Aspen
Overview
Aspen is an old silver mining town located on the Roaring Fork River, halfway between its source, 40 miles upvalley at Independence Pass (12,095 ft.), and its confluence with the Colorado River, downstream in Glenwood Springs.
Nearer to town the local trail network is continually improving. Increased connectivity keeps you off the roads as much as possible and improved signage, information kiosks, and trailhead parking make everything visitor friendly. A new network of trails in Skyline Park can be looped for miles and offers an alternate way to connect Snowmass and Aspen. Additionally, Snowmass ski area has been aggressively developing their on-mountain trail network for runners, hikers and bikers alike.
Provided by: Ted Mahon. Check out StuckintheRockies.com to follow Ted's adventures in the Elk Mountains and beyond.
Visiting Tips
In April, some of the lower elevation trails or those on sunny, southern aspects begin to melt out. Winter snowpack levels and springtime temperatures factor into when the trails dry out for riding to a point, but in general terms, it isn't until early June that many of the popular trails near Aspen are clear of snow. The remote Wilderness trails at higher elevations take even longer.
Camping & Lodging
There are several USFS campsites near town as well, three along Highway 82 on the way up Independence Pass (Difficult, Weller, Lost Man), and three on the road up to the Maroon Bells, just past the entrance gate (Silver Bar, Silver Bell, and Silver Queen). Call the Aspen Ranger District Office for more information. The sites are usually quite busy and some advanced planning is often required to reserve a spot.
Food & Drink
If you're looking for breakfast/coffee, try Jour de Fete next to City Market, Cafe Ink, Peach's Cafe, Poppycock's, or the Hickory House out on Main Street.
Other Activities
Aspen Mountain Gondola- aspensnowmass.com/ - take a ride to the top of Aspen Mountain for lunch, or to meet others who may be running or hiking up.
ACES - Aspen Center for Environmental Studies - aspennature.org/
Wheeler Opera House - wheeleroperahouse.com/
Aspen Music Festival - aspenmusicfestival.com/
Recommended Routes in Aspen - 10
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Smuggler-Hunter-VanHorn-Hobbit-Secret-Sunnyside Loop Ride
18.6 mi 29.9 km • 3,015' Up 918.94 m Up • 3,057' Down 931.7 m Down
Sky Mountain Park Loop
18.4 mi 29.7 km • 1,948' Up 593.75 m Up • 1,948' Down 593.77 m Down
Lincoln Creek Road to Ruby Ghost Town
22.1 mi 35.6 km • 1,934' Up 589.43 m Up • 1,935' Down 589.65 m Down
Aspen Snowmass Mega Loop
59.9 mi 96.4 km • 8,190' Up 2496.28 m Up • 8,199' Down 2499.08 m Down
Aspen FIFTY - 50K Course
30.6 mi 49.2 km • 3,101' Up 945.21 m Up • 3,027' Down 922.5 m Down
Smuggler Hunter Creek loop ride
9.6 mi 15.5 km • 1,642' Up 500.49 m Up • 1,660' Down 505.86 m Down
Aspen FIFTY - 2019 Course
47.9 mi 77.1 km • 5,332' Up 1625.33 m Up • 5,340' Down 1627.68 m Down
Buttermilk Bowls Loop
8.8 mi 14.1 km • 2,147' Up 654.5 m Up • 2,144' Down 653.34 m Down
Aspen Biking
- 250 Miles 403 Kilometers of Trail
- 10 Recommended Routes
- 21 Easy Trails
- 46 Intermediate Trails
- 34 Difficult Trails
Weather Averages
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Trails in Aspen - 91
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2.1
mi
3.3
km
#1Airline Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
|
Snowmass Village, CO | 30 | ||
5.7
mi
9.2
km
#2Sunnyside Trail
Aspen, CO
|
Aspen, CO | 16 | ||
2.6
mi
4.2
km
#3Shadyside Trail
Aspen, CO
|
Aspen, CO | 6 | ||
1.2
mi
1.9
km
#4East Rim Trail
Aspen, CO
|
Aspen, CO | 5 | ||
3.9
mi
6.3
km
#5Scotty's Trail
Aspen, CO
|
Aspen, CO | 8 | ||
2.3
mi
3.7
km
#6Skyline Ridge Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
|
Snowmass Village, CO | 21 | ||
1.6
mi
2.6
km
#7Hobbit Trail
Aspen, CO
|
Aspen, CO | 5 | ||
43.5
mi
70.1
km
#8Rio Grande Trail
Aspen, CO
|
Aspen, CO | 7 | ||
2.2
mi
3.6
km
#9Incline Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
|
Snowmass Village, CO | 3 | ||
5.3
mi
8.6
km
#10Hannon Creek
Aspen, CO
|
Aspen, CO | 18 |
Photos of Aspen - 192
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