Hiking
The wonderful thing about hiking in the Roaring Fork Valley is its extensive trail system-and it’s free! There are so many fabulous hikes, it’s hard to filter which ones to experience. Each mountain has trail maps for visitors - see the links below. You can also take a free guided hike, take the gondola up and walk down (there is a fee for that). Like the skiing, there are hiking trails for all levels.
Snowmass:
I’m a part-time resident so when I come to visit, it usually takes me a while to adjust to the altitude and not feel like my lungs are on fire. So until I get acclimated, I bring my Mosley up the Elk Camp Gondola in the dog-friendly cab and walk down. Or we walk up the Dawdler work road. Mind you, even in these areas I keep him on a long leash. I have had two recent experiences of him picking up a scent and wanting to take off running so I am a big proponent of keeping his lead on.
Aspen Mountain
Maroon Bells:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?cid=stelprd3835353
Woody Creek
Mid Valley:
ACES:
Explore and learn about the Aspen area with ACES! From June until September, ACES offers a variety of free, daily programs at spectacular locations around Aspen. Join ACES Naturalists at the Maroon Bells, on Aspen Mountain, and at Snowmass for free guided hikes
Hire an ACES Naturalist guide, available by the hour, to lead you on private adventures that may be customized to your interests such as birding, wildflower hikes, and more. Trip options are here. Basic fees for private, guided hikes are $50 per hour per guide, with a two hour minimum. A snack or lunch can be provided for an additional cost. Please call Lauren Deriaz at 970-925-5756 for more information and to reserve your guide or click here. 48-hours notice recommended for tour reservations. If you call after 5pm your call will be returned by 9am the next business day. All tours led by a certified interpretive Naturalist.
Hut Trips:
There are a plethora of resources for hikes in the valley-some of my favorites are listed here to aid in your adventure. Enjoy and remember your trail etiquette!
Aspen Trail Finder:
Local website that helps you find walking, running, hiking, and biking trails in Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
aspentrailfinder.com
Books
Day Hikes Roaring Fork Valley & Beyond
https://www.amazon.com/Aspen-Glenwood-Roaring-Valley-Beyond/dp/1882426207/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490912308&sr=8-1&keywords=aspen+to+glenwood+day+hikes
And for all you dog lovers out there, this is my favorite! Just remember to pick up after your pup so we can all enjoy the trails!
Canine Colorado
https://www.amazon.com/Canine-Colorado-Where-What-Your/dp/1555917100/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490912400&sr=8-1&keywords=canine+colorado
The wonderful thing about hiking in the Roaring Fork Valley is its extensive trail system-and it’s free! There are so many fabulous hikes, it’s hard to filter which ones to experience. Each mountain has trail maps for visitors - see the links below. You can also take a free guided hike, take the gondola up and walk down (there is a fee for that). Like the skiing, there are hiking trails for all levels.
Snowmass:
I’m a part-time resident so when I come to visit, it usually takes me a while to adjust to the altitude and not feel like my lungs are on fire. So until I get acclimated, I bring my Mosley up the Elk Camp Gondola in the dog-friendly cab and walk down. Or we walk up the Dawdler work road. Mind you, even in these areas I keep him on a long leash. I have had two recent experiences of him picking up a scent and wanting to take off running so I am a big proponent of keeping his lead on.
Aspen Mountain
Maroon Bells:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?cid=stelprd3835353
Woody Creek
Mid Valley:
ACES:
Explore and learn about the Aspen area with ACES! From June until September, ACES offers a variety of free, daily programs at spectacular locations around Aspen. Join ACES Naturalists at the Maroon Bells, on Aspen Mountain, and at Snowmass for free guided hikes
Hire an ACES Naturalist guide, available by the hour, to lead you on private adventures that may be customized to your interests such as birding, wildflower hikes, and more. Trip options are here. Basic fees for private, guided hikes are $50 per hour per guide, with a two hour minimum. A snack or lunch can be provided for an additional cost. Please call Lauren Deriaz at 970-925-5756 for more information and to reserve your guide or click here. 48-hours notice recommended for tour reservations. If you call after 5pm your call will be returned by 9am the next business day. All tours led by a certified interpretive Naturalist.
Hut Trips:
There are a plethora of resources for hikes in the valley-some of my favorites are listed here to aid in your adventure. Enjoy and remember your trail etiquette!
Aspen Trail Finder:
Local website that helps you find walking, running, hiking, and biking trails in Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
aspentrailfinder.com
Books
Day Hikes Roaring Fork Valley & Beyond
https://www.amazon.com/Aspen-Glenwood-Roaring-Valley-Beyond/dp/1882426207/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490912308&sr=8-1&keywords=aspen+to+glenwood+day+hikes
And for all you dog lovers out there, this is my favorite! Just remember to pick up after your pup so we can all enjoy the trails!
Canine Colorado
https://www.amazon.com/Canine-Colorado-Where-What-Your/dp/1555917100/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490912400&sr=8-1&keywords=canine+colorado
