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Hiking in Aspen is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Read more about recommended trails in and around Aspen, Colorado.
Hunter Creek - Elevation: 8,900 feet-10,400 feet is considered an easy to moderate hike.
Sunnyside Trail - Elevation 8,000 feet-10,000 feet. The first part of the trail contains a series of switchbacks through sage brush and scrub oak. About 1 mile along the trail, you will cross a driveway and then continue on to Red Mountain. The trail finally joins with the Hunter Creek Trail in the Hunter Creek Valley. As there are many spurs that can lead to one getting lost, a topographical map is recommended. One way the miles equal 6.3 and the hike is considered moderate to difficult.
Ute Trail - The trail starts close to town on directly off of Ute Avenue. The sign for the trail is approximately 0.4 miles up Ute Avenue on the right side of the street headed east. The trail is a steady uphill with switchbacks, 0.9 miles and 1,000 vertical feet to a rock outcropping. The view of Aspen Mountain from the rock outcropping is spectacular. A mile long trail, this hike is a great aerobic workout and is considered difficult.
Conundrum Hot Springs - Elevation 8,500-12,500 feet. The natural Hot Springs located at the end of a gently rising 8.8 miles offer limited camping. If continuing up Triangle Pass, you can find the connection with the East Maroon and Copper Passes, or continue approximately 10 miles further to Gothic at Crested Butte. This great hike goes from easy to moderate to difficult depending on how far up the trail you decide to hike.
Pearl Pass - This was once a popular old wagon road to Crested Butte. This trail, which is also a 4-wheel drive road, begins off Castle Creek Road about 1 & 3/4 of a mile beyond the ghost town of Ashcroft. The road starts to the right, continue about 3 & 1/4 mile until you reach the fork taking the left you will end up a the top of Pearl Pass, taking the right will lead you to Montezuma Basin. This hike is considered moderate.
American Lake - Elevation 9,400-11,400 feet. The trail rises steeply and then follows a series of switchbacks for the first 1 & 1/2 miles before leveling off with gentle rises until you reach the lake at 3.2 miles. This is a moderate to difficult hike.
Cathedral Lake - Elevation 9,500-11,866 feet. The trail climbs steadily and then reaches a series of switchbacks followed by a marked fork. Take the let fork to Cathedral Lake for a total hike of 3.2 miles. Cathedral Lake is very scenic with fair fishing. If you decide to continue up Electric Pass it is advisable to start early and descend by noon as lightning storms are likely to occur in the afternoon hours. One way this hike spans 3.5 miles and is considered Moderate to difficult.
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail - Elevation 9,000-10,000 feet. This easy trail follows the lake to the far side and meanders along the creek flowing into the lake. This is a great place for picnics and photos.
Crater Lake - 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 steadily to meet with the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. The total distance one way is 1 & 3/4 miles.
East Maroon Trail - Elevation 9,000-12,00 feet this hike is a beautiful 8.5 mile hike and spans from easy to moderate, so make sure to bring along plenty of extra water and start early.
West Maroon Pass - Elevation 10,000-12,500 feet. From the top of the pass, the trail descends into the Frigid Air Pass and Schofield Park out of Crested Butte. The hike to Crested Butte is about 12 miles and the top of the pass is tricky and steep. The soil can be very slick if it is wet so take your time and start early to allow for slowing down if need be. One way this hike is 6.2 miles long and is considered a moderate hike.
Buckskin Pass - After about a half mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake junction, take the left fork that ascends steadily to Buckskin Pass for a toat distance of 4.6 miles. This is a difficult hike.
Willow Lake Trail - Follow the directions to Crater Lake. Then a the Crater Lake bulletin board, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply and after about 1/2 miles above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake trail junction. At the junction take the right fork leading to a steep ascension to the top of Willow Pass. From the top of the pass the trail descends to the junction with the East Snowmass trail and continues along for 1/2 mile dropping out at the lake. The total distance is 6.5 miles and is considered difficult.
Brush Creek (a.k.a. Government Trail) - Elevation 9,400-11,400 feet. 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 open meadows. This is a pleasant hike after a steep beginning. Hikers MUST be careful to stay on the trail as it Crosses Private Property. This hike is rated easy but is a long one so remember to take plenty of water along and a camera to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
East Snowmass Creek/Willow Lake - Elevation 8,400-12,600 feet. This trail is fairly steep winding through varying terrain along East Snowmass Creek. The round trip is 17 miles or about 8.2 miles one way and is considered a difficult hike.
