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Cross-country Skiing: Colorado > White River National Forest > Aspen Ranger District

Quick Facts

Hunter Valley Trail

Average Time: 2 Hours
Beginning Elevation: 8,300 Feet (2587.3 Meters)
Difficulty: Moderate for first section, Easy for remaining portion.
Elevation Gain: 700 Feet (218.2 Meters)
Ending Elevation: 9,000 Feet (2805.5 Meters)
Length: 3.3 Miles (5.5 Kilometers)
Usage: Moderate




Satellite and Topo Map




General Description

Summer and winter, Hunter Valley is one of the most popular trips from Aspen because of its beauty, accessibility, and peaceful setting. Hunter Valley has everything you would expect from an idyllic mountain valley: the picturesque Hunter Creek, the meadow valley floor, the surrounding mountain peaks, the prominent Thimble Rock at the end of the valley, the wildlife, the abandoned hunters' cabins, and much more. You can spend anywhere from 2 hours to all day on your tour in Hunter Valley. The farther you explore in Hunter Valley, the more the valley beckons you on. From the trailhead parking lot walk down to the road and go left through two large stone pillars, walking 1/4 mile to where the trail crosses the road. After a sharp turn in the road the trail will be just ahead on the right traversing along the side of the hill, with a sign saying 'Hunter Creek Trail'. After a traverse of about 100 yards, the trail reaches the Benedict Bridge which crosses Hunter Creek. After crossing the bridge, the trail (more like a road at this point) goes up fairly steeply along the right side of Hunter Creek in the trees. A little distance up, the trail levels off and narrows as it continues on through the evergreens and aspen. After another 1 mile the trail bears off to the right into the aspen and is marked by blue diamonds. Coming out of the trees at the White River National Forest sign, you will see Hunter Valley opening up before you, with the creek to the left and mountains on all sides.



Current Conditions & Trip Reports
Winter Conditions. Beware of avalanche danger and hypothermia. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:37:00.0


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Recreation Opportunities
Activity Remarks On Site
ICON Cross-country Skiing Hunter Valley Trail
Yes
ICON Mountain Biking Bikes permitted on the first three miles of Hunter Valley Trail only, before wilderness boundary.
Yes
ICON Snowshoeing Hunter Valley Trail
Yes



More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Email the Local Ranger

Visitor Information:

Supervisor's Office, P.O. Box 948, 9th & Grand , Glenwood Springs, CO, 81601, Phone: 970-945-2521, Fax: 970-945-3266






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