hIking
Aspen American Lake 6.4 This strenuous-yet-
popular hike leads through groves of aspen and pine trees to a high-mountain lake. Drive west on Highway 82 from Aspen, then turn onto Castle Creek Road from the roundabout. Drive 10 miles up the Castle Creek Valley until you see the Elk Mountain Lodge, a large log structure, on the left. The trailhead and parking are on the right. The trail starts steep, switching back and forth for about 1.5 miles before reaching a spruce stand where it levels out. Continue hiking to a large meadow divided by aspen trees. The trail then rejoins the forest and rises more gently. About a half-mile before the lake, the trail crosses areas of rockslides. The lake, at 11,365 feet, is just beyond the second slide. The trailhead for Cathedral Lake, a 5.6-mile round trip, is also nearby. miles round trip
Crater Lake 3.6 This popular trail miles starts at Maroon Lake round trip and leads to the base of the Maroon Bells. To encounter fewer people, hike it early or late in the day. The trail starts at Maroon Lake, which can be accessed by catching the bus at the base of Aspen Highlands. Traverse the meadow to the far end of Maroon Lake, then pick up the Maroon-Snowmass Trail to the right. You’ll face a steady climb through aspen trees up to the lake. Dogs are not allowed within 100 feet of Crater Lake. 12
summer in aspen // 2013
Conundrum Creek Trail 17 This moderate trail is miles used most frequently round trip by backpackers seeking out the warm waters of the Conundrum Hot Springs, a set of natural pools at 11,200 feet. Many day hikers use it to access some pretty meadows and bridged stream crossings. The views of mountains and wildflowers are superb. To get to the trailhead, drive west from Aspen on Highway 82 to the roundabout. Turn onto Castle Creek Road and go five miles to Conundrum Road. Make a right and continue for 1.1 miles to the trailhead. If the parking lot is full, backtrack to an overflow lot on Castle Creek Road; don’t park on Conundrum Road. Hunter Creek Valley — 6 This is the gateway to miles Aspen’s backyard round trip — Hunter Creek Valley. Visitors and locals go for the beauty and the feeling of being a world away from town. To get there from town, walk or drive north on Mill Street, bear left onto Red Mountain Road after crossing the bridge over the Roaring Fork River, then take the next
right onto Lone Pine Road. Trail access is behind the Hunter Creek Condos (look for the sign). Descend some steps to a shaded path that follows Hunter Creek, climbing steadily to the Benedict Bridge, which crosses Hunter Creek. It’s then a somewhat steep and rocky uphill until the Forest Service boundary sign and the meadows of Hunter Creek Valley, which stretch out around you. Hike into the meadow past the Forest Service sign, staying left at junctures. You’ll soon spot a side trail to the left, which descends to the 10th Mountain Bridge across Hunter Creek. After you cross the bridge, you’ll see the remains of several old cabins in a meadow. Follow the trail past these structures, paralleling Hunter Creek. After a mile or so, look for a small footbridge on the right; cross Hunter Creek again and hike back down the other side of it. You’ll wind up on the main trail again and can retrace your steps back to Aspen. For a longer hike or bike ride, follow the signs to Smuggler Mountain and descend that way.
Lost Man Loop 8.8 This semi-loop hike miles passes three great round trip mountain lakes. If you don’t like to climb a lot at 11,000 feet, start at the upper trailhead (at the last bend in the road before the pass). Also, be aware that the trail does not make a true loop — there is a gap of four miles along Highway 82, so you’ll need to set up a car shuttle. To reach the lower trailhead, drive 14 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 to the parking area directly across from Lost Man Campground. From the upper trailhead, take the right fork shortly after the parking area. About one-third of a mile ahead, the trail crosses the Roaring Fork River, where it begins to climb. Independence Lake, the first one you’ll come to, is surrounded by a flowercarpeted area with lots of marsh marigolds. From the lake to the top of the saddle, it’s a steep climb. From the top, you’ll be able to see Lost Man Lake below. This can be a good turnaround point if you want a shorter hike. The drop to Lost Man Lake is steep. Cairns mark the trail, which descends into a