5 Great Hiking Trails in Aspen

If you have been to Aspen in the summer you have probably heard someone say, "I came for the winters, but I stayed for the summers" and as much as I hate to admit it, it's so true. There are literally hundreds of things to do in the summer, and if I was a billionaire (donations are certainly welcome) I would already have spent half my fortune on gear and toys to do them with. But since I'm not, I have become really good at finding free things to do, and have slowly been building up the gear for everything else.

The most straightforward free activity in Aspen is Hiking. Here are a few great places to do so.

5 Great Hikes in Aspen

• Hunter Creek (Moderate-Easy): I like the Hunter Creek Trail (info/directions here) as it is nice and shaded plus the hike is along a lovely river for most of the time. This hike is also great as it is right in town and will only take about and hour. Also, right now there are beautiful fields of wildflowers at the top! This trail easily loops into another locals favorite:

• Smuggler Mountain: (more info here) A steep but not too long hike right outside town as well which boasts a beautiful view of Aspen from the "Lookout" at the top. Often called the "Milf Mile", "Housewife Hill" or "Spandex Mile", this is also a great place to pick up a rich older lady... Also a great hike for full moons!

• The Grottos (Easy): (Info here) An easy hike right up Independence pass, this hike is a great little day trip and great for checking out interesting rock formations and the ice cave. If its too hot you can always jump into the "Devils Punch Bowl" on your way down (more on punch bowl later).
• Crater Lake: (info here) Clearly, you have to go up and see the Maroon Bells! While your at it, why not go on a hike up to crater lake a moderate hike that will take you to the scenic vista of Crater lake. There are a few other hikes up there, and they are all beautiful!
• Sunnyside to Hunter Creek: For a nice long fully day hike, without leaving town (I must sound so lazy, does anyone else have trouble going past the roundabout when they are in Aspen?) taking Sunnyside Trail (Right up cemetery lane) all the way across to Hunter creek is a great one! It took us about 6 hours so we brought a lot of water and some food, but the views along the way are lovely and the different types of forest you go through are really interesting. More info here.

There are seemingly endless trails to explore in Aspen, what are your favorites?