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wildernet
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Smuggler Mountain Road to Lenado Trail
| Beginning Elevation: |
7,900 Feet
(2462.6 Meters)
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| Difficulty: |
Moderate
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| Elevation Gain: |
1,000 Feet
(311.7 Meters)
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| Ending Elevation: |
8,600 Feet
(2680.8 Meters)
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| Length: |
9 Miles
(15.0 Kilometers)
one way
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| Usage: |
Very Heavy for the first 1-1/2 miles; Moderate from 1-1/2 miles to Lenado
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| USGS Maps: |
Aspen
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Smuggler Road is used heavily by mountain bikes, runners and hikers. Smuggler Road provides a short (1-1/2 mile) work out with great views of Aspen, which makes it very popular. The section of trail through Hunter Creek is not as heavily used, but is popular with hikers and mountain bikers, and cross country skiers in the winter. The Smuggler Road is a fairly well maintained 4 WD road and immediately begins a steep ascent. The switchbacks get longer and in about 1-1/2 miles the road curves behind Smuggler Mountain. There is a short steep path on the right leading to a platform, which is good for viewing Aspen. To continue to Lenado and Hunter Creek, take the left just after the platform (right goes to Warren Lakes). There are several side roads, please stay on the main route. At the 2 mile mark there is a gate, go around and continue up the hill. At about the 3-1/2 mile mark there is an old bridge, cross and turn left. This trail will intersect with the 4 WD road to Van Horn Park and Lenado. For the other option, follow the trail along the river, past several old buildings. The road climbs steeply, at approximately the 5-1/2 mile mark, the road branches. Keep straight to reach Lenado, right goes to Van Horn Park. The road levels at the intersection known as 'Four Corners'. The left leads to Red Mountain, the Sunnyside Trail can also be picked up from this direction. The right leads to Van Horn Park along a single track, continue straight to reach Lenado. The trail comes out on the main road in Lenado. There is a sign in the grass saying 'Bike Trail to Aspen'. Turn left onto the gravel road and ride another 8 miles to the junction of Woody Creek Road and Road 18. Turn left to reach Woody Creek and return to Aspen. The McLain Flats Road or Rio Grande Trail will take you back to Aspen.
Directions from Aspen: Travelling east on Main Street in Aspen, turn left (north) onto Mill Street. Travel 1/4 mile and turn right after the bridge onto Gibson. Follow Gibson 1/8 mile to a "Y" intersection and bear left onto South Avenue. Shortly, turn right onto Park Circle and follow for 1/8 mile to the Smuggler Mountain Road on the left. There is parking on the right.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
June through September
(NOTE: Road may be obstructed by snow at high elevations.)
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Disclaimer and User Agreement
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Calendar
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Winter Conditions. Beware of avalanche danger and hypothermia. First section heavily used. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:42:00.0
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