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 1.8 miles round trip to Ute Rock Overlook or 3.1 miles straight up to the top of Aspen Mountain
Highlights: Offering breathtaking views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains, the Ute Trail is a local favorite. This trail is a lung-buster, but short enough that we rated it moderate. It’s also possible to hike past the Ute rock overlook up to the top of Aspen Mountain, enjoy a well-deserved refreshment at the Sundeck, and take the Gondola down. Be sure to make sure the gondola is running if you’re choosing the longer option and are counting on a ride down.

*View from Rim Trail in Snowmass Village*

3. Sunnyside

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Distance: Approximately 7miles round trip
Highlights: For those craving a more challenging adventure, Sunnyside delivers with its steep inclines and rewarding vistas. A great option during the Spring and Fall due to the south-facing trail. It’s also possible to connect to other trails in the area, or turn around at the weather station to shorten the hike.

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. If you’re looking to challenge yourself further, you can add on four more miles and complete Electric Pass Loop.

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. While the hike itself is epic, it does require some advance planning to make it a success. You can read our full guide here. 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 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.

steering clear of cattle on the way to Snowmass Lake — *Steering clear of cattle on the way to Snowmass Lake*

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.

Beware of the weather: Afternoon storms can roll in quickly and be very dangerous to hikers, especially those above treeline. As a rule of thumb it is best to be below treeline after noon, so be sure to start your hike early.

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. Several of the trails above are frequented by moose. While they may look friendly, moose kill more humans than any other animal in Colorado.

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.