Best Hikes in and around Aspen

*View from the top of Maroon Pass on the between aspen and Crested Butte*

Aspen, Colorado, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and plethora of hiking trails. From alpine lakes, to mountain streams feeding the Colorado River, to endless fields of wildflowers, every hike near Aspen is simply stunning. Here’s a curated list of our favorites in and around town, from easiest to hardest.

*View from the top of Smuggler Mountain*

1. Smuggler Trail

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: Around 3.8 miles round trip
Highlights: Nicknamed, housewife hill, Smuggler is ideal for beginners or those seeking a shorter hike straight from town. Smuggler Trail offers panoramic views of Aspen, Independence Pass, and the Elk Mountains. The trail is well-maintained and accessible year-round, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. You are also able to extend this trail and make it a loop by adding on Hunter Creek trail from the top of Smuggler.

View of Aspen from top of Ute Mountain — *View of Aspen from the Ute Mountain overlook*

2. Ute Trail

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 3.6 miles round trip
Highlights: Offering breathtaking views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains, the Ute Trail is a local favorite. The trail winds through Aspen groves and wildflower meadows before reaching a scenic overlook, perfect for sunrise or sunset views.

*View from Rim Trail in Snowmass Village*

3. Sunnyside

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: Approximately 8 miles round trip
Highlights: For those craving a more challenging adventure, Sunnyside delivers with its steep inclines and rewarding vistas. The trail leads through dense forests and alpine meadows, culminating at a picturesque lake surrounded by towering peaks. Be prepared for a strenuous ascent, but the stunning scenery makes it worth the effort.

4. Cathedral Lake

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: About 5.6 miles round trip
Highlights: This iconic hike takes you through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls before arriving at the crystal-clear waters of Cathedral Lake. Set against a backdrop of towering cliffs and rugged peaks, the lake provides a serene setting for picnics or photography. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including deer, elk, and even the occasional bear.

5. American Lake

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: Around 6.8 miles round trip
Highlights: Nestled within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, American Lake boasts stunning alpine scenery and pristine waters. The trail climbs steadily through aspen groves and evergreen forests, offering glimpses of the surrounding peaks along the way. Once at the lake, hikers can relax by the water's edge or continue exploring the surrounding trails.

6. Aspen to Crested Butte

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 12.2-mile trail one-way to Crested Butte.
Highlights:The Aspen to Crested Butte hike is a legendary backcountry adventure that offers breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The hike starts at the Maroon Lake trailhead near Aspen and winds its way through alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged mountain passes before reaching the charming town of Crested Butte.

One of the highlights of this hike is crossing the iconic West Maroon Pass, which sits at an elevation of 12,500 feet. The panoramic views from the pass are simply awe-inspiring, making the challenging ascent well worth the effort. Along the way, hikers will also encounter fields of wildflowers, pristine mountain streams, and the chance to spot wildlife such as marmots and mountain goats. Once you make it to Crested Butte side, you can get a shuttle to the town of Crested Butte (best to arrange ahead of time as service can be spotty).

*One of the many ponds along the trail to Snowmass Lake*

7. Snowmass Lake

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 20.7-mile out and back treck
Highlights: The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly Snowmass Lake, a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery. Many hikers choose to camp overnight at the lake to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the wilderness. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on to explore nearby peaks such as Snowmass Mountain or Hagerman Peak. While the hike isn’t particularly steep, the length alone makes it strenuous. Make sure you start early as this hike takes most of the day and passes beaufitul valleys and incredible wildlife.

More Tips for Hikes Near Aspen

**Stay Hydrated:** The high elevation and dry mountain air can quickly lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your hike.

**Dress in Layers:** Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it's essential to dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature.

**Pack Essentials:** Carry essentials such as a map, compass, first aid kit, sunscreen, and snacks to keep you fueled during your hike.

**Respect Wildlife:** Remember that you are a guest in the animals' habitat, so observe wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding or approaching them.

**Leave No Trace:** Help preserve the beauty of the wilderness by practicing Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.