Aspen Colorado Hiking Trails, Hikes

Perhaps the best way to enjoy Aspen’s beautiful scenery is to go hiking. There are hundreds of great hiking trails that explore the mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers of summit county, Colorado.

Hike to a picnic on a peak and return in time for a night on the town. Or, plan several days for a backpacking trip through Aspen’s rugged wilderness.

When planning a hiking or backpacking trip in high Colorado, it is important to keep several things in mind. Always be prepared! Take along:

• Plenty of water. (At least 2 quarts per person for each day)
• Extra warm clothing in case of an emergency (even on a hot day).
• A couple power bars or other extra food
• A first aid kit.
• A topographic map and compass. Of course, these tools won’t help unless you know how to use them, so hike within your personal limits.

Another couple of safety concerns are thunderstorms and oxygen. O2 is sparse at Aspen’s high elevation, so plan for a little extra time and stay hydrated! Thunderstorms can suddenly take over the afternoon sky in Colorado. These storms are fun to watch, but are potentially dangerous or those on hiking or backpacking trips. Starting your day early will help you to avoid thunderstorms. If you get caught in lightning, try to find shelter in the forest!

With these guidelines in mind, here are a few trail suggestions for the Aspen area:

• The Maroon Lake (2 mi) or Maroon Creek (7 mi) trails lie at the base of the Maroon Bells. These twin peaks stand at over 14,000’ high and proudly display the best of Colorado’s mountain beauty. This wilderness area is also an excellent choice for backpackers. There is even a shuttle bus for easy access!
• The Hunter Creek Trail (3 mi) is a great option for an Aspen day hike. It’s convenient location near town, interesting terrain (some might say steep…) and pristine beauty make it one of Aspen’s most popular hiking trails.
• The Rio Grande Trail is the perfect option for families looking to go hiking. This partially paved trail runs alongside the Roaring Fork river through Aspen and extends beyond town to the West.
• Lost Man Loop within the Independence Pass area is a great overnight trip for those looking to explore Colorado’s backcountry and spend some time in the mountains.