• Hunter Creek – White River National Forest: Hunter/Frying Wilderness Area
Right out of Aspen’s back door this hike can be a very easy ramble through the Hunter Creek Valley meadows or can be lengthened and steepened to make a great half-day loop. An ACES naturalist will relay the rich natural and human history of the area. Views, ecological diversity and stories are what make this hike an Aspen favorite.
Specifics:
2.5 – 5 miles round trip (1 – 4 hours) • Trailhead Elevation 7,900 or 8,600ft (two starting point options) • High Point 8,800 ft. • Easy to Moderate
• Maroon Lake - White River National Forest: Maroon Bells/ Snowmass Wilderness
This short out and back stroll takes you along the shore of Maroon Lake at the base of the towering 14,000 foot peaks of the Maroon Bells. ACES naturalists share stories about geology, aspen trees, wildflowers and the Maroon Lake beavers. Suitable for all ages.
Specifics:
.5 – 1 mile round trip (45 minutes – 2 hours) • Trailhead Elevation 9,580 • High Point 9,600 ft. • Easy
• Weller Lake – White River National Forest: Hunter/Frying Wilderness Area
Just a little more than a half mile each way, Weller Lake is a great destination for a group or family looking for an easy hike. This shady hike weaves through an evergreen forest.
Specifics:
1.2 miles round trip (1-2 hours) • Trailhead Elevation 9,300 • High Point 9,600 ft. • Easy
• Snowmass Nature Trail– Town of Snowmass Village
Right near the Snowmass Mall, this two-hour loop in Snowmass has an incredible diversity of wildflowers. ACES naturalists share stories as we walk in and out of wildflower meadows and aspen forests.
Specifics:
3.5 miles round trip (2 hours) • Trailhead Elevation 8,100 • High Point 8,500 ft. • Moderate
• Linkins Lake – White River National Forest: Hunter/Frying Wilderness Area
Just .6 miles from Route 82 Linkins Lake is an ideal short hop above treeline. ACES naturalist will guide you up this short but steep trail to this amazing lake perched high near the continental divide. Cool temperatures, wildflowers and unbeatable views make this a perfect summer picnic destination.
Specifics:
1.2 miles (2-3 hours) • Trailhead Elevation 11,500 • High Point 12,000 ft. • Moderate (due to elevation)
• Ashcroft Ghost Town – White River National Forest
Walk through the historic ghost town of Ashcroft and learn about the Pitkin County town that was once bigger and more important than Aspen. Walk through old buildings and imagine life as a silver miner in the 1880’s. The ACES naturalist guide will share stories about the town’s history and how it’s miners survived in the mountains. Wildflowers, beautiful Castle Creek and incredible views make this walk a favorite way to spend a day in the mountains.
Specifics:
.5-1 miles (45 minutes to 2 hours) • Trailhead Elevation 9,500 • High Point 9,500 ft. • Easy
• Aspen Mountain – Aspen Skiing company/ White River National Forest
Ride the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain and walk along Richmond Ridge with an ACES naturalist. Incredible views on all sides make this hike unique. Wildflowers, wildlife and mining history are just a few of the topics that can be shared as the walk winds up through the forest and up to the final 360 degree viewpoint.
Specifics:
.5-1 miles (45 minutes to 2 hours) • Trailhead Elevation 11,200 • High Point 11,300 ft. • Easy/Moderate due to elevation
• Northstar Preserve/ James H. Smith – Pitkin County Open Space and Trails
Stroll along a beautiful section of the Roaring Fork River with an ACES naturalist to discover the variety of life that calls these protected areas home. Spy on birds, discover the diversity of insects, and search for the tracks of mammals just minutes from Aspen. Suitable for all ages.
Specifics:
.5-1 miles (45 minutes to 2 hours) • Trailhead Elevation 7,950 • High Point 7,950 ft. • Easy
• Green World Day Hike – White River National Forest
This hike has it all. After a jaunt through the silver mining ghost town of Ashcroft the trail wanders up along Castle Creek encountering wildflower meadows and huge views. Lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse can either be a price fixe for $35 or you may order a la carte off of the menu.
Specifics:
3.5 miles round trip (3-5 hours including lunch) • Trailhead Elevation 9500ft • Pine Creek Cookhouse 9,800 ft. • Easy
Additional Details:
• Guide: all hikes include an experienced ACES naturalists (or more if needed)
• Cost: $40 per hour per naturalist
• Difficulty: easy to moderate hikes for any hiker of any age
• Reservations: please call Jim Kravitz at ACES to work out the specifics.
Additional Options:
• Photo Hikes: request ACES naturalist and photographer Lindsy Fortier for a naturalist gudied photo hike
• Lunch: have ACES grab a lunch for additional $20 per person
• Transportation: drive to the trailhead yourself or arrange for the ACES naturalist to drive you - we like to carpool!