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 - 15
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The Snowmass Loop
24.0 mi 38.6 km • 3,799' Up 1157.94 m Up • 3,790' Down 1155.24 m Down
Aspen Biking
- 744 Miles 1,198 Kilometers of Trail
- 16 Recommended Routes
- 34
Easy Trails
- 65
Intermediate Trails
- 30
Difficult Trails
Weather Averages
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Trails in Aspen - 113
MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Trails
1.6
mi
2.6
km
#1Deadline Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
39
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4.2
mi
6.7
km
#2Seven Star Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
38
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2.9
mi
4.7
km
#3Valhalla Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
24
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4.1
mi
6.6
km
#4Tom Blake
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
27
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2.1
mi
3.3
km
#5Airline Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
28
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4.5
mi
7.3
km
#6French Press
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
21
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6.6
mi
10.6
km
#7Government Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
23
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7.8
mi
12.6
km
#8Rim Trail
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
27
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1.2
mi
2.0
km
#9Animal Crackers
Snowmass Village, CO
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Snowmass Village, CO |
17
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5.7
mi
9.2
km
#10Sunnyside Trail
Aspen, CO
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Aspen, CO |
13
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Photos of Aspen - 181
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