American Lake | Aspen
A personal favorite and one of Aspen's most underrated alpine lakes. The trail climbs through wildflower-filled meadows before arriving at a pristine mountain lake surrounded by dramatic peaks.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Solitude and alpine scenery
Arbaney Kittle Trail | Basalt
A local favorite that gains elevation quickly and rewards hikers with panoramic views over Basalt, the Roaring Fork Valley, and surrounding peaks.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult


Aspen to Crested Butte via West Maroon Pass
The granddaddy of all Roaring Fork Valley hikes.
Crossing West Maroon Pass at 12,500 feet, this legendary route connects Aspen and Crested Butte through some of the most spectacular terrain in Colorado. Wildflowers, alpine streams, and endless views make this a bucket-list adventure.
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: Approximately 11 miles one way
Avalanche Creek Trail | Redstone
This beautiful trail follows a rushing creek deep into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Less crowded than many Aspen hikes, it offers a wonderful sense of solitude.
Difficulty: Moderate
Capital Lake | Aspen



Cathedral Lake | Aspen
Cathedral Lake has become a rite of passage for Aspen hikers. The climb is steady and challenging, but the reward is one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in Colorado.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best For: Alpine lake lovers
Crater Lake | Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are famous for a reason. Crater Lake sits directly beneath the iconic peaks and offers one of the most photographed views in the state.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Visitors and photographers
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Difficult Creek | Independence Pass
Doc Holliday Trail | Glenwood Springs
History buffs will enjoy this climb above Glenwood Springs to the grave site of the legendary gunslinger.
Difficulty: Moderate
Grottos Trail | Independence Pass
A short and easy hike featuring waterfalls, unique rock formations, and beautiful picnic areas. Perfect for families and visitors looking for a quick stop along Independence Pass.
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Families
Hanging Lake | Glenwood Springs
One of Colorado's most famous hikes. The steep climb rewards hikers with a stunning turquoise lake suspended on the side of Glenwood Canyon. Get your permit first.
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required
Linkins Lake | Independence Pass
A beautiful moderate hike near Independence Pass that offers stunning wildflowers and a gorgeous alpine lake without the crowds found on some of the more famous trails.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Families and photographers

Lost Man Loop | Independence Pass
If I had to choose one hike that captures everything I love about Colorado hiking, Lost Man Loop would be near the top. Alpine lakes, wildflowers, stream crossings, mountain views, and long stretches above treeline make this one of the valley's most rewarding adventures.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best For: Full-day alpine adventure
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail | Aspen
Sometimes the easiest hike delivers the biggest reward. The trail around Maroon Lake offers stunning reflections of the Bells and is perfect for families and those looking for a shorter outing.
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Everyone


Midway Hike - Independence Pass

Mushroom Rock on Red Hill | Carbondale
A classic Carbondale hike that combines unique geological features with stunning valley views.
Difficulty: Moderate
Seven Castles Trail | Basalt
Located above Basalt, Seven Castles winds through sage-covered hillsides with expansive views of the Fryingpan Valley. Particularly beautiful in spring and fall.
Difficulty: Moderate
Smuggler Mountain / Hunter Creek Loop| Aspen
Known by the locals as Housewife Hill or Botox Way this is the most and perhaps the most assessable hike on the sunny side of Aspen. A quick half hour grunt up an old jeep road and rewards hikers with incredible views overlooking Aspen, Red Mountain, and the surrounding Elk Mountains. It's a favorite for sunrise hikes, after-work exercise, and visitors looking for a quick taste of Aspen's outdoor culture. Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Families and visitors
If you want more, go all the way around on the Hunter Creek Trail loop that follows a beautiful valley north of town through forests, meadows, and old mining remnants. The creek provides a soothing soundtrack throughout much of the hike. You will end up a little lower down on the road from where you started so best to take the Aspen shuttle rather than drive.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.9 miles roundtrip to the overlook

Snowmass Creek Trail | Snowmass

Sunnyside Trail | Aspen
A quieter alternative to Smuggler, Sunnyside winds through beautiful forests and meadows above Aspen. The trail gains elevation steadily and offers spectacular views without the crowds.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Trail runners, dog owners, locals ... and mountain bikers

Thomas Lake Trail | Carbondale
Ute Trail | Aspen
For those wanting a challenge close to town, Ute Trail is a half hour uphill grunt to a rock where you can look all over Aspen. If you want to continue on, this is the most direct route to hike to the top of Aspen Mountain. Go early enough to take an Aspen Shakti yoga class, listen to Bluegrass and take the gondola down. It's steep from the first step and if you go all the way up you gains nearly 2,000 feet in a relatively short distance. The reward is a tremendous sense of accomplishment and some of the best views in town.
Always be prepared for mountain weather, bring lots of water, food, raingear, and good hiking shoes, especially if you are hiking back down and not going to the top. Be courteous of uphill hikers and stop to let them pass. They have the right of way.
Difficulty: Difficult
Best For: Conditioning and training
Why We Hike
Sure, we hike for the views. But we also hike because the trails remind us why we live here. They connect us to the mountains, to each other, and to something bigger than ourselves. Whether it's a quick sunrise on Smuggler, a wildflower-filled day on Lost Man Loop, or an epic crossing to Crested Butte, these trails are part of what makes the Roaring Fork Valley one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
The only challenge is deciding which one to do next.


















