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Both Snowmass and Aspen Mountain are open to hiking in summer time, offering nature-lovers the chance to climb the mountains that they love to ski in the winter. Or, better yet for some, skip the climb in the gondola. Beyond the resort, incredible hiking options abound in the adjacent National Forest areas.
Get to know these areas with our guide below, broken down by half-day or less, full-day (easy) and full-day (challenging)
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Snowmass Village Nature Trail
Length: .7 miles roundtrip
Elevation: Less than 100 feet
Trailhead: Snowmass Base Village
Extends through aspen forests where wild columbine — the Colorado state flower — can be seen.
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Rabbit Run
Length: .7 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 122 feet
Trailhead: Elk Camp mid-mountain
Weaves in and out of the subalpine forest where sharp-eyed hikers can spot a variety of birds and forest-dwelling wildflowers.
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Elk Camp Nature Trail
Length: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation: Minimal
Trailhead: Elk Camp mid-mountain
A simple hike through the coniferous forests surrounding the Elk Camp area.
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Elk Camp Summit Trail
Length: 3.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 1,506 feet
Trailhead: Elk Camp mid-mountain
Ascends to an elevation of 11,325 feet atop Elk Camp where views of the distant Maroon Bells can be enjoyed.
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Rim Trail
Length: 7.6 miles one way (although shorter segments can be enjoyed)
Elevation: 1,199 feet
Trailhead: Deerfield Dr., Snowmass Village
A more rigorous half-day hike can be enjoyed along this trail, which switchbacks up into the meadows above Snowmass Village to the north. Gorgeous views abound.
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Sierra Club Loop
Length: 1.75 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 533 feet
Trailhead: Elk Camp mid-mountain
This convenient loop trail climbs into a subalpine ecosystem and then returns to the Elk Camp area. Can be combined with the Elk Camp Summit Trail.
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Sound like your kind of hike? These trails begin at Elk Camp on Snowmass, accessible via the Elk Camp Gondola. You can purchase lift tickets to secure your gondola ride to the top of Snowmass
here.
The nice thing about hiking on Snowmass is that you can make it a full day outing for the whole family. Start your day with a leisurely hike already at elevation out with incredible views, grab an amazing farm-to-table lunch at Elk Camp Restaurant, and then spend the afternoon enjoying the many activities at the
Lost Forest. With a challenge course, rock climbing wall, alpine coaster, zip line, disc golf, and more, you can choose your own adventure.
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Aspen Mountain Nature Trail
Length: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation: Minimal
Trailhead: Atop Aspen Mountain
This dog-friendly trail passes through small meadows and subalpine forest with views into the nearby Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
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Richmond Ridge Trail
Length: 2.2 miles one way
Elevation: Minimal
Trailhead: Atop Aspen Mountain
Follows a wide dirt road along the ridge from the summit of Aspen Mountain. Boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
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Ajax Trail
Length: 1.5 miles one way
Elevation: 400 feet
Trailhead: Near Koch Park
From the base of the mountain near Koch Park, this trail skirts the base of Aspen Mountain and takes in views of the town. This is a superb hike for early evening when it is a little more shaded.
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Sound like your kind of hike? These trails begin at the top of Aspen Mountain, accessible via the Silver Queen Gondola. You can purchase lift tickets to secure your gondola ride to the top of Aspen Mountain
here.
Aspen Mountain boasts some of the best views in Colorado from its peak but also from the Silver Queen Gondola alone. If you're looking for a more leisurely day but still want to enjoy these million dollar views, starting your hike from the top of Aspen Mountain is a great way to save your energy and still take in the scenery from above. Plus, you can end your hiking excursion with a farm-to-table meal and a cheers at the Sundeck Restaurant, with more expansive views to enjoy while you dine.
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East of Aspen Trail
Length: 6.2 miles roundtrip (numerous shorter segments and access points)
Elevation: Minimal
Trailhead: Stillwater Rd. & Hwy. 82 just east of town
This flat trail is unique to the valley, as it winds its way through aspens, willows and riparian habitat along the one of the Roaring Fork River’s only slow-flowing sections.
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Rio Grande Trail
Length: 1 mile one way in town (numerous shorter segments and access points)
Elevation: Minimal
Trailhead: Puppy Smith Road & the River
The most popular trail along the Roaring Fork River is the paved Rio Grande Trail, which continues all the way to Glenwood Springs down valley, 42 miles away. Note: this is a popular cycling path as well.
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Smuggler Mountain Overlook
Length: 2.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 800 feet
Trailhead: Off Smuggler Mountain Road
This short and steep hike along the dirty Smuggler Mountain Road leads to an expansive overlook of downtown Aspen and Aspen Mountain.
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Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
Length: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation: Minimal
Trailhead: Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead
This enormously popular trail follows the northern shore of Maroon Lake, taking in the iconic view that made the Maroon Bells world famous. Wildflower meadows and aspen groves surround the scene.
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Discovery Braille Trail
Length: 0.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation: Minimal
Trailhead: Discover/Braille Day Use Area
Oriented on the visually impaired, the Discovery Trail includes braille signage and cord-based navigation for blind hikers. Located just off the highway between Aspen and Independence Pass.
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The Grottos
Length: 1 mile
Elevation: Minimal
Trailhead: Grottos Trailhead
This short but dramatic trail gives hikers a glimpse of waterfalls, boulder gardens and strange rock formations along the Roaring Fork River. High runoff in spring can make sections of this trail — plus river access — dangerous.
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Mushroom Rock
Length: 1.2 mile roundtrip
Elevation: 790 feet
Trailhead: Parking Area at Hwy 133 & Hwy 82
A popular after-work climb or trail run for locals in the valley, the sandstone formation on Red Hill is the site of a grand view over the whole mid-valley.
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Tom Blake & Government Trail Loop
Length: 9.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 1,905 feet
Trailhead: Snowmass Base Village
Criss-crossing Snowmass and winding its way through mixed woodlands and grassy meadows, the Tom Blake and Government Trails offer a fun way to experience the resort in summer.
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Hunter Creek
Length: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 960 feet
Trailhead: Hunter Creek Lane
The Hunter Creek Trail to Van Horn Park offers great views of the distant Elk Mountains. But best of all are the wildflowers in mid-summer.
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Sunnyside Trail
Length: 10.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 2,683 feet
Trailhead: Cemetery Lane
As the name of this trail suggests, Sunnyside stays on the southern face of Red Mountain for its entire length, offering numerous views of Aspen Mountain as well as wildflowers in June and July.
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Crater Lake
Length: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 490 feet
Trailhead: Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead
If the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail (above) is not challenging enough, this climb through aspens and alpine boulder fields to Crater Lake is worth considering. The lake rests directly underneath the lofty summit of North Maroon Peak. Make a full day of it by exploring the nearby meadows.
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Full Day Hikes (Challenging)
Full Day Hikes (Challenging)
Ute Trail
Distance: 3.1 miles one way
Elevation: 3,192 feet
Trailhead: Off Ute Ave.
This trail’s popularity stems from its eagle’s-eye views of downtown Aspen. Ascending the east flank of Aspen Mountain, the path passes iconic Ute Rock and eventually reaches the Sundeck at the summit. Reward yourself with a cold one at the top.
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Mount Sopris
Length: 13 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 4,412 feet
Trailhead: Thomas Lakes Trailhead
While Mount Sopris is not even close to being the tallest peak in the Elk Mountains, from the town of Carbondale it sure looks like it. This massive mountain’s 12,965-foot summit can be reached from a straightforward but challenging route.
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Buckskin Pass
Length: 10 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 2,877 feet
Trailhead: Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead
The climb to Buckskin Pass may be strenuous, but presents hikers with an unparalleled reward — perfect views of Pyramid Peak and the north face of North Maroon Peak. This trail climbs above treeline, so be sure to crest the pass by noon to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
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Snowmass Lake
Length: 15.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 5,141 feet
Trailhead: Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead
One of Colorado’s very best wildflower hikes is a doozy to do in a day. After climbing Buckskin Pass (above), the trail descends through alpine meadows and forest to the large Snowmass Lake beneath 14,092-foot Snowmass Mountain.
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American Lake
Length: 6.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 1,990 feet
Trailhead: American Lake Trailhead
Hidden away in a high alpine valley above the ghost town of Ashcroft, American Lake is a favorite among locals, featuring many wildflower meadows in July and August.
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Cathedral Lake
Length: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 1,980 feet
Trailhead: Cathedral Lake Trailhead
Another high alpine lake worth visiting near Ashcroft is Cathedral Lake. The lake is larger than nearby American Lake, and the trail offers a good balance between moderate and strenuous pitches.
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Lost Man Loop
Length: 13 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 2,500 feet
Trailhead: Lost Man Trailhead
Requiring a car shuttle, the Lost Man Loop climbs into the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness Area, visits two alpine lakes, crosses an alpine path, and connects two adjacent valleys.
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Dogs are welcome on most trails (and gondolas, too), but check leash laws for individual trails before embarking. Wildlife sightings, including moose and bear, are common in the area.
The weather changes rapidly in high-country Colorado. Even if it’s sunny when you leave, it could be storming when you’re reaching the summit. Pack layers, warm clothes, and always pack a rain jacket. At the first sign of lightning — even miles away — seek shelter and lower ground.
Remember you’re at altitude. Sunscreen and water are your friends. Pay attention to any symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches.
Bikers and hikers share the trail. Be courteous to one another.
You can hike on Buttermilk Ski Area and Aspen Highlands, too — but there won’t be a restaurant to greet you at the top.
If you get into trouble on Snowmass, call 970-923-0531.
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