Enjoy adventure and scenery this summer, across the best hiking trails in Aspen Snowmass
Summer is here! And with its arrival comes the start of hiking season here in Aspen Snowmass. There’s no better way to take in all the beauty of a Colorado mountain summer than being out on the Aspen Snowmass hiking trails. And with more than 80 miles of trail to explore in Snowmass Village alone, this is truly a hiker’s paradise!
With options for every skill level, desired distance or type of terrain, there’s a route for everyone to enjoy across the vast range of Aspen Snowmass hiking trails.
Not sure where to start? Here’s our short list of the best hiking trails in Snowmass – all of which are easily accessible from our luxury Woodrun V vacation rentals in the heart of Snowmass Village – plus some bonus trails in Aspen and the broader Roaring Fork Valley that are also among our favorites!
Photo: Jeremy Swanson
- Rim Trail South: This roughly 4-mile section of trail (8 miles out-and-back) offers stunning panoramic views of Snowmass Village and the surrounding Elk Mountains. With about 1,500 feet of climbing, it will get your heart pumping and your legs burning, but its many switchbacks keep the climbing at a moderate grade — and offer many different perspectives to take in all the views! In July and August, wildflowers of all kinds can be found lining the route, and aspen groves provide a beautiful backdrop and some nice shade along the way of this beloved Snowmass hiking trail.
- Ditch Trail: For something with less elevation gain (but still plenty of scenery!), check out the Ditch Trail at the top of Snowmass Village. This 3.9-mile out-and-back trail features just under 500 feet of climbing, and is a good beginner and family-friendly hiking option. That said, hikers of all levels can enjoy this versatile and easily accessible Snowmass hiking trail, which showcases valley, river and mountain views, with no shortage of foliage and wildflowers along the way. The Ditch Trail also offers good shade thanks to its many trees. To note, it does have a few rockier sections, so be prepared to watch your footing.
Photo: Tamara Susa
- Government Trail: With multiple aspen groves, open meadows, pine forests, and plenty of mountain views, Government Trail is a true gem among Aspen Snowmass hiking trails. This trail features rocky terrain and some steeper climbs, so it’s a good option for intermediate hikers. Stream crossings may also be a factor, depending on water levels. The trail is 6.8 miles across, connecting from Snowmass all the way across Buttermilk at the edge of Aspen, as it traverses some of the most beautiful and peaceful terrain you can imagine. This trail features roughly 480 feet of elevation gain, with some short but steep ups-and-downs along the way. To note, portions of this trail are closed until June 28th for elk calving season.
- Sky Mountain Park Traverse: This point-to-point hiking route is a great way to combine several of the most well-loved hiking trails in Snowmass. Traversing through the Sky Mountain Park zone — across the Viewline, Skyline and Cozyline singletracks — this route serves up 7 miles of distance and roughly 1,100 feet of climbing. Hikers can travel any direction on these trails, but if you want to start right from the heart of Snowmass, you can hit the trail from the roundabout just across from the Rodeo Lot and Town Station. Once at the trail, head out Viewline, top out on Skyline — where you’ll be treated to incredible 360-degree views all the way across the ridge! — and then hike down Cozyline trail to the Intercept Lot, where you can catch a free bus back up to Snowmass Village. With its gentle grades and smooth terrain, this is a good option for intermediate hikers. Those who want a true aerobic challenge can head back across to double their distance!
Photo: Jeremy Swanson
- Crater Lake / Maroon Bells: This iconic hike ends at the famed Maroon Bells — one of the most picturesque destinations in the world, located just outside of Aspen. At 3.5 miles long with roughly 690 feet of ascent, this must-do Aspen Snowmass hiking trail is a great option for everyone in the family, and offers a truly unforgettable experience. Hikers will enjoy aspen groves, wildflowers and lake views across the gentle uphill grade, though the stunning backdrop of the Maroon Bells peaks will steal the show. We recommend packing a lunch to spend some time enjoying Crater Lake and your well-earned prime Maroon Bells views (just be sure to pack out all of your trash!). To note, visitors should plan on taking a shuttle up from Aspen Highlands (reservations required!), as parking is restricted in the Maroon Bells area.
- Cathedral Lake: If you love high alpine lakes and mountain landscapes (and who doesn’t…?!), put this Aspen Snowmass hiking trail on your bucket list! The 5.4-mile out-and-back route packs a punch, with more than 2,000 feet of ascent. Starting near the historic ghost town of Ashcroft up the Castle Creek drainage above Aspen, this trail delivers plenty of altitude and steep climbs, but offers incredible beauty amid the challenge, with lots of shade as you climb through the remote forests and listen to the sounds of the flowing creek. Reward yourself with some hang time at the water or take a (chilly!) dip in the stunning Cathedral Lake if you need a cool-off at the top.
While these are a few of our favorite hiking trails in the Aspen Snowmass area, you truly can’t go wrong with any Aspen Snowmass hiking trail you choose. For more general information and recommendations on hiking trails in Snowmass, visit Hike Snowmass. For Woodrun V guests who are looking for specific recommendations during their stay (and right from the door!), feel free to reach out to our concierge team.
Book Your Woodrun V Summer Vacation Rental Today!
If you’re on the hunt for a summer vacation rental in Snowmass that gives you premium access to the Aspen Snowmass hiking trails, look no further than Woodrun V. Our luxury Snowmass vacation rentals make the perfect base station to take full advantage of Aspen Snowmass hiking opportunities, with several of these trails literally accessible right from your door, and others just a few minutes away! Explore our Summer Snowmass Vacation Rental availability today.
Stay at Woodrun V this summer, and enjoy Snowmass hiking from your door!