Fork Valley is breathtaking, featuring fields of wildflowers, rushing streams, and dense forests. With a well-developed trail system throughout the area, hikers of all abilities will find a plethora of options from flat paths for beginners to airy 14ers for the more experienced. These recommendations below are meant to offer a general description of the many options though it’s recommended to reference maps and/or hire guides for your outings.

TRAILHEADS IN ASPEN’S CORE

SMUGGLER TRAIL – EASY/MODERATE

Smuggler Mountain Road is one of the most popular recreation areas in the immediate Aspen vicinity with a relatively short ascent. Smuggler Mountain provides a spectacular viewpoint right on the edge of the Hunter Frying Pan Wilderness. Hikers have the option to return the same way or continue hiking through Hunter Creek. Miles one way: 1.4 to the overlook. Elevation gain: 800 ft.

HUNTER CREEK TRAIL - EASY/MODERATE

The most common trailhead is just east of Hunter Creek condominiums on Lone Pine Road with a gradual uphill climb along Hunter Creek towards Hunter Valley. Upper portions of the trail pass through alpine meadows scattered with several abandoned homestead cabins. Miles one way: 6.5. Elevation gain: 1,500 ft.

RIO GRANDE TRAIL - EASY

This is both a walking and biking trail that starts behind the Aspen Post Office on Puppy Smith Road. The first two miles of the trail are paved and then it gives way to dirt after crossing Cemetery Lane. It serves as a great route to go as far as you’d like then turn around. In full, the path leads all the way to Glenwood Springs, 42 miles down valley, gradually dropping 2,200 ft in elevation.

UTE TRAIL - DIFFICULT

This trailhead is close to town on Ute Avenue, just .5 miles from The Little Nell. It is a steady uphill climb with multiple switchbacks. You’ll reach a rock outcropping, with a spectacular view of Aspen in one direction and the Continental Divide in the other. You can return the same way or carry on to the summit of Aspen Mountain (this is 1/3 of the way to the top) to enjoy a gondola ride down (within hours of gondola operations). Miles one way to the top of the Ute: 0.9 miles. Elevation gain: 1,000 ft.

SUNNYSIDE TRAIL - MODERATE/DIFFICULT

The first part of this trail contains a series of switchbacks through sagebrush and scrub oak. The trail eventually joins with the Hunter Creek Trail in the Hunter Creek Valley. As there are many spurs that can lead to getting lost, a topographical map is recommended. Miles one way: 6.3. Elevation gain: 2,000 ft.

TRAILHEADS EAST OF ASPEN – OFF HIGHWAY 82 (INDEPENDENCE PASS)

Please note transportation is not provided to these trailheads; we recommend renting a car or arranging for a ride.

DIFFICULT CREEK TRAIL - MODERATE

The trail run along Difficult in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. This moderately strenuous hike begins at Difficult Creek Campground just outside of Aspen, crosses the Roaring Fork River and joins Difficult Creek through diverse montane forests. Miles one way: 3.0. Elevation gain: 1,200 ft.

GRIZZLY LAKE - MODERATE

This is a moderate hike for the majority of the way until the end where you have 1/4 of a mile of steep switchbacks to reach the lake. Miles one way: 3.6. Elevation gain: 2,000 ft.

THE GROTTOS - EASY

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

LOST MAN LOOP - MODERATE/DIFFICULT

Not a traditional loop, this trail has an upper and lower trailhead so you can hike in and return where you began or arrange for a shuttle to do the whole distance. If starting from Lower Lost Main to climb towards the Continental Divide: Miles one way: 8.8. Elevation gain: 2,300 ft.

MIDWAY TRAIL - DIFFICULT

This trail departs from the same trailhead as Lower Lost Man though immediately goes in the opposite direction towards Aspen. It connects with the Hunter Creek Trail that will eventually take you back to Aspen. It’s a long and winding route and knowledge of the area with a guide or a topographical map is mandatory. Miles one way: 20. Elevation drop: 2,000 ft.

WELLER LAKE - EASY

This is a gentle, short trail that is enjoyed by families and pets with an alpine lake at the end. Miles one way: 0.6. Elevation gain: 200 ft.

TRAILHEADS IN THE CASTLE CREEK VALLEY

Please note transportation is not provided to these hikes, we recommend renting a car.

AMERICAN LAKE - MODERATE/DIFFICULT

This trail begins with an a flower meadow and alpine grove then rises steeply to follow a series of switchbacks. It levels off through certain sections as it rises until you reach the lake. Miles one way: 3.2. Elevation gain: 2,000 ft.

CATHEDRAL LAKE - MODERATE/DIFFICULT

This trail climbs steadily and then reaches a series of switchbacks followed by a marked fork to Cathedral Lake. Miles one way: 2.8. Elevation gain: 2,300 ft.

CONUNDRUM HOT SPRINGS - MODERATE/DIFFICULT

This trail rises and plateaus as it winds through open meadows and aspen groves, past mining cabins and across streams until it arrives at bubbling, natural hot springs at the end. Camping around the hot springs is limited and requires reservations in advance. Miles one way: 8.5. Elevation gain: 3,000 ft.

TRAILHEADS IN AND AROUND THE MAROON BELLS

Please refer to the bus and car access to these trailheads as it’s very limited and managed by the USFS.

CRATER LAKE - MODERATE

This easy trail begins at Maroon Lake and winds through aspen trees to Crater Lake. Miles one way: 1 3/4 miles. Elevation gain: 700 ft.

BUCKSKIN PASS - DIFFICULT

Follow the directions to Crater Lake and once you’ve reached the Crater Lake bulletin board, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply to arrive at the saddle with vast views of the Maroon Bells Wilderness. Miles one way: 4.6. Elevation gain: 2,880 ft.

WEST MAROON PASS - DIFFICULT

This trail is the gateway to the White River National Forest and to Crested Butte. Follow the directions to Crater Lake. Then at the lake, the trail ascends gradually until the steep mountain pass. The rest will be downhill through wildflower fields till it reaches the trailhead. Shuttle transportation is then required to get to Crested Butte. Miles one way: 7.8. Elevation gain: 2,312 ft.

TRAILHEADS IN AND AROUND SNOWMASS

BRUSH CREEK//GOVERNMENT TRAIL - EASY/LONG

This trail begins a short distance up Maroon Creek Road at Iselin Park behind the tennis and pickle ball courts at the Aspen Recreation Center. It continues across the river to Buttermilk Mountain. The hike winds through wooded areas and meadows all the way to Snowmass Village. Note – this trail is frequently used by mountain bikers. Miles one way: 6.8. Elevation gain 2,000 ft.

RIM TRAIL SOUTH - MODERATE

From Divide Road, this trail climbs 600’ in the first 1.3 miles to a high point over the valley where you’ll find a yin-yang dial as both a stretching and photo op. The trail then flows along a diversely vegetated ridge with panoramas across Snowmass Village and the Roaring Fork Valley. Note – this trail is frequently used by mountain bikers. Miles one way: 3.8 miles. Elevation gain: 720 ft.

TOM BLAKE TRAIL - MODERATE

Discover this loop trail near Snowmass Village, Colorado. Considered a moderately challenging route, it winds through shady aspen groves and open meadows. Note – this trail is frequently used by mountain bikers. Miles one way as a loop: 4.9. Elevation gain: 1,000 ft.

For additional information and assistance contact the concierge team at 970.920.6365 or concierge@thelittlenell.com.