Taylor Pass and Express Creek Road OHV Trail

There are many different places to start the trek up to Castle and Conundrum. The first step, however, is always go to the end of Castle Creek Road just outside of Aspen, CO. When the paved road ends, there is parking available right off the road for those who don't wish to drive further. However, if you drive up Forest Road 102 (rough 2WD) for a half mile or so there is more parking with de...

Cathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plentiful but fills up quickly by mid day. Cathedral Lake can easily be done as a day hike but the lack o...

At the round-a-bout that leads into the town of Aspen, take the Castle Creek Road exit. Follow this road for 12 miles until you get to the ghost town of Ashcroft. The road itself is very scenic, so be prepared to pull over and whip out your camera!During winter, the road ends at Ashcroft and a cross country ski trail replaces it. In my opinion, the snowshoe trail is much better and more intimat...

Just nine miles east of Aspen on Highway 82, Independence Pass, are grottos. A grotto is a geological term for a cave or cavern. The Grottos near Aspen were formed by rushing water of the Roaring Fork River. There is only an elevation gain of 300 feet on the three-quarters of a mile loop making it an ultra-family friendly hike. Take a picnic and fishing poles to enjoy even more time along the...

The Roaring Fork River has several little waterfalls that end up in a deep swimming hole called The Devil's Punch Bowl. This is a must-see if you are driving up to the Independence Pass. I have never seen such blue water before (outside of an amusement park).  While Driving from Aspen on CO82 towards Independence Pass there is a small pull-off that is not marked on the right side of the road (...

Weller Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Aspen, Colorado.