wildernet

Aspen Area

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Nearby Activities

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Activity	Location	Description

American Lake Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail can be either strenuous day hike, or a short backpack. It leads to American Lake.

Aspen Music Tent Trail	City of Aspen, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity	The Music Tent Trail connects the Rio Grande Trail and the Music Tent property via the John Grindley bridge over the Roaring Fork River. It is managed by Aspen Parks & Recreation.

Avalanche Lake Trail	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail runs along the cold, clear waters of Avalanche Creek for eleven miles and ends at Avalanche Lake. It is an enjoyable two or three day trip and yet some folks have been known to do it in one day.

Basalt Mountain Road	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	This road is heavily used by mountain bikers, horseback riders, campers, fishermen and hikers. You can access the Basalt Mountain bike loop trail and Cattle Creek Road, via county road #13.

Braille Trail	Aspen Ranger District, Aspen Area	Discovery/Braille Trails are located 12.6 miles east of Aspen off of Hwy. 82. These trails are specifically prepared for the physically challenged and visually impaired.

Buckskin Pass Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Avery popular, but steep day hike; often used as a starting point for extended backpacking trips into the wilderness. Great views of Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, and Snowmass Lake are abundant.

Capital Peak	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest

Capitol Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	A good backpacking hike with access to the Avalanche Creek Trail, West Snowmass Trail and Capitol Peak. This area is popular with horseback riders, hikers, and climbers.

Capitol Creek Trail (Avalanche Creek Access)	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail starts 9 miles up Avalanche Creek trail and ends at the pass. The trail starts in conifers then opens up into alpine areas with wildflowers and fantastic views of Avalanche Creek.

Cathedral Lake to Electric Pass Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a difficult day hike and strenuous backpack trip. It is recommended to plan an overnight visit.

Cathedral Lake Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Cathedral Lake Trail is a difficult day hike and strenuous backpack trip. Cathedral Lake is very scenic with fair fishing.

Cattle Creek Trail	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	The trail travels through aspens and meadows with patches of spruce and fir. It is hard to follow at times so be sure and carry a compass and map.

Chapman Gulch Trail	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	The first 2 miles of this trail are well marked and maintained. The remainder of the trail is not maintained and hard to find.

Conundrum Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Although the trail is moderate in terrain, it is a long day hike or 2 day backpacking trip. The trail generally parallels Conundrum Creek up the valley, following an old jeep trail which then turns into a trail.

Crater Lake Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail serves as a short and very popular day hike, or starting point for extended backpacking trips into the wilderness.

Difficult Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is an enjoyable day hike through a variety of forest environments. It's a convenient hike for campers at Difficult Campground.

East Maroon Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This wilderness trail provides good backpacking opportunities and is also a good horseback trail.

East Snowmass Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail is good for hiking, backpacking and horseback travel. The camping is limited due to the steep terrain. This trail is less popular than the Maroon-Snowmass Trail and has very steep sections and may contain snowfields until late July.

Fryingpan Lakes Trail	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	Beginning at Nast (Horseshoe Bend), the trail is a fairly easy climb and parallels the Fryingpan River for nine miles until it reaches the lakes.

Geneva Lake Trail	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	The easy accessibility of the lake makes it one of the most popular and therefore, one of the most heavily used trails on the district. The trail is moderately steep and has some good views of the surrounding mountains.

Ghost Town to Cookhouse Trail	Aspen Ranger District, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity

Ghost Town Trail	Aspen Ranger District, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity	The Ashcroft Ghost Town Trail is located along Castle Creek in the Elk Mountain Range. This easy system of trails includes a handicapped-accessible section.

Government Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Government Trail is an enjoyable day hike or mountain bike ride through aspen groves. It is also known as Brush Creek Trail and is a popular cross country ski trail in the winter.

Grizzly Lake Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a moderate climb with fair fishing at the lake. There is limited camping (stoves ONLY) at the lake. Due to the fragile alpine tundra, it's recommended that you camp below the timberline.

Grottos Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a popular area for picnicking and exploring. There is a waterfall, some interesting rock formations, an ice cave, and numerous short trails. This is a great area for families.

Henderson Park Trail	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	The trail goes through pine forests most of the way. It is hard to follow at times. Before the trail drops into Carter Creek you have a great view of the creek. The trail becomes very rough at this point.

Holy Cross Wilderness-Sopris Ranger District Wilderness Area	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	The Sopris Ranger District portion of the Holy Cross Wilderness lies to the east of Basalt. The different trails are accessed from various points in the Frying Pan drainage, above Reudi Reservoir.

Hubbard Cave Four-Wheel Drive Road	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	Hubbard Cave Road takes you to within 1/4 mile of Hubbard Cave. Hike the trail to the cave which has approximately 3,000 feet of passage with a vertical relief of only 50 feet.

Hunter Creek Trail	Pitkin County Open Space, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity	This is a moderate hike with good views of the Elk Mountain Range and the town of Aspen. The first 3 miles of the trail are HEAVILY used by mountain bikers, hikers, joggers and their dogs. These trails provide access for backpacking.

Hunter Valley Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Summer and winter, Hunter Valley is one of the most popular trips from Aspen because of its beauty, accessibility, and peaceful setting. You can spend anywhere from 2 hours to all day on your tour in Hunter Valley.

Independence Ghost Town Trail	Aspen Ranger District, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity	Independence Gost Town is a popular attraction right on highway 82. Remanants of the town first settled in 1879 surround the trail.

Independence Pass Area	Independence Pass Area, Aspen Ranger District	The Independence Pass Area is located east of Aspen, between town and Independence Pass. This area offers a high concentration of attractions in a scenic setting.

Linkins Lake Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a moderately steep climb to a high alpine lake above the timberline with fair fishing. Beware of severe afternoon thunderstorms.

Lollipop Trail	Pitkin County Open Space, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity

Lost Man Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail is good for hiking and backpacking, also fishing is fair in Independence Lake, Lost Man Lake, and Lost Man Reservoir. The trail is not a complete loop; it is a good idea to set up a shuttle.

Marolt Interpretive Trail	Aspen Ranger District, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity	The short Marolt Interperetive trail is provides acces to the Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum and winter access for cross country skiing to other trails in the area.

Maroon Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Valley. There are good views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. This is a good day hike and is also a popular trail for horseback riding.

Maroon Lake Scenic Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail is one of the most heavily used trails in the Aspen area. Hikers and picnickers enjoy the wildflowers and views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. A great family day hike with many photographic opportunities.

Maroon-Snowmass (Willow Lake)	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This scenic trail is heavily used. Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing and camping are available. The trailhead is 9 1/2 miles up Maroon Creek Road. It's located within Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Maroon-Snowmass Trail (from Snowmass Creek Trailhead)	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail is one of the most heavily used trails in the Aspen area. Hikers, backpackers and horse travelers enjoy the wildflowers, views and access to other areas within the Wilderness.

Mayfly Trail	Town of Snowmass Village, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity

Meadow Ranch Trail	Town of Snowmass Village, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity	This new soft surface trail, adds another linkage to Snowmass Village's trail system.

Midway Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a great trail for backpacking and horse travel. The trail is mostly in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness and is one of the less-used trails in the Aspen area.

Montezuma Basin Four-Wheel Drive Road	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	There is often snow on the road well into July. This road is very rugged, and in some sections is located in a stream.

New York Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a moderate to difficult hike through spruce and fir forests. From the White River National Forest and the Gunnison National Forest boundary the trail is not maintained, you need to use orienteering skills to continue to Ptarmigan Lake.

North Maroon Peak	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	North Maroon Peak is the middle peak of the Maroon-Bells range. No one should attempt this climb without the proper equipment and without advanced mountain climbing skills.

Northstar Preserve	Aspen Area	North Star Nature Preserve is a 175 acre tract of open space located in Pitkin County about 1.5 miles east of Aspen, on the Roaring Fork River.

Petroleum & Anderson Lakes Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	The Trail follows an old jeep road that is now closed to mechanized vehicles. The trail follows Anderson Creek passing through fir forests then tundra.

Pyramid Peak Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest

Red Table Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Taking this route from the top down is an enjoyable down hill cruise with some short uphill sections and some outstanding views of the area. This trail should not be ridden prior to June 21st to avoid disturbing calving elk.

Rim Trail	Snowmass Village Area, Colorado Community Areas	This trail near Snowmass Village offers a challenging snowshoe in the winter, hiking and biking in the summer, with fine views across Snowmass Village, the ski areas and surrounding mountains.

Rio Grande Trail Aspen to Woody Creek	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	The Aspen to Woody Creek section of The Rio Grande Trail is an easy, 8.4 mile multi-use trail. The Rio Grand Trail is over 40 miles long and runs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

Rio Grande Trail Basalt to Carbondale	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	The Basalt to Carbondale section of the Rio Grande Trail is an easy, 15 mile multi-use trail. The Rio Grand Trail is over 40 miles long and runs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

Rio Grande Trail Carbondale to Glenwood Springs	Sopris Ranger District, Carbondale Area	The Carbondale to Glenwood Springs section of the Rio Grande Trail is an easy 12.2 miles. The Rio Grand Trail is over 40 miles long and runs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

Rio Grande Trail Woody Creek to Basalt	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	The Woody Creek to Basalt section of the Rio Grande Trail is an easy 10.6 miles. The Rio Grand Trail is over 40 miles long and runs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs.

Roaring Fork Discovery Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	The Roaring Fork Discovery Trail is colocated with the Braile Trail. It is wheelchair accessable from highway 82 East of Aspen.

Schofield Pass Four-Wheel Drive Road	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	Schofield was an old mining town and is now a ghost town with a number of old building still standing. The first portion of the road passes through a narrow, steep canyon which contains a number of picturesque water falls.

Smuggler Mountain Road	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Smuggler Road is used heavily by mountain bikes, runners, hikers and their dogs. Smuggler Road provides a short (1-1/2 mile) work out with great views of Aspen, which makes it very popular.

Smuggler Mountain Road to Hunter Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	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.

Smuggler Mountain Road to Lenado Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Smuggler Road is used heavily by mountain bikes, runners and hikers. 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.

Smuggler Mountain/Warren Lakes Road	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	The portion of the road to Warren Lakes is very steep and not used as heavily. From Smuggler Road you can also access Hunter Creek, Van Horn Park, and Lenado.

Smuggler Platform To Iowa Shaft	Pitkin County Open Space

Snowmass Lake Trail Reroute	Aspen Ranger District, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity

South Fork Pass Trail	Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest	This well marked trail follows the South Fork of the Fryingpan River. The trail is fairly easy hiking and stays in trees for the majority of the trip.

Spruce Creek Trail (Aspen Ranger District)	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a good moderate hike or backpack through wooded areas, with plenty of places to camp. This trail is not as heavily used as some of the other trails within the Aspen Ranger District.

Summer Road	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This road is a fairly well maintained dirt road, which is closed to four-wheel drive use. Motorcycle, mountain bike, foot and horse use are permitted.

Sunnyside Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	The trail offers a challenging day hike or backpack trip and access into Hunter Creek, Lenado and Van Horn Park. There are beautiful aspen groves and good views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains.

Tabor Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail follows Tabor Creek and ends at the top of a pass which looks out onto the basin of Anderson and Petroleum Lakes. A side hike, using orienteering skills, can be made to Tabor Lake to the west.

Tootsie Roll Trail	Pitkin County Open Space, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity

Upper Capital Creek Trail	White River National Forest

Upper Hunter Creek Trail	Pitkin County Open Space, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity

Ute Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Ute trail is a difficult but scenic trail located on the south east side of Aspen. The trail-head is located off of Ute Avenue.

Village Bound Trail	Town of Snowmass Village, Aspen/Snowmass Vicinity

Weller Lake Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a moderate climb with fair fishing at the lake. There is limited camping (Camp stoves ONLY) at the lake. Because of the fragile alpine tundra, it's recommended that camping be below the timberline.

West Maroon Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail is one of the most heavily used trails in the Aspen area. Hikers, backpackers and horse travelers enjoy the wildflowers and access to the wilderness areas.

West Snowmass Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This trail connects the Maroon-Snowmass and Capitol Creek Trails. The view from the top is magnificent, several 14,000'+ peaks are visible, and wildlife is abundant.

Willow Lake Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	Willow Lake Trail is a difficult, 6.5 mile (one way) trail. This trail starts at Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area south west of Aspen.

Woody Creek Trail	Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest	This is a good moderate hike or backpack through wooded areas with plenty of places to camp. This trail doesn't receive as heavy use as some of the other trails within the Aspen Ranger District.