Aspen, CO is home to over 86 trails, each of these Aspen hikes offers beautiful views of the mountains, seasonal wildflowers, and a welcome challenge. Whether you are a trail runner, avid cyclist, mountain biker, camper, backpacker, birdwatcher, or a beginner, there’s a trail for every skill level in and around Aspen.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR ASPEN, CO HIKING?

June through September is the best time of year for Aspen hikes. Compared to the spring months, there are fewer afternoon rainstorms in June. By the time summer comes around, the trails are dry and free of mud. From June to September, shuttles run from Aspen Highlands up to the Maroon bells. Some trails allow parking year round, but many trails only offer parking reservations and camping permits during the summer months. 

Whether you’re new to Aspen or an annual resident looking for new adventures, this article is for you. In this article, we will go over the best hikes in Aspen and how the ALC team can make your Aspen adventure even better!

15 BEST HIKES IN ASPEN, COLORADO

1. CATHEDRAL LAKE

The trail climbs up through Pine Creek Valley, offering views of the upper Castle Creek Valley and Malamute Peak. While the steep grade may be challenging for beginners, the view of Cathedral Lake is worth the climb. The trailhead is accessible by any car with good clearance.  The parking lot at the trailhead fills up fast, but you can find overflow parking along the access road. 

• Trail Length: 5.6 miles
• Type of Hike: Round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,986 feet
• Time to Complete: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Experience Level: Not recommended for beginners.
• Accessibility: Suitable for dogs who can handle inclines. Not suitable for young children.

2. ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE HIKE

Aspen and Crested Butte are two of Colorado’s most iconic ski towns. Of course, you could drive the hour between the two towns, but where’s the fun in that? The trail takes you from Maroon Lake, past Crater Lake, through fields of wildflowers, and up into alpine tundra above the treeline. 

Once you reach the Crested Butte side of the West Maroon trail, you’re still about 11 miles away from town. The best way to get into Crested Butte is to take the Alpine Express or Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle.

• Trail Length: 11 miles
• Type of Hike: Point to point
• Elevation Gain: 2,240 feet
• Experience Level: Best for experienced hikers and backpackers.
• Accessibility: Dog-friendly, owners must clean up after their pets. Not suitable for children.

3. RIO GRANDE TRAIL

The Rio Grande Trail is a paved path that follows the Roaring Fork River from Glenwood Springs to Carbondale. This Aspen adventure is fantastic for beginners and families because it is easy and enjoyable. There are public restrooms, picnic tables, and scenic stops along the route. ALC recommends that visitors rent bikes (or bring their own) and hitch a ride on the RFTA bus to get to a good starting point. 

• Trail Length: 42 miles
• Type of Hike: Point to point
• Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
• Experience Level: Great for beginners and families
• Accessibility: Paved, wheelchair accessible, dog friendly, and bike accessible.

4. CRATER LAKE TRAIL

Crater Lake Trail is one of the best Aspen hikes for beginner hikers. The route runs between Maroon Lake and Crater Lake. After you park in the Maroon Lake lot, you’ll head southwest along Maroon Snowmass Trail. This trail will take you through rocky terrain and towering aspen groves. Crater Lake is a little under 2 miles away from the trailhead. 

• Trail Length: 3.5 miles
• Type of Hike: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 688 feet
• Time to Complete: 1 hour, 45 minutes
• Experience Level: Great for beginners and intermediate hikers
• Accessibility: Dogs must be leashed at all times. 

5. HUNTER CREEK TRAIL 

Hunter Creek Trail is ideal for visitors who want the Aspen, CO hiking experience, but don’t want to spend a whole day on it. This trail is conveniently located near downtown Aspen, so you can easily fit an outdoor work in between spa sessions and shopping sprees.

There is a public parking lot near the trailhead off Hunter Creek Drive. The ALC team recommends that visitors utilize a car service during their stay in Aspen. Not only will you not have to worry about parking for your hikes, you’ll be greeted with an air-conditioned interior and cold water at the end of your hike. 

• Trail Length: 1.5 miles
• Type of Hike: Point to point 
• Elevation Gain: 700 feet
• Time to Complete: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Experience Level: Great for beginners and intermediate hikers
• Accessibility: Dogs must be leashed at all times. Mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed on the trail. 

6. UTE TRAIL 

Ute Trail is a popular workout spot for both locals and visitors alike because of the challenging incline and the beautiful view of the town. This Aspen hike is like a natural Stairmaster with the added benefit of sunlight and fresh air. Because of the elevation climb, this hike may be challenging for older visitors and anyone with knee problems. ALC recommends bringing hiking poles and taking frequent breaks. 

This trail is one of the few Aspen hikes walking distance of downtown Aspen. You can walk or bike east on Ute Avenue for about 0.4 miles. Parking for cars is available near Ute Park and there is a bike rack near Gant Condos. 

• Trail Length: 2 miles
• Type of Hike: Round trip 
• Elevation Gain: 700 feet
• Time to Complete: About an hour
• Experience Level: Great for hikers of all experience levels. Not recommended for hikers with knee and joint problems.
• Accessibility: Dogs must be leashed or under voice control. 

7. WEST MAROON PASS 

If you look at this Aspen hiking trail map, you’ll notice that there are two sections to this trek. The first section is from the trailhead to Crater Lake, which is only 3.4 miles round trip and 496 feet elevation gain. Although shorter, this part of the trail is known for its incredible views of  Maroon Bells, the Sleeping Sexton, the Sievers Mountains, and Pyramid Peak.

For more experienced hikers, you can continue from Crater Lake to West Maroon Pass. As you enjoy this Aspen trek, keep an eye out for waterfalls and make sure to turn around to enjoy the view. The first part of the hike is relatively easy as you cross meadows, but when you hit the creek 3.6 miles in, you may need to wade through it. The second half of the hike is steeper, but the rolling hills covered in wildflowers and the mountain views are well worth it. 

• Trail Length: 13 miles
• Type of Hike: Round trip 
• Elevation Gain: 2,920 feet
• Experience Level: The full trail is recommended for experienced hikers. The 3.4 mile section of the trail is better for beginners and families.
• Accessibility: Dogs must be leashed.

8. RED BUTTE TRAIL 

Although you may find yourself scrambling, Red Butte Trail is an excellent trail in Aspen for hiking, trail running, biking, and strolling. The steep incline offers a challenge to even the most athletic visitors, but beginners can handle it too if they go slow. There is no parking at the Red Butte Trailhead, so hikers must be dropped off or park at Henry Stein Park. Once you park, you can take Cemetery Trail Lane to the trailhead. 

• Trail Length: 0.9 miles
• Type of Hike: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 439 feet
• Time to Complete: Less than 1 hour
• Experience Level: Short hike but moderately challenging. Suitable for most experience levels. Hiking poles are highly recommended.
• Accessibility: Not ideal for dogs due to steepness. Bikes are allowed on the trail. 

9. AMERICAN LAKE TRAIL 

American Lake Trail is one of the best hikes near Aspen for hikers who want a challenge. The beautiful trail runs from Castle Creek Road to American Lake, cutting through beautiful woods. There are plenty of places to stop, take a breather, sight see, and have a snack along the route. 

• Trail Length: 6.8 miles
• Type of Hike: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 2,043 feet
• Time to complete: 4 hours
• Experience Level: Ideal for experienced hikers, challenging for beginners.
• Accessibility: Dogs must be leashed 

10. BUCKSKIN PASS

On Buckskin Pass, there is something for every outdoorsman. The trek is challenging even for experienced hikers. It is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and birding during the summer months. The route provides spectacular views of the mountains and you are likely to encounter wildlife from a distance. 

• Trail Length: 8.2 miles
• Type of Hike: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 2,916 feet
• Time to Complete: 5.5 hours
• Experience Level: Best for intermediate and experienced hikers.
• Accessibility: Dogs must be leashed. Gas camp stoves are required for anyone camping above the timberline. 

11. LOST MAN TRAIL

UN 13,001 does not have an official name, but locals call it Lost Man Lake Peak. Lost Man Trail takes you past the inky waters of Lost Man Lake and up towards the summit. The final stretch offers challenging scrambling, making it a popular trek for rock climbers and boulderers, as well as hikers and backpackers. 

• Trail Length: 8.7 miles
• Type of Hike: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,387 feet
• Time to Complete: 4.5 hours
• Experience Level: Not recommended for beginners.
• Accessibility: Dogs are allowed on leash; however, the scrambling section of the trail is difficult to navigate with a dog. 
  

12. SMUGGLER MOUNTAIN

This trail offers some of the best hiking in Aspen, Colorado for experienced outdoorsmen. The trek takes explorers through forests, fields of wildflowers, and over rivers. Hikers can expect to encounter wildlife from a distance and get a breathtaking view of the valley. 

• Trail Length: 14 miles
• Type of Hike: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 3,136 feet
• Time to Complete: 7 hours
• Experience Level: The challenging route is best for intermediate and experienced hikers.
• Accessibility: Dog-friendly and suitable for mountain biking.

13. SUNNYSIDE TRAIL 

Sunnyside is one of the few Aspen hikes that is accessible beyond the standard June to September hiking window. If you look at the Aspen hiking trail map, you’ll notice that the route is south-facing. Even during wet seasons, the snow melts quickly and the trail dries off enough for a good hiking experience.

• Trail Length: 10.8 miles
• Type of Hike: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 2,683 feet
• Time to Complete: 6 hours
• Experience Level: The entire route is not ideal for beginners. New hikers are advised to take Shadyside Trail as a shortcut before rejoining Sunnyside Trail.
• Accessibility: Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash. Suitable for mountain biking and trail running. 

14. THE RIM TRAIL

This is one of the hikes near Aspen with the best view. When you reach Spiral Point, you get a 360 degree view of the valley. This trail is suitable for all experience levels. Families with kids often do a shorter version of the trail and turn around at a point known locally as “the yin-yang.” The trail is also a popular destination for casual bird watching, wildlife photography, and trail running. 

• Trail Length: 7.9 miles
• Type of Hike: Out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,453 feet
• Time to Complete: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Experience Level: The route can be hiked in either direction. Experienced hikers can do the whole trek. Beginners and families can do a small section of the trail.
• Accessibility: Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash. Suitable for mountain biking and trail running. 

15. THE GROTTOS TRAIL

The Grotto Loop is one of the shortest hikes near Aspen. This trail isn’t about the workout, it’s about the view. Grottos winds through fields of wildflowers, waterfalls, and small caves. This hike is very popular among elderly Aspen residents as well as families with very small children. The trail is well-maintained and flat enough that new walkers can explore it independently with ease. 

• Trail Length: 0.6 miles
• Type of Hike: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 29 feet
• Time to Complete: 12 minutes for adults. 1+ hour for toddlers.
• Experience Level: Excellent for beginners, small children, and elderly hiking enthusiasts.
• Accessibility: Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash. The trail is kid-friendly, suitable for trail running, and excellent for bird watching.

ASPEN LUXURY CONCIERGE KNOWS ALL THE BEST ASPEN HIKES!

Whether you’re here for business, pleasure, or visiting a summer home, ALC is here to help with all your needs! Our concierges can recommend the best hikes for your family as well as arrange all the details.

Our services include: 

• Transportation to and from the trailhead
• Personal shopping for new, luxury hiking gear
• Errand running for person items (like sunscreen or new hiking poles)
• Stocking your pantry with nutritious post-hike snacks
• Making parking, shuttle, and transportation reservations
• Property management for summer and winter homes
• Trip accommodations for tourists
• And more!

Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge to learn how our team can make your Aspen experience the best it can be!