How to get there…
Take Colorado Hwy 82 through Aspen, following it from Main to Original to Cooper, cross
over the Roaring Fork River and turn left on Park Avenue. As Park Avenue bears left, make
a right turn onto Park Circle and another right onto Smuggler Mountain Road. There is a
wide area at the base of Smuggler Mountain Road where you can park and unload.
This is a popular
route, so expect to see other mountain bikers and hikers.The ride…
Follow the road (a 20 percent grade) pass the Smuggler mine, and pedal through a series of
switchbacks. There are side roads all along this route but should be no problem though-
the main road is pretty obvious. Stay to the right at .5 miles and to the left at 1 mile.
The loose gravel and rocks on the road will challenge you to maintain traction. Don't
worry, the ride will soon become easier.
Turn left at 1.6 miles and head toward Hunter Creek. If you
don't go left, and go straight, you'll go to the Warren Lakes area, another good ride but
much more strenuous. The right turn takes you to an over look of Aspen (the deck). At 2
miles stay left and proceed through an aspen-lined flat spot. Then lower your seat and
shoot down a series of steep hills. At 2.7 miles continue on the road through a meadow.
The road soon becomes a two-tread way. Around 3.5 miles you will see a trailhead to the
right and a bridge over Hunter Creek.
Cross over the creek and turn left onto the valley floor and open meadow along Hunter
Creek where you will pass some old abandoned buildings at 4.3. Take the next left and
follow it down and cross the Tenth Mountain Bridge back over Hunter Creek then turn right
(down hill). Follow the single track that soon turns into a road leading down the Hunter
Creek Valley. Cross the creek again and follow the dirt path 100yrds to the pavement.
Glide down through a residential area (it turns into Hunter Creek Rd.) and turn left on
Red Mountain Rd. (STEEP! :) Watch out for the 10mph left turn!) which leads back to town.
Before crossing the bridge heading into town, turn left (uphill) on Gibson Ave. where you
will meet a 3 way stop sign. Stay left on South St. which will return you to Park Circle
and back to your car.
Have a great ride!!
** There are many fun variations of this ride. For more
information this and other rides, see anyone of the valley bike shops.
