Basecamp Colorado is Glenwood Springs Colorado

This road climbs from the Taylor River Valley in the Crested Butte region, over Taylor Pass, to the Castle Creek Valley, near Ashcroft and Aspen. For mountain bikers this can be one leg of a weekend excursion to Crested Butte coming back on Pearl Pass. The road climbs steadily through Aspen groves after leaving the Taylor River Road. After following a stream for 3 miles, you will reach Taylor Lake. Taylor Pass is reached after a short climb above the lake. This road can be very rough at times, check at District Office before using.

Directions from Aspen: Drive west on Highway 82 from Aspen 1/2 mile. At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. Drive about 11 miles, just past Elk Mountain Lodge and before the ghost town of Ashcroft, on your left will be Express Creek Road. Take Express Creek Road for approximately six miles. Pass the first road on your right and take the next one. This is Taylor Pass Road #761.

Seasonal Information:
Normal Summer Season: June through September (NOTE: Open but not maintained for off-road vehicle, mountain bike, horse and foot travel during the Summer months.) . Normal Winter Season: November through May (NOTE: Open but not maintained for recreational purposes.) .

Continue reading "Taylor Pass Road" »

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This trail offers a challenging day hike or backpack trip and access into Hunter Creek, Lenado and Van Horn Park. On warm days, be prepared for little shade for the first several miles. This is a popular trail with both mountain bikers and hikers. Due to the steep climb up the face of Red Mountain, mountain bikers normally start from the Four Corners area, near the Hunter Creek end of the trail, and finish at the Cemetery Lane/McLain Flats Rd. trailhead. The trail is narrow and not recommended for horse use. There are beautiful aspen groves and good views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains.

From the Cemetery Lane/McLain Flats Rd. trailhead, the trail starts climbing up Red Mountain. There are great views of the surrounding peaks. The trail continues to switchback along the side of the mountain through shrub oak. In about two miles, the trail enters the aspen groves. Stay on the main trail through the aspen, there are several faded spurs along the way. The trail follows along the ridge entering areas of spruce and coming out on an old road. Follow the road to a sign marking the Sunnyside Trail off to the right. The trail becomes a single track again and descends toward Hunter Creek. The Sunnyside Trail ends at the intersection with a 4 WD road (the left fork on the road goes to Van Horn Park), but you can pick up the single track Hunter Creek Trail on the other side, which descends into Hunter Valley.

At the trail junction at the bottom in the Hunter Valley, turn right and continue for about 1/8 mile to the Tenth Mountain Bridge. Cross the bridge and head right, following the single track through the meadow. The trail descends steeply through the trees and crosses Benedict Bridge. Take an immediate left just after the bridge. The trail follows Hunter Creek crossing over the creek several times. The last section is mostly boardwalk and ascends steps ending behind the Hunter Creek Condominiums in Aspen. If you haven't done a car shuttle you can walk into town and catch the Cemetery Lane bus back toward the trailhead.

Continue reading "Sunnyside Trail" »

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Every ski area has a service road that is good for riding that will go up the face of the mountain. This is Aspen Mountain's service road. The paved road quickly becomes a steep unpaved road. Stay on the main road. The road switchbacks across the front of Aspen Mountain and reaches Gwynn's Restaurant (open only during ski season) at approximately the 2 mile mark. The steep switchbacks continue, passing under and to the right of the gondola. The road reaches the Sundeck Restaurant at the top of Aspen Mountain. There are spectacular views in all directions. From the top, you can access Richmond Hill Road (which follows the ridge behind Aspen Mountain), or Little Annie and Midnight Mine Roads. Automobiles are not permitted on Summer Road for recreation purposes.

Average Time: 3 - 4 Hours one way
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Ending Elevation: 11,212 Feet (3495.0 Meters)

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This is an extension of the Smuggler Road trails system and is a fairly well maintained 4 WD road that immediately begins a steep ascent. The road switchbacks up Smuggler with views of Aspen below. The switchbacks get longer and in about 1-1/2 miles the road curves behind Smuggler Mountain. There is a short steep path on the right leading to a platform, which is good for viewing Aspen.

To continue to Warren Lakes, keep straight on the road (left goes to Hunter Creek). In a short distance, keep straight again past the next left, the road becomes a more rugged 4 WD road and continues to ascend steeply. At the 2-1/2 mile mark there are some communication disks on the right. The road becomes even steeper until about the 3 mile mark, and then it eases. Shortly, the road becomes level with only brief steep sections until reaching the Forest Service bulletin board at the 6 mile mark. The road continues a short distance further to the gate at Warren Lakes. Beyond the gate is Private Land and Wilderness, please respect this and do not trespass.

Continue reading "Smuggler Mountain/Warren Lakes Road" »

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This is an extension of the Smuggler Mountain Road. At the bridge at the 3 1/2 mile mark, cross and turn left. This trail will intersect with the 4 WD road to Van Horn Park and Lenado. For the other option, follow the trail along the river, past several old buildings. The road climbs steeply, at approximately the 5-1/2 mile mark, the road branches. Keep straight to reach Lenado, right goes to Van Horn Park. The road levels at the intersection known as 'Four Corners'. The left leads to Red Mountain, the Sunnyside Trail can also be picked up from this direction. The right leads to Van Horn Park along a single track, continue straight to reach Lenado. The trail comes out on the main road in Lenado. There is a sign in the grass saying 'Bike Trail to Aspen'. Turn left onto the gravel road and ride another 8 miles to the junction of Woody Creek Road and Road 18. Turn left to reach Woody Creek and return to Aspen. The McLain Flats Road or Rio Grande Trail will take you back to Aspen.

Posted by Brett at 08:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Length: 5 1/2 miles one way.
This trail is an extension of the Smuggler Mountain Trail, and will provide longer adventures for those who want them. Smuggler Road is a fairly well maintained 4 WD road and immediately begins a steep ascent. The switchbacks get longer and in about 1-1/2 miles the road curves behind Smuggler Mountain. There is a short steep path on the right, leading to a platform which is good for viewing Aspen. To continue to Hunter Creek, take the left just after the platform. (Continuing straight will take you to Warren Lakes). There are several side roads, please stay on the main route. The road has some moderate up and down hills. At about the 2 mile mark, there is a gate, go around the gate and continue up the hill. At about the 3-1/2 mile mark there is an old bridge, from here there are several options: 1)You can cross the bridge and turn left, following the trail along the west side of the river and cross back over the Tenth Mountain Bridge. 2)Turn left (don't cross the bridge) and follow the single track on the east side of the river. 3)Cross the bridge, turn left and follow the river along the west side and continue right along the fence line to access Van Horn Park, Sunnyside Trail or Lenado. 4)Cross the bridge, turn left follow the trail along the west side of the river and turn right onto the single track Hunter Creek Trail which leads to the Sunnyside Trail, Van Horn Park, and Lenado. These directions are for options (1) and (2), which converge above the Tenth Mountain Bridge. The single track continues through the meadow and descends steeply through the trees and crosses Benedict Bridge. Keep straight, the trail soon reaches the paved road of Hunter Creek. Take a left and follow Hunter Creek Road to the intersection of Red Mountain Road. Take another left and follow Red Mountain Road back to Aspen.

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Richmond Hill extends from the top of Aspen Mountain to the south, forming the eastern ridge of the Castle Creek Valley. Majestic views of the Maroon Bells to the West and Independence to the east, the best overall views of the mountains of any cross country ski trails in this part of the state. Most skiers ski Richmond Hill as a day tour, riding the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain to get to the start of the tour. This route is also used by back country skiers to get some of the huts in the Braun hut system. Since the whole route is above 11,000 feet, cold and windy weather can make this trip miserable, and the visibility can also be quite bad at times. The trails are packed by Snowcats and snowmobiles, and there has occasionally been talk of also setting tracks on this route. You have your choice of skiing the packed trails, or going off into the untracked snow alongside. The route follows the ridge, so keeping this in mind, it's hard to get lost. The first part is a gradual uphill. Some of the route is in the open with scattered trees while other parts go through the trees. To the south you will be looking toward Crested Butte, and to the left up the Roaring Fork Valley toward Independence Pass, the Sawatch Range, and the Collegiate Peaks, Behind you to the north is Aspen, the Williams Range, Hunter Valley, Red and Smuggler Mountains.

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Despite the likelihood of snow on the road well into July, the Pearl Pass Road is heavily used especially on weekends. The road is very rocky and steep in sections and often impassable in a vehicle, on mtn. bike some of this road is over skree fields. The first 1/2 mile is fairly level, then it begins to climb. There are some steep uphill sections and at approximately 1 1/2 miles, crosses a foot bridge. The road continues to climb through spruce groves crossing a vehicle bridge and immediately becoming steeper and rugged. At approximately 3 miles up the road, the Mace cabin is passed on the right. A quarter mile past the cabin the road forks. Keep left (The right fork goes to the Montezuma Basin, refer to the handout), the road climbs steeply, and there are rough, rocky sections. This pass will allow you to go to Crested Butte. A good weekend trip, over Pearl on Saturday back via Schofeild on Sunday.

Continue reading "Pearl Pass Four-Wheel Drive Road" »

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There is often snow on the road well into July. The lower section of the road receives heavy use, especially on the weekends. This road is very rugged, and in some sections is located in a stream. It climbs well above the timberline and continues for a mile or so, through fields of rocks tinted with a lichen of various colors. This road was built to serve the Montezuma Mine and debris from the operation of the mine may be seen along the way.

The first 1/2 mile is fairly level, then begins to climb. There are some steep uphill sections and at the 1 1/2 mile mark there is a foot bridge. At the bridge you will need to cross the stream. The road continues to climb through spruce groves crossing a vehicle bridge and immediately becoming steeper and more rugged. Three miles up the road, the Mace cabin is passed on the right. A quarter mile past the cabin, the road to Pearl Pass forks steeply to the left (Refer to the Pearl Pass handout for more information on this route). At this fork bear right. Keeping right, the road soon climbs some steep, continuous switchbacks. The road is very narrow and rugged in some areas. The road ends at the parking area for Castle Peak.

Continue reading "Montezuma Basin Four-Wheel Drive Road" »

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This is a fairly well maintained dirt road with several steep sections. This road is not used by four-wheel drivers as much as Little Annie or Summer Roads. A loop ride can be made by going up Midnight Mine and down Little Annie or a longer route down Summer Road. The road follows Queens Gulch, passing through aspen and fir stands.

The road begins with a short descend; then crosses a bridge and begins its continuous uphill climb. There are numerous private drives, please stay on the main road. The road becomes steeper with several switchbacks. In approximately 2 miles there is a cabin on the left and a large mound of mine tailings on the right. The road climbs steeply between them, continuing to ascend to the junction with Little Annie Road at about the 4 mile mark. Stay left to continue to the top of Aspen Mountain and the Sundeck Restaurant. From the top you can access Richmond Hill Road (which follows the ridge behind Aspen Mountain), or Summer Road (which goes down the front of Aspen Mountain).

Posted by Brett at 04:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This road is fairly well maintained. It is used heavily by 4 WD's, especially on weekends. A loop ride can be made by going up Little Annie Road and down Midnight Mine Road, or a longer trip down Summer Road. This is a very scenic ride with great views of the Castle Creek Valley.

The road climbs gradually, with several private drives along the first few miles, please stay on the main road. The road becomes steeper and climbs to the intersection with Midnight Mine Road in a little over 3 miles. Stay straight to continue to the top of Aspen Mountain. The last section climbs to the top of Aspen Mountain and the Sundeck Restaurant. There are spectacular views in all directions. From the top you can access Richmond Hill Road (which follows the ridge behind Aspen Mountain), or Summer Road (which goes down the front of Aspen Mountain).

Posted by Brett at 09:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kobey Park is an old logging area with many spur roads winding through it. There are beautiful views of the Elk Mountains to the south. This is a fairly well maintained 4 WD road, used by mountain bikes, 4 WD's, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles in the winter. From Lenado continue up the 4 WD road. This road is sometimes called Christmas Tree Road since it winds back and forth around the mountain. There are numerous spur roads, stay on the main road. At the intersection, between Road 103 and 508, keep straight on Road 508 to Kobey Park (Road 103 goes to the right and heads to Margy's Hut).

Directions from Aspen: Travel west 7 miles from Aspen on Highway 82 to the Woody Creek turnoff on your right. At the bottom of the hill and across the bridge turn left to the Woody Creek Tavern. About a 1/4 mile past the tavern make a sharp right onto Road 18 and drive 10 miles to Lenado. From there continue on the road to Kobey Park.

Seasonal Information:
Normal Summer Season: May through September (NOTE: Snow and mud may obstruct the road during the Spring, Fall and Winter months.) .

Continue reading "Kobey Park Road" »

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This is a popular high-altitude jeep route beginning at Express Creek Road. Because of the altitude snow is often present well into mid-July. From the top of Taylor Pass you can see Taylor Lake below and magnificent views of the Castle Creek Valley and surrounding peaks. Once at the pass, you are offered several choices of extending your trip by making a loop back to Aspen via Richmond Hill Road; or travel to Crested Butte along the Taylor River making a full day trip.

The first 1/8 mile is fairly flat, the road soon crosses a bridge and begins to climb steeply. There are several private drives along the first mile, stay on the main road. In approximately 2 miles, there is a spur to the right, again follow the main road. The road becomes a little steeper and in another 1-3/4 miles begins a long steep uphill. The road crosses a bridge and is very steep the last mile.

Directions from Aspen: Drive west on Highway 82 from Aspen 1/2 mile. At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. Drive about 11 miles, just past Elk Mountain Lodge and before the ghost town of Ashcroft, on your left will be Express Creek Road.

Seasonal Information:
Normal Summer Season: June through September (NOTE: You may find snow on the road through Mid-July.) . Normal Winter Season: November through April (NOTE: This road is not maintained for vehicular traffic in the Winter and is used for recreation.) .

Continue reading "Express Creek Road to Taylor Pass Road" »

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The road crosses a bridge and heads downhill past Lincoln Gulch campground. The road rolls up and down with some steep uphill sections that levels out on top. The road follows Lincoln Creek with an uphill/downhill pattern to Grizzly Reservoir at the 6 mile mark. To continue to the ghost town of Ruby, stay on the main road which curves to the southeast of the reservoir and past Portal Campground. The road climbs easily to the ruins of an old mining cabin at the 9 mile mark. The road forks another 1/2 mile, take the left fork. The ghost town of Ruby is a short distance before the road ends.

Directions from Aspen: Access to Lincoln Creek Road is located 11 miles Southeast of the community of Aspen on Highway 82, and then 1.2 miles on Lincoln Creek Road within a grove of aspen trees.

Seasonal Information:
Normal Summer Season: June through September (NOTE: The road may be very muddy with some snow in Early June.) .

Continue reading "Lincoln Creek Road, #106" »

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9.5 miles round-trip
This is a moderately difficult and moderately used trail that gets you into some awesome alpine meadows. To access the trail, take Hwy. 82 for about seven miles west of Aspen to the Woody Creek turnoff. Turn right and follow the road downhill; after crossing a bridge, bear left and continue two miles to the Woody Creek Tavern. Just past the tavern, take a sharp right onto Road 103 and follow it for 8.5 miles to Lenado. About .75 miles past this rustic mining town, the road turns sharply left and crosses Woody Creek. The Woody Creek Trailhead is on the right.

Follow the Woody Creek Trail about 1.75 miles to the Spruce Creek Trail turnoff. Turn left here (the Woody Creek Trail traverses another eight miles to Deer Park and loops into the Hunter Creek Trail). After about .25 mile, the trail crosses the creek and remains on the west side until Sawmill Park (see Aspen Norrie Trail, in the Midvalley section). The trail then disappears in the park’s meadow. Return the way you came.

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Besides the popular Government, Ditch and Rim trails (see individual listings), the village boasts about 18 other trails, ranging from adventurous to easy. Your best bet is to pick up the Summer Trail Map, published by the town of Snowmass Village (available at the Aspen Forest Service office; 806 W. Hallam St.). It gives great descriptions of trails, including elevation gains, distances covered and landmarks along the way. Snowmass Village has the added benefit of lift-served riding and hiking. The Burlingame chairlift is open daily for foot passengers and mountain bikers, and is free to riders this summer. Mileages vary.

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3 miles round-trip
Smuggler is Aspen’s most popular trail, for athletes from the casual to the near elite, because it is accessible and usable year-round. Snow shows in the winter. The vertical climb is about 800 feet, and getting up it in 20 minutes or less is considered good time on foot or mountain bike (fast bikers can do it under 12 minutes, and local lore has some runners doing it in under 12 minutes too). The trail follows a wide dirt road as it switchbacks and curves up the lower flanks of Smuggler Mountain. Most people’s turnaround point is a viewing platform in a small clearing off to the right, about 1.5 miles up; from here the view down into Aspen and across to Mount Sopris is excellent. Dogs are allowed on this trail. The section of trail through Hunter Creek is not open to motorized vehicles and is not as heavily used.

Head east on Hwy. 82, turn left at Park Avenue (look for the Smuggler Mine sign). At the stop sign, veer right onto Park Circle and head to the base of the mountain. There's parking on the left as Park Circle curves to the left at an intersection. Straight ahead at this corner is Smuggler Mountain Road on the right. It's .3 miles from the highway to the parking.

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From Aspen to Emma, this trail has been built from an abandoned Denver & Rio Grande Railroad railbed, hence the name, as many of Colorados trails are. This ensures gradual inclines and declines. This is a well-loved trail for hikers, bikers, in-line skaters and joggers and parallels the Roaring Fork River. It’s primarily flat, and the first couple of miles out of Aspen are on pavement, before it turns to crushed gravel to Woody Creek. An easy place to pick it up is across from the Aspen post office; from there you can go beyond Basalt. Eventually, it will connect with Glenwood Springs. The scenery runs the gamut: from views of the ski areas to small canyons and waterfalls. A popular outing is to bike to the Woody Creek Tavern for lunch. And don’t worry: You don’t necessarily have to walk or bike back. Buses to Aspen stop near the trailhead at the Upper Woody Creek Bridge, or you can call a taxi from the tavern.

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15 miles round-trip
This trail revered by mountain bikers but it’s also a good alternative for a half-day hike. Start behind the Mountain View condos in Snowmass Village and begin the steep climb up the singletrack trails full of switchbacks. This challenging route, some of which is through aspen groves, continues for several miles over to the Horse Ranch trail (above the Snowmass Rodeo). You can catch a Snowmass shuttle back to your car.

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3.5 miles round-trip (Petroleum)
2.5 miles round-trip (Anderson)
If you want good fishing, wildly profuse wildflowers and a fun four-wheel-drive access road, then these easy trails are for you. A bonus: you’ll enjoy views of the beautiful Collegiate Wilderness peaks. Take Hwy. 82 east of Aspen 11 miles to Lincoln Creek Road. Turn right and drive 6.5 miles on the rocky, rutted road to the Portal Campground. From the campground, the road gets even rougher. Either drive or hike the last 3.3 miles to a fork in the road. Take the right fork, cross the creek and park on either side. This is very high-alpine area and will have snow late in the year. There is abundant fishing here.

The trail follows Anderson Creek, gradually ascending an old Jeep road as it passes through thick stands of fir before emerging into alpine tundra. You’ll see some privately owned log cabins at this point. About a mile in from the start, the road forks. The left fork goes to Anderson Lake, another quarter-mile. To access Petroleum Lake, retrace your steps from Anderson Lake and take the right fork. Petroleum is about .75 mile farther. Climb through some alpine meadows and tundra, and cross the lake’s outlet stream. Keep climbing; the lake is just ahead, beyond the rise on the left. Even more adventures await if you keep going uphill on the trail: an alpine pond and additional breathtaking views.

Continue reading "Petroleum & Anderson Lakes" »

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6 miles round-trip
This is the gateway to Aspen’s back yard — Hunter Creek Valley. Visitors and locals alike go for the beauty and the feeling of being a world away from town. To get there from town, walk or drive north on Mill Street, bear left onto Red Mountain Road after crossing the bridge over the Roaring Fork River, then take the next right onto Lone Pine Road. Trail access is behind the Hunter Creek Condos (look for the sign).

You’ll start out by descending some steps to a shaded path that follows Hunter Creek, climbing steadily to the Benedict Bridge, which crosses Hunter Creek. It’s then a somewhat steep and rocky uphill until the Forest Service boundary sign and the meadows of Hunter Valley, which stretch out around you. Hike into the meadow past the Forest Service sign, staying left at junctures. You’ll soon spot a side trail to the left, which descends to the 10th Mountain Bridge across Hunter Creek. After you cross the bridge, you’ll see the remains of several old cabins in a meadow. Follow the trail past these structures, paralleling Hunter Creek. After a mile or so, look for a small footbridge on the right; cross Hunter Creek again and hike back down the other side of it. You’ll eventually wind up on the main trail again and can retrace your steps back to Aspen. Or, follow the trail on the left side of the creek until it peters out farther up the valley.

Continue reading "Hunter Creek Valley" »

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19.6 miles round-trip
This out-and-back hike/bike is a local favorite, particularly popular with mountain bikers and trail runners. It’s also the site of the Golden Leaf Mini Marathon held each September. The trail starts part way up the Snowmass Ski Area; you can easily access it via the Burlingame lift. Another good access point is at the top of Wood Run in Snowmass Village. Mountain bikers will find this trail requires strong technical riding ability because of stream crossings, rocks and other obstacles. After traversing the ski area at Snowmass, the trail cuts across Burnt Mountain and eventually runs across Buttermilk Mountain ski area. It ends at Maroon Creek Road in Aspen near Iselin Park. If you choose to stop here (9.8 miles), you can ride or hike into Aspen or take a bus back to Snowmass Village.

From the Aspen side, you can access this trail from the Aspen Recreation Center, cross the bridge behind the center and look for the trail to the left, across the street, or drive to the Tiehack parking lot at the base of Buttermilk.

Continue reading "Government Trail" »

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