The Ultimate Guide to Lost Forest at Snowmass
Elk Camp Gondola runs from 10am to 5pm. Elk Camp chairlift runs from 10:30am to 4pm. The Climbing Wall and Coaster are open from 11am to 4pm, weather permitting.
Few things compare to summertime in the Rocky Mountains. At Aspen Snowmass, the fresh outdoor air is filled with the scent of wildflowers and spruce trees, winding trails lead to far-reaching vistas, and an endless list of activities keeps every kind of adventurer busy.
Lost Forest is Snowmass' mid-mountain adventure park and one of the best things to do in Aspen, Colorado in summer. Perched above Snowmass Base Village and accessible via the Elk Camp Gondola, Lost Forest is a high-alpine playground with something for every age, from a heart-pumping alpine coaster and treetop ropes course to a climbing wall, disc golf, fishing ponds, and miles of hiking trails.
Whether you're planning summer activities for kids, mapping out a full-day adventure, or just want to ride the gondola and take in the views, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Planning a family trip to Lost Forest? The new Lost Forest Family Package is built for groups with kids 12 & Under, bundling Base Day access—including the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall—for the whole crew at one great rate.
Where is Lost Forest?
Lost Forest is located mid-mountain at Snowmass, one of four mountains at Aspen Snowmass in Snowmass Village, Colorado, just nine miles from downtown Aspen. The adventure park is accessible exclusively via the Elk Camp Gondola from Snowmass Base Village. No car is needed once you're at the base.
LOST FOREST HOURS
All hours are weather permitting.
- Elk Camp Gondola: 10am–5pm (last download at 5pm)
- Elk Camp Chairlift: 10:30am–4pm
- Breathtaker Alpine Coaster: 11am–4pm
- Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall: 11am–4pm
- Treeline Challenge Course: By reservation
- Elk Camp Restaurant: Open daily during summer operating season
Sunset Tuesdays
Throughout the summer, Lost Forest, the Snowmass Bike Park, and Elk Camp Restaurant stay open late on Tuesday evenings with live music, food, and extended hours.
Lost Forest Activities
Breathtaker Alpine Coaster
The Breathtaker Alpine Coaster is one of the most searched summer activities near Aspen and one ride makes it clear why. This high-speed mountain coaster winds through the forest and meadows at mid-mountain on Snowmass, with riders in full control of their speed via a hand brake. You can coast through the scenery or let it fly. Either way, the views are part of the experience.
- Included in: Base Ticket and Treeline Ticket
- Solo and tandem riding available
- Height requirement: Between 54 inches and 84 inches tall (137 and 213 centimeters)
- Tip: Arrive right at 11am when the coaster opens—lines build through midday.
Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall
The Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall has routes for every skill level, from first-time climbers to more experienced ones. Staff are on-site to help with equipment and technique. It's a natural pairing with the coaster; both are included in the Base Ticket.
- Included in: Base Ticket and Treeline Ticket
- Age/height requirements: Climbers must be at least 36 inches (91 cm) tall
- Tip: The climbing wall is a great morning activity before the heat of the day sets in
Treeline Challenge Course
The Treeline Challenge Course is Lost Forest's signature treetop adventure—a multi-element obstacle course featuring rope bridges, ladders, and mini-ziplines through the forest. There are five challenge levels ranging from beginner (Lily Pads) to expert (Islands in the Sky), so participants can choose their own level of intensity. The full course can take anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours.
- Included in: Treeline Ticket (reservation required)
- Includes a 30-minute orientation before you begin
- Height requirement: Minimum 48 inches tall
- Weight requirement: 50–250 pounds
- Must be able to grasp a cable overhead with both hands
- Tip: Book an earlier reservation — afternoon weather at altitude can shift quickly, and starting in the morning gives you the best conditions and the most time to enjoy the course.
Disc Golf
Lost Forest's disc golf course winds through the mountain terrain for a scenic, low-key way to spend part of the afternoon. Simply ride up the Elk Camp Gondola and enjoy the course.
- Bring your own discs—disc rental is not available on site
- Suitable for all ages and skill levels
Fishing Pond
The fishing pond offers a quieter pace for families or anyone looking to slow things down between bigger activities. Included in all ticket levels.
- Bring your own fishing pole—rentals are not available on site
- Catch and release
Robin's Nest Playground
Robin's Nest is an enclosed, multi-level playground with safety netting for younger adventurers to climb, jump, and explore. An ideal summer spot for parents to take a breath while the little ones run free. Included in all ticket levels.
- Best for young children
- Included in all ticket levels
Hiking Trails
Snowmass' mid-mountain trail network offers everything from easy family strolls to longer summit hikes. The Elk Camp Chairlift—included in all ticket levels—ascends to 11,325 feet, where hikers access Summit Trail with sweeping views of the Maroon Bells. Prefer an easier option? Rabbit Run Trail is a gentle, scenic walk suitable for all fitness levels. The chairlift can bring you back down, so you're never stuck committing to more than you want.
- Included in: All ticket levels (gondola + chairlift access)
- Summit Trail: Moderate; bring water and allow extra time
- Rabbit Run Trail: Easy; great for families and younger hikers
Lost Forest Tickets
All tickets levels include access to the Elk Camp, Elk Camp Chairlift, hiking trails, fishing pond, disc golf, Robin's Nest Playground and outdoor games.
Sightseeing Ticket
Best for scenic exploration, families with young children, and first-time visitors who want to take in the mountain without committing to a full activity lineup.
Base Ticket (Lost Forest Base Day)
Best for active families and groups with mixed interests. Adds unlimited rides on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and access to the Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall.
NEW: Family Lost Forest Base Package
Everything the Base Ticket offers saving your family 40% when packaged for the whole family. The easiest way to make a full day of fun on Snowmass.
Treeline Ticket
Best for adventure seekers ready for the full Lost Forest experience. Adds a reserved time slot on the Treeline Challenge Course.
Premier Pass Perks
Premier Passholders receive 50% off Lost Forest Base Day access, plus six Friends & Family vouchers for 50% off Base Day tickets and 20% off food and beverage at Elk Camp Restaurant.
How to Plan Your Perfect Lost Forest Day
Morning:
Ride Up Early The Elk Camp Gondola opens at 10am—ride up first thing and grab a coffee or breakfast at Elk Camp Restaurant before the coaster and climbing wall open at 11am. Before heading into Lost Forest, take the Elk Camp Chairlift to 11,325 feet for a Maroon Bells photo op you won't forget.
Midday:
Hit the Big Attractions Head to the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster and Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall, both included with Base and Treeline tickets. If you have a Treeline reservation, plan your morning around your start time. Refuel at Elk Camp Restaurant with a burger, pizza, or a hearty salad on the outdoor deck.
Afternoon:
Explore and Unwind Spend the afternoon on the hiking trails, fishing pond, or disc golf course. Watch the kids burn their last energy reserves at Robin's Nest. Sightseeing and Base Ticket holders have access to all free activities until 4pm, with the gondola running its last download at 5pm.
Add the Snowmass Bike Park Lost Forest and the Snowmass Bike Park sit side by side at Elk Camp, making it easy to build a full day across both. Some of your group can take laps on the coaster or tackle the Treeline Course while others drop into the bike park's lift-accessed trails. Both are accessible from the same gondola ride up.
Make It a Tuesday If your visit falls on a Tuesday, stay into the evening for Sunset Tuesdays —live music, extended hours at Lost Forest and the Snowmass Bike Park, and dinner on Elk Camp Restaurant's deck as the sun goes down over the Elk Range.
Lost Forest FAQs
Where is Lost Forest?
What are Lost Forest's hours?
How do I get to Lost Forest?
Take the Elk Camp Gondola from Snowmass Base Village. Gondola access is included in all Lost Forest ticket levels—Sightseeing, Base, and Treeline.
Do I need to make a reservation?
The Treeline Challenge Course requires a reservation. All other activities are first-come, first-served.
What should I bring?
Is Lost Forest good for kids?
Can I use my Premier Pass at Lost Forest?
What is the Elk Camp Gondola?
Is there food at Lost Forest?
What is Sunset Tuesdays?
Tips & Tricks
Hours of Operation
All hours are weather permitting. Elk Camp Gondola: 10am–5pm. Elk Camp Chairlift: 10:30am–4pm. The Climbing Wall and Coaster: 11am–4pm.
Footwear
Make sure everyone is is wearing closed-toed shoes.
Hydrate
Make sure you drink plenty of water.
Disc Golf
Bring your own discs for disc golf.
Fishing
We don’t rent fishing poles, so please bring your own.
Premier Pass Savings
Premier passholders get 20% off all food & beverages at Elk Camp Restaurant throughout the summer.
