5 Hikes With The Best Views Around Aspen

A popular “in town” fitness hike for locals, the Smuggler Mountain Trail is relatively short and rewards you with breathtaking views of Aspen and Aspen Mountain. The trail is a dirt road with a half dozen switchbacks to a long cut that curves gently to the right to a turnout with a small observation deck.

Difficultly: Moderate
Length: 3.0 miles round trip to the Smuggler Mountain overlook
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Trailhead: Follow Highway 82 (Cooper Street) east out of town. Fifty yards after crossing the bridge, turn left onto Park Avenue. Where this street curves left, turn right toward the mountain on Park Circle.

For the truly fit looking for an aerobic workout, the Ute Trail is a steep, strenuous hike that can be easily accessed from downtown Aspen. The steady uphill path with many switchbacks leads to a rocky outcropping overlooking Aspen. The effort pays off in stunning views.


Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 2.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1700 feet
Trailhead: Travel east on Main. As the street makes a turn to the right, it becomes Original and turns south toward Aspen Mountain. Where Original ends, make a sharp left onto Ute Avenue. Continue to the trail sign. A parking area is opposite the trailhead.

Multiple switchbacks wind uphill through sagebrush and scrub oak on Red Mountain offering improved vistas with each turn. Take in expansive views of Aspen, the ski areas and the snowcapped peaks of the Roaring Fork Valley. The path is not rocky so serious hiking boots are not necessary, but be sure to bring a hat and plenty of water because it may be hot (hence the name: “Sunnyside”).

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.8 miles round trip to antennas in woods
Elevation Gain: 1700 feet to the antenna towers
Trailhead: Head west on Main Street. Turn right on Cemetery Lane (just past the Castle Creek Bridge) and drive 1.1 miles to a parking area near Slaughterhouse Bridge. The trailhead is across the street.

The meandering Rim Trail in the Snowmass Village area delivers scenery of the Brush Creek Valley and sweeping views of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This is a dirt trail that can be hiked in its entirety or sampled in smaller bites. Choose your starting and ending points. Start from the South Trailhead to access Spiral Point, a Yin Yang symbol platform with spectacular views of snowcapped peaks in the background.

Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7.1 miles for full one-way trip
1.3 miles from South Trailhead to Spiral Point

One of the most picturesque trails around, Capitol Creek Trail takes a bit of a commitment to reach, but once you are there you won’t be disappointed. You must have a 4-wheel drive to access the trailhead and you will lose cell service soon after you turn off of Highway 82.

Through beautiful forests of aspen and evergreens, gorgeous views of Capitol Peak will guide your way. If you’re really feeling ambitious, pack your tent and sleeping bag for an overnight stay at Capitol Lake. Otherwise, do the ‘loop’. Start along the Upper Capitol Creek Trail #1963 (ditch trail) then cross the stream about 3.3 miles up and head back down Capitol Creek Trail #1961.