Aspen’s best hikes and cross-country ski trails
Aspen is famous for all of its beautiful hiking trails. However, a lot of these trails get neglected during the snowy season. Winter and spring hiking is arguably the best time to hike because there are fewer crowds, the snow is beautiful, and you don’t have to worry about that strong Colorado summer sun. Break out those snowshoes and cross-country skis! Here are a few of our favorite hikes.
Smuggler Mountain
Smuggler is an Aspen staple. It’s conveniently located near downtown and it gets plenty of sunshine making it a go-to hike for many locals. The trail is the perfect length for a good workout but not so long that you are sore for days afterward! You can even get a look at the Smuggler Mine where “the largest silver nugget ever mined, weighing 1,840 pounds (830 kg) was found. At its peak, the mine was responsible for nearly one-fifth of the world’s total silver output.” Smuggler has amazing views and is full of history.
Sunnyside Trail
Sunnyside Trail is one of the best options for a sunny hike. This is a great hike if you are a die-hard workout enthusiast… the out and back trail is 10.8 miles long. Make a day out of it and bring lunch or make it a shorter hike if you please. The views of the valley are incredible and you get a great look at Buttermilk, Aspen, and even parts of Snowmass Mountain.
Independence Pass
Are you missing drives up Indy Pass? Park your car at the gate and enjoy a nice walk up memory lane. This is an unconventional winter hike, but it is a great place to get some privacy and much-needed fresh air. It is always fun to see Independence Pass from a different perspective. Make the hike as short or as long as you want!
Rim Trail
The Rim trail is located in Snowmass Village and it is the perfect hike. Several switchbacks lead to a marble yin yang with incredible views of Snowmass Mountain and Mount Daly. The hike is about 3 miles and should take no longer than an hour, making it the perfect addition to any workout routine. This hike is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It offers some of the best views of Snowmass Mountain and it is a short walk from Snowmass Village. Don’t forget your phone or camera because this trail is truly picturesque.
Tom Blake
The Tom Blake trail is a moderate trail that starts in Aspen Grove and continues on the Snowmass ski hill. The Tom Blake trail can be easily accessed off Owl Creek Road in Snowmass Village. The trail features views of the Aspen Groves, Snowmass Mountain, and the Roaring Fork Valley. Watch out for elk and other wildlife on this trail.
Tiehack
Tiehack Trail is located on Buttermilk Mountain and is a 3-mile out-and-back hike with plenty of scenic views. Grab a beer and lunch at the top while you enjoy views of the Maroon Bells. This is a great uphill hike for the entire family to enjoy. Just make sure to stretch before because it is steep!
The Ditch Trail
The Ditch Trail is located in Snowmass Village and is a short and sweet hike. This is the easiest hike in the Aspen Snowmass area, which makes it perfect for any age group. It is an out-and-back trail that is flat and mellow for about 1.7 miles. The end of the trail showcases views of Mount Daily. The hike travels through multiple ski runs so watch out for skiers!
East of Aspen Trail
This is one of Aspen’s most leisurely hikes. The trail is close to town and is mostly flat and is 3 miles long. Enjoy views of the river, beautiful neighborhoods, and the wilderness around it. We love this hike for its easy accessibility and dynamic scenery.
The Aspen Nordic Trail System
The Aspen Nordic Trail System offers over 90 km of free cross-country and snowshoeing trails in Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt. Visit their website for a full list of trails and their descriptions. They have several amazing options and they all feature million-dollar views of the Roaring Fork Valley. In addition, Ashcroft offers 35 km of trails for $25 a day or $300 for a season pass.
The Maroon Bells
The road to the Maroon Bells is closed during the winter months, but it is open to pedestrians. The road is an out-and-back 6.2-mile groomed trail that ends at the scenic Maroon Bells. This is one of our favorite trails because seeing the Maroon Bells in the winter is an extra special treat due to the road closure. You may even see avalanche debris, which is always a remarkable sight.
