Aspen's Hidden Gems

Description:

Standing 14,265 above sea level, Castle Peak is one of Colorado's famous 14ers and the highest point in the Elk Range. Despite its lofty presence, a hike to the top of Castle Peak is a non-technical but strenuous trek that is best made in summer or early autumn. Get an early start to avoid storms! The round trip mileage for a trip to Castle's apex is roughly 12 miles if you start from the passenger car trailhead and 7 miles if you drive farther up the rugged 4x4 road. Most reasonably fit people can reach the top; just make sure to take a few days to adjust to the altitude if you are coming from out of town. For more detailed information on routes, please visit 14ers.com.

Description:

This popular and scenic trail connects Aspen and Snowmass Village, hugging the south side of the Roaring Fork and Owl Creek valleys. Most skiers use this trail as a casual tour with a lunch break and light touring gear. The easiest and most popular stretch of trail runs from the West Buttermilk Road to the Snowmass Cross-Country Center. Another popular option from West Buttermilk Rd. is to ski to Sinclair Divide and back. The new Tiehack Nordic Bridge will allow skiers easy access to the Owl Creek Trail from the Aspen Cross-Country Center. Follow the green disks to stay on course when crossing the Buttermilk Ski Area. Be aware and yield to downhill skiers.

Description:

An authentic 1913 Cretor's Special Model D popcorn wagon, a visit to Aspen is not complete without this place. Picnic tables, warmed by surprisingly effective heating lamps, surround the wagon. It is especially popular for late-night fare when all the other kitchens have closed down. Rumor has it that grown men have stumbled to their knees and wept openly after tasting one of its famous crepes. The menu also features gyros, hot dogs, pastries, sandwiches, juice and sodas, hot cocoa and, of course, popcorn.

Description:

Cathedral Lake Trail is a hearty day hike, but don't let its strenuous nature deter you. The 6.4 mile round trip is an out and back, on-trail adventure that climbs steeply to the amazing amphitheater of Cathedral Lake. Huge rock formations surround the alpine waters, making for an incredible all-natural setting. Nearby Electric Pass provides even more scenery for fit hikers or backpackers that have the energy to explore the area. To reach the trailhead, drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 and at the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. Continue 12.2 miles up Castle Creek and turn right onto a gravel road, driving a 1/2 mile to the trailhead.

Description:

This is a moderate climb with fair fishing at the lake. There is limited camping (Camp stoves ONLY) at the lake. Because of the fragile alpine tundra, it's recommended that camping be below the timberline. From the parking lot, the trail immediately forks, take the right fork following the stream down valley. Cross the wooden bridge on the left then stay right. The trail follows some switchbacks to another bridge crossing just before the lake. Directions: Drive approximately 9 miles east of Aspen on Highway 82, just past Weller Campground. Turn right into the small unpaved parking lot.

Our Local Expert Says:

Admire the spooky ruins and try to imagine working in high-altitude mines in the harsh Colorado winter—gold makes men do some crazy things!

Description:

Boomtowns came and went in the 1800s and Independence was one of the more famous ones. Created in the summer of 1879 when local prospectors hit gold veins, the ore extracted from mines equated to over $500,000 in the short 11 year life span of Independence. By 1890, nearly all of the operations were gone and only 5 structures remain standing in the ghost town. Admission is free and the road is only open in the temperate summer months, located 13.5 miles east (towards Indepdence Pass) of Aspen along Highway 82.