5 Best Hikes in Snowmass Village
Enjoying the view from Sprial Point in Snowmass Village
Hiking is one of our favorite summer activities in Snowmass Village (read about our other favorite Snowmass Village favorite activities here.) With an abundance of colorful wildflowers and stunning vistas, hiking is one of the best ways to see all of the beauty Snowmass has to offer. From easier, kid-friendly hikes, to all-day treks through the forest, there is truly something for everyone. Read below for a list of our favorite places to hike in Snowmass Village, Colorado. And if you’re willing to venture outside of Snowmass Village, read about our favorite hikes in the Aspen area here.
Wildflowers in full bloom while hiking in Snowmass Village
Ditch Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 3 miles round-trip (but you can turn around at any time)
Highlights: This is a relatively flat trail that runs along a gentle ditch cutting through the Snowmass Mountain Ski area. The views are stunning, and there is a nice bench about a mile out with a beautiful overlook. It’s flat enough to take kids of any age. Keep your eyes peeled for grouse (they look like wild chickens) who frequent the area.
Ditch Trail in Snowmass Village is relatively flat, making it a great option for kids
Spiral Point
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 2.6 mile out and back
Highlights: While there are multiple ways to reach Sprial Point, the easiest place to park is at the trailhead on Divide Road. The hike is relatively short with moderate elevation gain, making this doable for most people. Due to how easily accessible this hike is, it is one of the more popular hikes in Snowmass Village, so don’t expect solitude during peak season.
Vista Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.13 miles one-way to Elk Camp Gondola
Highlights: Who doesn’t love a hike where you can take a Gondola down at the end? Better yet, you can treat yourself to lunch or a drink at the top before your ride down. This hike is relatively short but with significant elevation gain. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, and some of the most incredible views in the area, you can continue the hike another 1.7 miles past Elk Camp on Summit trail. If you’re counting on the Gondola ride down, be sure to first check the hours of operation.
Intersection sign on the Rim Trail in Snowmass Village
Rim Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.88 miles, but can be split into sections
Highlights: The Rim Trail is split into North Rim and South Rim. South Rim Trail begins at the trailhead for Spiral Point and traverses until Sinclair Road when North Rim trail begins. The entire trail gives you stunning vistas of the town of Snowmass Village and it’s surrounding mountains. It’s also a popular mountain bike trail, so be on the lookout for bikers.
One of the many ponds on the way to Snowmass Lake
Snowmass Lake
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: 20.7-mile out and back treck
Highlights: While this hike takes all day (two if you spend the night), Snowmass Lake, a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery, makes it worth the trek. 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 beautiful valleys and incredible wildlife.
Hiking Tips:
Hydrate: It’s so important to bring lots of water, especially when hiking at high elevations.
Be aware of wildlife: Bears, moose and elk frequent Snowmass Village, and it’s important to steer clear of wildlife. Moose in particular look cute, but they kill more people than any other animal in Colorado.
Sun protection is key: High-elevation hiking means the sun is STRONG. Be sure to dress appropriately and wear plenty of sunscreen.
Steering clear of the cattle (pun intended) on the way to Snowmass Creek