Smuggler-Hunter-Hummingbird-VanHorn-Hobbit-Secret-Sunnyside Loop Ride

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

This long ride provides plenty of climbing and plenty of descending through open meadows, dark timber forests, aspen groves, and red rock shrub oak. Much of the climbing takes place on dirt roads, but nearly all of the descending takes place on high quality singletrack. Much of the riding is intermediate level, although the the epic conclusion - the Sunnyside trail - should be considered difficult (at least) given sections where the narrow trail traverses extremely steep terrain, and rocky and rooted sections demand your full attention.

This is a big ride that allows for true backcountry experiences. If unfamiliar with the area, be sure to bring a map or the MTB Project mobile app. Cell phone service disappears at the farthest reaches. There are many options along this route to add or subtract mileage, or to cut the ride short and coast back down to Aspen. A popular option to make this ride shorter is to skip some of the singletrack sections in the Hunter Creek Valley and use the Smuggler Cutoff Trail and Hunter Creek Toll Road to expedite your ride into the upper zone.

Start at the base of Smuggler Mt. Road. Climb up the road to the Smuggler Observation Deck where you'll find an information kiosk and map. Directly behind the kiosk you'll head up BTS Trail, your day's first dose of Aspen singletrack. Climb BTS until you empty out into a large open field with a fence, gate, and chicane. This is the intersection with Lollipop Trail. Ride through the chicane, and bear left to start Lollipop. Take Lollipop (you'll figure out why it's called "Lollipop" half-way down) to its end where it merges with the Iowa Shaft Trail.

Follow the Iowa Shaft Trail as it traverses for less than a mile before plunging down through the tall aspens and into Hunter Creek Valley. Take a right on Hunter Valley South, cross the creek using the big wooden foot bridge, and continue riding up the valley on the Upper Hunter Valley Trail.

Approximately 1/2 mile after the foot bridge, look for Hummingbird Trail branching off to the left. Ascend this rolling and flowy singletrack for several hundred vertical feet before T-ing into the Hunter Creek Toll Rd. At this point, take a very sharp right to stay on singletrack and continue ascending Upper Hummingbird Trail until you meet the dirt road again. Hang a right and ride into the meadow on the road.

At the end of the meadow, the road continues steeply up to Van Horn Park. At this point the route leaves the road, and makes a right to follow the Hunter Creek (Overlook) trail. A short climb will break you out to a steep hillside that offers sweeping views of the Hunter Creek valley below. Heads up for a fun yet technical rock feature right after you pass this overlook. The singletrack continues traversing and climbing this hillside, eventually opening to a meadow on the backside of Van Horn Park. When the singletrack ends, make a left on the old jeep road to continue this route. (The road to the right continues for quite a distance to the Wilderness boundary - save that exploration for another day.)

A gentle climb on the jeep road will bring you to a four way intersection that's considered the center of Van Horn Park. From here, this route will make a right to find the Hobbit trail. You could continue straight and descend back down to Red Mt. Rd. if you need a quick exit for thunderstorms. You could also make a left and climb up a quarter mile to experience big views from VHP's high point.

You'll find the signed Hobbit Trail within a hundred yards of the four way intersection. A gruelingly steep climb through aspen trees will get you to a high point where the real fun begins! From here it's a super sweet descent to 4 Corners, with a few short ups along the way.

At 4 Corners, find the direction that will take you towards Red Mt. and the FAA antennae structure. A hundred yards later, make a left onto the signed Secret Trail.

Secret trail briefly coincides with Upper Plunge. Make a right, then a left to continue on Secret Trail. This segment is also called Jedi Trail. Rolling terrain and excellent descending take you to the Sunnyside Trail.

Make a left onto Sunnyside trail. A bit more climbing will take you onto a big traverse of the face of Red Mountain. This is one of the best trails in the area, but keep in mind its expert level rating.

A very long descent, fast and smooth at times, slow and technical at others, with one paved road crossing (careful!) will deposit you down to the Rio Grande Trail. This section is very popular with hikers, so please keep your speed in check and stay in control as there are many blind corners. When you reach McClain Flats Road, ride directly across the road to stay on the singletrack and milk a few more hundred vertical feet out of your ride. At the very bottom make a left on the bike path to get back to Aspen and the base of Smuggler Mountain Rd.