Smuggler Mountain/Warren Lakes Road

Description:

• Smuggler Road is used heavily by mountain bikes, runners and hikers. Smuggler Road provides a short (1-1/2 mile) work out with great views of Aspen, which makes it very popular. The remaining portion of the road to Warren Lakes is very steep and not used as heavily. From Smuggler Road you can also access Hunter Creek, Van Horn Park, and Lenado.

  Smuggler Road is a fairly well maintained 4 WD road and immediately begins a steep ascent. The road switchbacks up Smuggler with views of Aspen below. The switchbacks get longer and in about 1-1/2 miles the road curves behind Smuggler Mountain. There is a short steep path on the right leading to a platform, which is good for viewing Aspen.

  To continue to Warren Lakes, keep straight on the road (left goes to Hunter Creek). In a short distance, keep straight again past the next left, the road becomes a more rugged 4 WD road and continues to ascend steeply. At the 2-1/2 mile mark there are some communication disks on the right. The road becomes even steeper until about the 3 mile mark, and then it eases. Shortly, the road becomes level with only brief steep sections until reaching the Forest Service bulletin board at the 6 mile mark. The road continues a short distance further to the gate at Warren Lakes. Beyond the gate is Private Land and Wilderness, please respect this and do not trespass.