Inside Aspen on Instagram!

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?

Rock Climbing (begginers version) in Aspen

Need a little adrenaline rush? Or a full body workout without having to think about the fact that you're working out? I found rock climbing to be the perfect way to get in shape and have a blast at the same time with very little equipment costs. I started by finding a friend to take me, and borrowed shoes and a harness. But you can also climb through an experience company such as Aspen Expeditions.

We are lucky to have Independence pass that boasts some really incredible rock climbing walls, even for those of us who are just starting out. Here are my favorite spots so far.

5 Spots for Beginner Rock Climbers

• Power line: Right after mile marker 52 this site is perfect for beginners. rating no larger than 5.8, it has something that everyone can get up and start climbing on (yes even if you have no upper body strength). If you are not comfortable lead climbing you can hike around and top-rope here with no problems.
• Pooh Corner: Another nice easy route, but there are some slightly harder routes here, check it out when you are ready to take your climbing to the next level (mostly 5.8 but goes up to 5.9). Also up the pass a little ways past mile marker 52.
• Lower Bulldog: I have done a few climbs here, "The Other White Meat" is the easiest that gives you the chance to climb out around an Arete (the corner out-jutting of the rocks) and great view from the top. Be careful on the approach with this one, it is short but it is very steep. There is also a couple of walls above lower bulldog with some harder climbs if you are ready to advance.
• Junior Olympic: The hike to this wall is pretty steep, and not exactly short, but totally worth it. The view is great even before you start climbing! This wall goes 5.8, 5.9 (shown below), 5.10 i believe so there is really only one easy climb. The 5.8 here would be a great climb for someone to do their first lead...
• Gold Butte: I love this wall because I can hop up there before work and still have cell service and be 5 mins from town. All of the other spots I wrote about before are up Independence Pass, but Golden Butte is just a little ways down Cemetery Lane (right across from Sunnyside Trailhead). It is fairly new to the public and I don't think there is a guidebook yet, although you can see it on the Ute Mountaineers website here. This would be good place to bring a helmet, the rocks are pretty crumbly. Lots of tougher climbs, go with someone experienced.

Junior Olympic. 5.9

There are so many spots in and around Aspen, and I highly suggest if this is something you want to get into to get the independence pass climbing book (either at the Ute, Explore bookstore, or here) and feel free to ask me anything!

Need Gear, for a while Outdoorplay.com is having come climbing sales, check it out here: