By Alex Hazen By Alex Hazen | April 1, 2024 | Lifestyle,
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or peaceful picnic, here's our list of the best parks to visit in The Roaring Fork Valley.
FOR A PICNIC
Smuggler Park
Smuggler is the perfect place for a summer picnic. Located right at the edge of town at the base of the historic Smuggler mines and hiking trail. It is a great location for a post-hike lunch or sunset picnic with views of the entire town.
John Denver Sanctuary
This beautiful park along the river pays tribute to iconic Colorado musician, John Denver. It is a peaceful place to read, meditate, or have a relaxing picnic. Take a walk around the park and admire stone carvings of lyrics to Denver’s acclaimed hits. 470 Rio Grande Pl.
Heron Park
Heron Park is the ideal location for a family picnic or party. Between the wooden play structures for kids and the river that runs through, there is plenty of fun to be had. There is even a walking trail around through the trees to enjoy a serene evening stroll or bike ride. 108 Neale Ave.
Koch Lumber Park
Located at the base of Shadow Mountain, Koch park is a spacious area, perfect for events, picnics, families and especially dogs. The park also boasts four sand volleyball courts for added recreation or a friendly tournament. 120 W. Cooper Ave.
Connor Park
This park’s convenient location is its selling point. Located right behind city hall in the heart of Aspen, it is a great choice for a picnic due to its proximity to every downtown restaurant. In addition, there are picnic tables, benches and seclusion from the busy downtown. 525 E. Hopkins Ave.
FOR A HIKE
Hunter Creek Trail
Hunter Creek is a relatively easy trail and offers creeks, rivers and immersion into the beautifully colored trees. Turn around at the top or follow the trail further and come down Smuggler. This hike is shady enough to provide some reprieve from summer heat without sacrificing a good outdoor workout.
Ute Trail
Be prepared to face some challenging switchbacks when hiking the Ute Trail. Located on the left side of Aspen Mountain, this high is only about an hour long, but definitely on the steeper side. However, this trail makes up for the muscle soreness with one of the best views in the entire town.
Rim Trail
Snowmass residents should not pass up the Rim Trail for a quick, but exerting hike. With panoramic views of Brush Creek, Snowmass Village, and even Maroon Bells, this hike is well worth the energy spent. Reflect or meditate from the marble yin yang art piece at the top.
Sunnyside Trail
Sunnyside offers spectacular views of the entire valley. There is no better place to take in Aspen’s colorful plush green than these sage-filled switchbacks. Be sure to wear sunscreen as it is named Sunnyside for a reason.
American Lake Trail
This longer hike requires the sacrifice of at least half your day. However, it is worth it to hike through the lush green forest and have lunch at the turquoise American Lake. This trail is a hidden gem and one to take a chance on this summer or even fall when the leaves are golden.
FOR A BIKE RIDE
Hunter Creek Valley
This is a popular choice among Aspen’s biking community. Trails expand for several miles throughout the valley and offer options for any desired level of difficulty. This is a great staple for a summer biking schedule.
Government
Government is certainly not a trail for the weak. The 6.6 mile route begins in Snowmass and ends in Aspen. It is a local’s favorite and offers a way to experience a wide range of scenery in one day. Be warned, it is a test of endurance but in the best way.
Sky Mountain Park
Sky Mountain is a recent addition to the biking scene. It includes 8 miles of two-way trails. Riders will find plenty of options, views, and opportunities to challenge themselves. Sky Mountain is best suited for intermediate bikers eager to work on their skills.
Tom Blake
Tom Blake is a solid warmup for a long ride or an option for getting in a quick sweat. Starting in Owl Creek and finishing at the Snowmass Mall, the entire ride is a little over three miles. Consider rewarding yourself with a delicious meal from one of the mall’s myriad dining options.
Rim Trail
Making this list for the second time, the Rim Trail simply has it all. It is a challenging, but suitable ride for beginners honing in on their cross-country skills. The climbs are quick and the views from the ying-yang are the perfect motivation to push yourself.
FOR A SKI RUN
Highland’s Bowl
If you dare, there is nothing quite like a bluebird day atop the infamous Highlands Bowl. The summit is roughly 12,392 feet above sea level and offers about 270 acres of terrain only accessible by snowcat, skiing or skinning. It is well worth the hike for the panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, once-in-a-lifetime skiing and, of course, the bragging rights.
Tiehack at Buttermilk Mountain
The backside of Buttermilk (known as Tiehack) is a gem for fun cruisers and good views. Take the Tiehack lift up or for some added cardio, hike or skin up. There are plenty of runs for any level of skier - whether you’re an expert or novice.
Ruthie’s Run at Ajax
Ask any local for a classic everyday run, they will likely include Ruthie’s in their answer. Accessible on Ajax Mountain by means of Lift 6, there is plenty of terrain to explore. Even better, the 360 degree views from the top of Ruthie's lift are unmatched. It is the perfect run before a long lunch at Bonnie’s restaurant.
Walsh’s
This run is geared towards the experienced skier. However, if you have the skill, it is one of the most beautiful and challenging runs on Aspen Mountain. It often gets superb untouched snow, so it is well worth the brief hike back to the lift.
Sneaky’s
Sneaky’s is a Snowmass classic groomer run. Just left of the Powerline Glades, this cruiser is great for flying fast and showing off those turns. It is a great way to start a top-to-bottom run to finish off your ski day.
Photography by: By Simon Goetz/Unsplash
