No one proves the beauty of the great outdoors quite like Aspen. Surrounded by sublime views of clear lakes and cascading pine forests, one way to enjoy the West Colorado wilderness is by hiking. From backpacking adventures to nature strolls and everything in between, read on for the best hikes in Aspen.
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Hunter Creek’s moderate out-and-back path keeps hikers cool even on warmer days, with canopies of trees and a stream running along the trail. Minimal elevation gain keeps the difficulty lower, and the distance can be cut short by taking Smuggler Mountain back into town.
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Expect a challenge hiking up the Ute Trail on the side of Aspen Mountain. With an elevation gain of 3,198 feet, the three-mile trek up hosts a grade well over 40%. For those looking to catch the mountain’s stunning views without the steep switchbacks, free gondola rides are available. As a reward for the hard work, a restaurant sits on top of the mountain with great food and drinks.
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Snowmass’ popular Rim Trail keeps it cool with only a 1,453-foot elevation gain over a nearly eight-mile hike. Welcomed by aspen groves, hikers move into switchbacks overlooking the surrounding valleys below. The trail is also known for its abundance of wildflowers that grow during the late spring, typically considered the best time to hike.
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At a total distance of 11.5 miles, this out-and-back cutting on the side of Red Mountain hosts sweeping views along the entire path. It connects to other trails like Hunter Creek, Lenado and Van Horn Park, with the end leading back into town. Aspen groves and pine forests surround the trail, making for brief breaks after the trail’s sun-exposed portions.
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Make the three-mile journey to American Lake on this trail and relish in the reward of a gorgeous alpine view. Hikers will have to work for this prize, though, by trekking up a mile of steep mountain gradient. Coniferous sections of the trail cool down those coming out from the strenuous first mile.
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Popular for backpacking and camping, Buckskin Pass’ challenging route brings hikers through Aspen’s lush Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The path leads past both Maroon Lake and Crater Lake, making for more stunning views along the way. Spring and summer brings rich yellow wildflowers and birdwatching to the lush pass.
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This 42.4 point-to-point trail is the ideal choice for anyone looking to customize their hiking experience. Pick whichever point on the trail you want to see, and hike that small portion. For the mountain adventurers, Rio Grande Trail can be used as a backpacking route, spanning from Aspen’s town center to Glenwood Springs.
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Tucked into the Maroon Bells, this trail starts at Maroon Lake and cuts through the sweeping valleys. It is also used for mountain biking and horseback riding due to its low elevation gain. While it has some varied terrain that contributes to its moderate difficulty, the trail can be finished in around three hours.
See also: The 10 Best Hotels In Aspen and Snowmass
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