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Top Adventures in Pitkin County
Hike Aspen's Ute Trail
This shady trail of switchbacks ascends steadily (over a thousand feet in under a mile) to a rock outcropping at 9,185 feet. Yes, you can expect your heart to be pounding and to be huffing and puffing as you climb Ute Trail. But the view of Aspen ...
2 miles
1165 ft gain
Hike Grottos Trail
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 30...
1 miles
300 ft gain
Ski the Aspen Highland Bowl
Being able to ski or snowboard the Highland Bowl requires a good set of lungs and legs. Accessing the 12,382-foot peak requires taking a couple of lifts from the base of Aspen Highlands Mountain (Exhibition then Loge Peak), then some serious leg w...
782 ft gain
Camp Difficult Campground, Aspen
This is a great backup campground if all of Maroon Bells campgrounds are full, which in all reality is highly likely. If you're looking to beat the crowds, this is a good number campground to consider. This campground is right off the highway, 5 m...
Explore Aspen's Foliage Along Government Trail
The Government Trail is beautiful and relaxing during spring and summer, but my favorite time to hike it is during fall because it goes through countless numbers of Aspen groves, which have turned a majestic yellow. After a moderate ascent for the...
10 miles
2193 ft gain
Ski to McNamara Hut
McNamara hut sits in the national forest on the slope of Bald Knob, with easy access to intermediate backcountry skiing and more challenging terrain further away. Built in 1982, it's one of the original huts in the 10th Mountain Division system a...
6.2 miles
2200 ft gain
Backpack to Conundrum Hot Springs
After picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. The trail is a straight shot 9 miles up the valley, through expansive meadows a...
18 miles
2500 ft gain
Ski or Snowshoe to the Maroon Bells
From Aspen drive down Maroon Creek Road until it comes to its winter closure located by T Lazy 7 Ranch. The Ranch offers snowmobile tours and keeps the six mile snow covered road to the Bells groomed. Most popular with cross country skiers, the sn...
12 miles
1000 ft gain
Camp at Silver Bell Campground
Escape the bustle of town and head out of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Follow the signs to Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area. There is a $10 entrance fee (unless you are a national parks pass cardholder) plus an additional fee to camp.
Continue...
Camp on the Backside of Buttermilk Mountain
Park at the Buttermilk Ski Area parking lot and begin your hike up the mountain at the bottom of the Summit Express chair lift. Follow the 4x4 dirt road the entire way up Buttermilk. There are other small hiking trails that you can follow too, and...
4 miles
2000 ft gain
Camp at Silver Queen Campground
To start it off, head out from Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Once you get to the park, you will either have to pay the charge at the booth or if you get there after 5pm, you can self pay at the cash box, which is $10. You'll also want to get an over...
Explore the Devil's Punch Bowl
The Roaring Fork River has several little waterfalls the ends 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 amus...
Inspire Your Fall Aspen Trip!
Autumn days in Aspen are filled with sunshine and nights with crisp cool air. Watch the mountains and valleys turn gold with the changing Aspen trees. Take in the scenery while enjoying scenic drives, hiking through forests, road biking, and exploring our IMBA Gold Level Ride Center recognized mountain bike trails.
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Maroon Creek Road
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site
Overview East Maroon Portal Picnic Site is situated next to Maroon Creek, offering spectacular views of towering red stone cliffs, lush wetlands and evergreen forests. The area is an excellent gath... -
Meredith, Colorado
Chapman Campground And Group
Overview Situated above the Ruedi Reservoir, Chapman Campground sits at the base of a wide valley adjacent to the Fryingpan River in White River National Forest.Sites are surrounded by lodgepole pi... -
Meredith, Colorado
Dearhamer Campground
Overview Located approximately 22 miles east of Basalt, Colorado, in the White River National Forest, Dearhamer Campground sits adjacent to the Fryingpan River above Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation... -
Basalt, Colorado
Ruedi Marina Campground
Overview Located approximately 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado, in the White River National Forest, Ruedi Marina Campground is situated on Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Sites at ... -
Basalt, Colorado
Little Maud Campground
Overview Located approximately 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado, in the White River National Forest, Little Maud Campground is situated on Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation of 7,800 feet. Sites at t... -
Basalt, Colorado
Mollie B White River
Overview Located approximately 14 miles east of Basalt, Colorado in White River National Forest, Mollie B White River Campground sits adjacent to the Ruedi Reservoir at an elevation just under 7,80...
