Fall Hikes Near Copper Mountain Wheeler Lake. After gaining the ridge of the moraine, the trail begins a gentle descent through one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s most stunning displays of wildflowers. Trail has some steep, sketchy sections due to the snow and slush. This hike starts from one of the most photogenic lakes in the entire Rocky Mountains.… Read More, This is hike has the most elevation gain on this list. Whatever you’re looking for, Aspen has it all. No spam. "A bus will take you to the start of the trails and will educate you on Avalanches, Aspen Trees and the environment." To help guide you toward the best of the color, a few of Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ naturalist guides compiled a list of the top wildflower hikes to take in and around Aspen. It’s time to grab your hiking boots and head out on the trail! The Maroon Bells are approximately 10 miles from Aspen. The trailheads of these two hikes are found across from each other along the Red Feather Lakes Road (Larimer County Road 74E) just east of Red … This half-mile loop is probably the easiest trail on this list. Throughout the post you’ll find: Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty and elevation gain. Reviews (4816) Photos (14863) ... Did the hike on 11/4. Aspen offers many low-elevation trails where you won’t need to wear yourself out or deal with the challenges of high altitude. When the snows set in, Aspen is transformed into one of the best winter playgrounds in the United States, and you’ll find many opportunities for snowshoeing as well as other winter sports. Both Aspen and nearby Snowmass are pleasant places to stay and either one offers a good base for some of the best hikes in the Aspen area. The Grottos is a popular and unique spot 9 miles up Independence Pass. Things to do near Aspen Village on Tripadvisor: See 5,066 reviews and 3,075 candid photos of things to do near Aspen Village in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta. Directions to Trailhead. 140 reviews. Trails are snowmobile-packed and offer terrain for a wide range of skill levels. Aspen Mountain. For a more intimate look at the Maroon Bells, hikers can proceed passed Maroon Lake and enter the wilderness along the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. The mountains get their name from their distinctive bell shape, and the soft red shale that covers their peaks, which glows a maroon color under the sun. Album Art: RCA Records . Distance: 6 miles. Diamond Lake Hike. If you're snowshoeing or hiking, please stay well to the edge of the packed surface to avoid walking on the ski tracks. An excellent hike through lovely wildflower-strewn alpine meadows to a tranquil mountain lake. You will however get better views walking through aspen forest. Aspen is the ultimate destination for adventure in the Rocky Mountains. "Crater Lake itself may be dried up depending on the time of year (and the amount of snow the previous winter), but it's really the Bells that are the main attraction." Indian Peaks Wilderness. Aspen / Central Colorado Why Hike Josephine Lake The off-the-beaten-path hike to Josephine Lake is a good option if you are looking for solitude, good views and the chance to see some wildlife. The short 3.5 miles are worth the effort for the wonderful views of the surrounding mountain range and the calm waters of Independence Lake—which also provide great fishing for the adventurous angler. Without a doubt, it is among the most scenic protected areas in the United States, and the best way to see it is on foot. The road to the parking lot is rutted and rocky- you don't need four wheel drive but be careful of the ground clearance of The trail up to… Read More, This is another super high hike in the Colorado Rockies; however, access in on the… Read More, One of the classic long hikes though the Maroon Bells Wilderness, the trek up to… Read More. We’ll send a monthly summary of the best hikes around the globe directly into your email inbox. Is it better to stay in Snowmass or Aspen? You can lift your body and spirit with a hike to these waterfalls near Aspen. Aspen is Colorado’s playground, winter or summer, and there’s never been a better time to explore this fantastic region! Mohawk Lakes Hike Near Breckenridge Mohawk Lakes are situated in the mountains south of Breckenridge, Colorado. The 1.2-mile, out-and-back trip on the lake’s northwestern side leads to an active beaver pond, and is a worthy pursuit all by itself. From the pass wonderful views extend to the peaks and ridges of the Continental Divide, the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The entrance is past the American Lake parking lot just before the Pine creek cookhouse. Lake Isabelle is one of the best winter hikes in Colorado (add about five miles round trip for the winter hike). As you near Crater Lake, the trail splits at the main junction for the popular backpacking route, the Four Pass Loop. The North Fork Lake Creek Trailhead is located off Highway 82, 4.5 miles east of Independence Pass at Mile Marker 66.. The trail is rated as moderate. Crater Lakes Trail. The sight of it is even better. But this is hardly a one-season wonder. You will wake up the next morning to lots and lots and lots of 💩 everywhere. Ski poles absolutely necessary or at least good hiking boots. Adams Falls. As you near Crater Lake, the trail splits at the main junction for the popular backpacking route, the Four Pass Loop. Capitol Lake Trail - 2,105 ft Trailhead: Drive 14 miles west of Aspen on Highway 82 to Old Snowmass and turn left onto Snowmass Creek Road next to the Conoco gas station. Leave it to the experts and just enjoy the experience! Graham Silver. Other short trails lead to ice … Lauren Glendenning | Daily file photo. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Trailhead & Distance From Aspen: Maroon Lake; Approx 30 mins; Standard Route: Northeast Ridge; Length: 8.25 miles; Elevation Gain: 4,500’ Overview: Pyramid Peak might be the most fun of all the 14ers near Aspen to climb. This is hike has the most elevation gain on this list. Call 970-925-8484 for information on schedules and fares. Mohawk Lakes Hike Near Breckenridge; Mohawk Lakes are situated in the mountains south of Breckenridge, Colorado. Part of what is great (for peak baggers anyway) about most of Colorado is the relatively gentle nature of most of its summits. The trail is steep at times, and it’s a relatively long hike, but the views at the lake … The Aspen Grove Trail was destroyed in the 2015 Lake Fire, and while the big pine trees are no longer there, the aspens have grown back nicely. Pristine slopes around Aspen draw people from around the world each winter, and wildflower fields carpet the mountains each spring. Head for the lakes, rivers and streams and enjoy the lush scenery and family-friendly hiking and cycling trails. Climbing 2,000 feet along its 6.5-mile length, it is a challenging trail, but at the end you find yourself looking over the beautiful American Lake itself, where you can take in the exquisite scenery. Located about 11 miles from Aspen, Colorado, the crescent-shaped Grizzly Lake trail (fs.usda.gov) begins at Grizzly Creek and travels up a valley … Known as Colorado’s winter playground, mere mention of Aspen immediately conjures a vision of soft powder and towering, snow-capped mountains. Length: 6.1 miles out-and-back. Its about 6 miles round trip and there aren't many signs to cheer you on and up to the lake. July is the perfect month for viewing wildflowers along this 1.8 mile (one way) trail in July. East Portal trail is longer but unfortunately is not too much easier. Independence Lake and Lost Man Lake - 5.5 Miles Round-Trip Independence Lake and Lost Man Lake are located 1.8 miles and 2.75 miles from Independence Lake Trailhead on Highway 82, 17.3 miles east of Aspen in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. Large deep lake with sandy beaches, cattail beds, mixed aspen and spruce forest, sedges, rushes, grasses. In particular, if you’re looking for a challenging hike, and perhaps an opportunity to tick off one of Colorado’s iconic 14ers, Aspen is an excellent base, with access to seven of these impressive peaks. You can lift your body and spirit with a hike to these waterfalls near Aspen. If you've got photos, a GPS track and know the hike, we'd love to share your favourite hike with the rest of the 10Adventures community. One of the most scenic hikes in the Hunter Fryingpan area starts at 10,730-ft, and climbs at a moderate pace through acres of meadows with stunning wildflowers displays to two beautiful lakes. Near Grand Lake, the Adams Falls Trail on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park features beautiful Colorado waterfalls. However, this town’s charms don’t fade away when the snow melts. You’ll veer right and in a few short steps be greeted by Crater Lake and the imposing Maroon Bells. The town of Aspen boasts a rich history and a lively atmosphere, making it a wonderful base for a hiking trip. Snow grooming with tracksetting is done for cross-country skiing. 1. Cycling enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to get out on the trail for either mountain biking or road biking. The region holds hiking trails that’ll challenge even the most practiced climbers. One of the easiest, most interesting kid hikes in the area is the Grottos, which can be found nine miles east of Aspen off Highway 82. Ashcroft. The Grottos. Less than a mile round-trip offers amazing views of the Adams Falls cascade. Located in the San Juan Mountains just west of Silverton, Ice Lake is perfect for … Known for its especially vibrant wildflowers in summer, this beautiful alpine lake hike really delivers for aspen lovers in the fall. Although synonymous with skiing and home to one of the area’s most pristine ski resorts, Aspen also offers quality hiking that ranges from paved hiking trails to difficult mountain summits. Support 10Adventures by booking your hotel through one of our links. This is a 3.2 mile dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, CO. From here you can head out to a number of regions for hiking, whether around Mount Aspen itself, or nearby Snowmass, where you’ll find routes that snake through lush, flower-filled forests, or high ridge trails that rise above the tree line for phenomenal views. If you're looking for the best trails around Sylvan Lake State Park or Paonia State Park, we've got you covered. The hike begins with a mild grade through meadows, along Conundrum Creek, and through stands of aspen trees. In the summer, this is one of the best and easiest lake hikes in Colorado. 1. The 14ers near Aspen, as well as Aspen itself, sit in the middle of the wonderful Elk Mountains. Buses run from Aspen Highlands Village off Maroon Creek Road. From the upper Linkins Lake trailhead (18.5 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82), the trail soon veers left, ascending steeply at times through tundra painted by a variety of wildflowers that bloom in July and August. Leaf-peepers make the trip when the aspens are quaking come fall. Better of the two nearby hikes Both this and American Lake are close by on the road to Ashcroft. For the first 3 miles or so, the Wheeler Lakes Trail follows the Gore Range Trail with some serious elevation gain. Cathedral Lake Trail #1984 is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. Cathedral Lake Trail #1984 is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. We had a pretty lazy second day as everyone was still recovering from Crater Lake. Aspen is a little more developed, with more restaurants, bars and places to stay, but either one is ideal for a hiking trip. This hike traverses two scenic valleys with pretty lakes separated by a panoramic pass. Ice Lake, Silverton. The hike to Wheeler Lakes is perfect for a quick afternoon getaway or a colorful autumn trek. This is a 2.8 mile dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Ashcroft, CO. To get to the trailhead, from the Aspen roundabout turn right onto Castle Creek Road and drive 12 miles. This scenic hike, one of the best in the Hunter-Fryingpan area, traverses gorgeous wildflower-filled meadows with nice views of the nearby peaks on its way to two beautiful lakes. … Part of the hike, across a bridge to reach a pleasant picnic area, is wheelchair-accessible. The Grottos is a popular and unique spot 9 miles up Independence Pass. Spring and summer unveil Aspen in bright new colors, wild flowers peep up from the rocks and litter the meadows, and the mirrored lakes perfectly reflect the bright blue Colorado sky. The Grottos. These are North Maroon Bells, South Maroon Bells, Pyramid, Capitol, Castle and Snowmass, all in the Elk Mountains, and the nearby La Plata Peak, just over Independence Pass. Where Is the Aspen Grove Trail by Big Bear? Whichever one you choose, you’re likely to spend some time visiting the other! Upper Piney is a classic Vail hike for a reason: there are beautiful alpine lake views even from the parking lot. Baker Gulch to Bowen Gulch Lake. Parking at Aspen Grove requires a $6 parking pass, but it’s good for three days. Aspen Colorado-American Lake Hiking Trail If views across mountain lakes is your idea of heaven, then the American Lake Trail is for you. Hikers in search of alpine grandeur close to Mammoth will find … Loch Lake via All Trails . The path down to the base is a little steep, though, so if you’re hiking with small children, you may want to stop at the scenic overlook before heading back to Aspen Grove. Hiking trail near Aspen, Colorado. The orange hillside is the trail to wheeler lake. Look no further than this majestic day hike to Gore Lake, passing by pine and aspen forests, and beautiful wide meadows. Local tips for hiking in Colorado; Dog-friendly hikes; 1., 2., 3. The Maroon Lake Hike near Aspen is a popular family-friendly hike in the Rocky Mountains. 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