Hiking Trails

There are hundreds of options. If I’m short on time, I’ll trek the gentle and very beautiful trail that follows Hunter Creek through a picturesque valley just off the center of downtown. Start from the Hunter Creek Trail parking lot on Red Mountain, and walk as far as you want. There are handfuls of trails shooting off in every direction. With enough time, you could walk all the way to Vail. With four or five hours to spare, I’ll head to American or Cathedral Lake. These two scenic hikes both start from the base of Castle Creek Road, not far from the town of Ashcroft. They are each about seven miles long and of moderate difficulty. Both end at beautiful lakes perfect for a picnic lunch alpine style.

For a real workout, follow the locals up the front of Aspen Mountain. Not for the faint of heart, this super steep hike takes anywhere from two to three hours, depending on your level of fitness. The only problem is that once you start, there’s no turning around: It’s too steep to walk down, so you have to get to the top and catch the gondola back to town. Some of the most scenic hikes are up Independence Pass or at the Maroon Bells. Both these dramatic wilderness areas offer everything from gentle walks to multi-day camping excursions.