Rio Grande Trail

Level: Easy

Beautiful path through the woods along the Rio Grande River with little to no incline. We also love renting electric bikes in town and taking this trail to Woody Creek Tavern for lunch and great margaritas!

Smuggler Mountain Road

Level: Moderate

One of the most popular recreation areas in the immediate Aspen vicinity - Any spring, summer, or fall afternoon, Smuggler Mountain Road is busy with people hiking, running, mountain biking, or walking their dogs. Just a little over a mile to the viewing deck where you can find beautiful views of Aspen Mtn!

Hunter Creek Trail

Level: Moderate

This is a gradual uphill climb along Hunter Creek towards Hunter Valley. Upper portions of the trail pass through alpine meadows scattered with several abandoned homestead cabins.

American Lake

Level: Moderate

American Lake Trail is a trail that begins and ends on Castle Creek Road and follows a route with considerable elevation gain as it works its way out to American Lake. There are some really beautiful woods along the way and plenty of great spots to rest and have a snack. Beginning hikers might find this hike a bit challenging depending on the conditions of the trail, but for most experienced hikers this will take about three hours roundtrip.

Ute Trail

Level: Difficult

The Ute Trail is a steady uphill hike with switchbacks, and 1,000 vertical feet to a rock outcropping. The view of Aspen from the rock outcropping is spectacular. We love this hike for a quick workout and great views of the town - it’s about 2 miles roundtrip and takes about an hour.

Aspen Mountain

Level: Difficult

Start at the base of the mountain and go up 3,000 vertical feet. This hike takes about 2+ hours and is a strenuous, all-uphill hike, but not difficult technically. Take a free ride down on the gondola, and there are incredible views at the top.

Ditch Trail Snowmass Village

Level: Easy

Experience this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Snowmass Village, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, skiing, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Spiral Point Snowmass Village

Level: Easy

Discover this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near Snowmass Village, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 22 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Rim Trail Snowmass Village

Level: Moderate

Check out the Rim Trail South near Snowmass Village, Colorado—a scenic 7.9-mile out-and-back trail known for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. It’s moderately challenging and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the best time to visit is May through November. The trail begins at the Divide Road parking lot and climbs steeply through aspen groves and switchbacks before following a ridgeline with stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. Wildflowers bloom in late spring and early summer. There are multiple access points along the way, so you don’t have to do the whole route.

Vista Trail Snowmass Village

Level: Moderate

Check out this 4.9-mile out-and-back trail near Snowmass Village, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hours and 58 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still find some solitude during quieter times of day. If you wish, you can hike up and take the gondola down for a more relaxed return.