THE OUTDOORSgreat

from The Scout Guide Aspen, Volume 10

DELIVERED

Known for its world-class skiing, the Roaring Fork Valley hosts a plethora of outdoor adventure spots that go beyond snow and well into summer and fall. We’ve scouted out some of our local favorite finds that take you out of town and off the grid.

With four mountains, there are plenty of options for everyone around here. From family favorites to expert-only terrain, your downhill day is covered (and not just in snow).

ASPEN MOUNTAIN has no easy runs but features plenty of blue trails for the newly minted intermediate skier or above. Towering over Aspen and steps from town, this legendary mountain is affectionately known as Ajax and is where Aspen’s ski status began.

ASPEN HIGHLANDS is a local favorite and for good reason. Home to the classic Highland Bowl and relatively uncrowded, this is where you earn your turns. After a hike to the top of the bowl, or more if you’re ambitious, head to Cloud Nine and pop open that well-deserved bottle of bubbly.

SNOWMASS MOUNTAIN boasts more than 3,000 skiable acres and a run that is just over five miles long — appropriately named Longshot and worth the mini hike. Family friendly and with a winter coaster, this mountain recently celebrated 50 years and features the all-new Snowmass Base Village.

BUTTERMILK is beloved by beginners and home to the Winter X Games, giving this mountain multiple personalities that fit a number of skiers and riders. Easygoing and an uphill favorite, it is also home to parks and pipes for freeskiers and snowboarders looking to elevate their experience.

UPHILL SKIING is available at all four mountains with designated routes and top of the mountain views that will take your breath away (if the uphill journey didn’t). Check on each mountain’s policy and know before you go.

CROSS - COUNTRY SKIING is readily available in Basalt, Snowmass, and Aspen with the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System. More than 50 miles of trails are available for free use, with several that are dog friendly. Many trails are also great for snowshoeing, including the Aspen Golf Course and the North Star Nature Preserve.

Hike

Get ready to lace up and hit the trails, because yes, those boots were made for walking. With miles of options, here are a few of the most popular hikes in each locale.

ASPEN

Maroon Lake Scenic Trail (easy)

Hunter Creek Trail (easy – moderate)

Smuggler Mountain Trail (easy – moderate)

Ute Trail (difficult)

SNOWMASS

Brush Creek Trail (easy)

Rabbit Run (easy)

Rim Trail to Spiral Point (easy)

Vista Trail (moderate)

Bike

CARBONDALE

Mushroom Rock (moderate)

Avalanche Creek Trail (moderate)

Thomas Lakes Trail (moderate)

Mount Sopris Trail (difficult)

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

Atkinson Canal Trail (easy)

Scout Trail (moderate)

Red Mountain Trail (difficult)

Grizzly Creek Trail (difficult)

If starting in Aspen, it’s very possible it is all downhill from here, depending upon which direction you head.

RIO GRANDE TRAIL follows the old railway line that first arrived in Aspen in the late 1800s. The 42 miles of continuous trail from Aspen to Glenwood Springs is frequented by cyclists, pedestrians, and horses, but cruising by bike is the best way to get the most miles in on this scenic rail-to-trail experience.

MAROON CREEK ROAD and CASTLE CREEK ROAD offer up road bike options that reward you with epic mountain views, and a little downhill love on the way home.

SNOWMASS BIKE PARK caters to levels of riders from beginner to expert with downhill mountain bike trails that meander through meadows and forests.

PRINCE CREEK TRAILS in Carbondale features a network of dirt trails that can provide easy to medium riding with wildflowers as a backdrop.

GLENWOOD CANYON TRAIL travels through the canyon and alongside the river for a relatively flat, paved ride that is certainly scenic.

From rivers to sit by to waters to float on, the valley is full of water features that are free and refreshingly cool come summertime.

RUEDI RESERVOIR is 15 miles upstream from Basalt, home to the charming Aspen Yacht Club, and a great place to camp, fish, or frolic.

FRYINGPAN RIVER has miles of Gold Medal shoreline with public access points for fly fishing.

ROARING FORK RIVER features public access points for both floating and boating, the best way to take in a fishing trip through the heart of the valley.

NORTH STAR NATURE PRESERVE is a wildlife corridor that you can float through via canoe, tube, kayak, or paddleboard, starting at the South Gate.