The mountain faces south, so the best time is to go early in the day, between 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Smuggler Mountain Overlook Smuggler Mountain Open Space 2.9 mi (RT); 887 ft elevation gain) West Elk Mountains: Beckwith Pass from Lost Lake Gunnison National Forest 6 mi (RT); 500 ft elevation gain. It's usually clear of snow by May 1, but many people hike and run it year-round, so there is a packed out snow trail throughout the winter. 39.191702, The walk is steady up hill , not too steep . When heading North on Park Circle, take a right on the Smuggler Mountain Road (initially paved). This is not your typical road run, in fact it's a dirt road that climbs up the side of Aspen's Smuggler Mountain. Aspen is a very bike friendly community with many bike paths and bike street ways that make it easy to explore on a bike. The Smuggler Mountain Overlook (8,800 ft) is a viewing deck along Smuggler Mountain Road (FSR #131) that overlooks Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. Note: You can walk from Downtown Aspen to the TH, but county on some extra time and mileage. Please clean up after your pet, too. Smuggler melts out early due to its relatively low elevation and southern exposure. Length: 3.0 miles round trip to the Smuggler Mountain overlook Elevation Gain: 800 feet Trailhead: Follow Highway 82 (Cooper Street) east out of town. Traction devices, like ice-trekkers or yak traks, are recommended for running Smuggler Mountain Road. Turn left onto Smuggler Mountain Road and look for the parking uphill to the right. Stepping into the tracks of our 1980’s friends who established the Smuggler Mine, we began to hike the 1.4 mile trek to the top of the Observation Deck where we could overlook all of Aspen Village. Aspen, Where this street curves left, turn right toward the mountain on Park Circle. It's a good workout and gives you fabulous views of the valley of Aspen. WE PROMISE Not to SPAM YOU OR SELL YOUR EMAIL. The views from Smuggler Mountain of the town of Aspen are lovely. The Aspen Bicycle Cruise is an easy ride through town led by a fun knowledgeable guide. All Rights Reserved. While it’s possible to run the whole length of the road out and back, the final section is quite steep. Aspen Tourism; Aspen Hotels; Aspen Bed and Breakfast; Aspen Vacation Rentals; Aspen Vacation Packages; Flights to Aspen; Aspen Restaurants; Things to Do in Aspen Those who stop and enjoy the views at the overlook platform by the trail signage can experience 800 feet of elevation in just 1.5 miles. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The trailhead is on the northeast corner of Aspen. This Forest Service “trail” is actually an old mining road which climbs 6.3 miles out to the beautiful Warren Lakes. EVER. Many runners choose to take on the most popular section, which is 1.5 miles from the parking area at the base of the trailhead up to the Smuggler Mountain Overlook. Many runners will continue up on Smuggler Mountain Road, which continues for another six miles to Warren Lakes. Those who stop and enjoy the views at the overlook platform by the trail signage can experience 800 feet of elevation in just 1.5 miles. Once you have acclimatized to Aspen elevation at around 8000 ft, try the early morning walk up Smuggler Mountain Road. Learn about new routes & locations, destinations, seasonal suggestions, and special events. Copyright 2020 Great Runs. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. Past that, the trail gets steeper and more challenging. To continue to Warren Lakes, go straight (the trail on the left goes to Hunter Creek.) Past that, the trail gets steeper and more challenging. Several places to take spectacular photos. There are pooper-scooper bags at the trailhead to help this situation. This Forest Service “trail” is actually an old mining road which climbs 6.3 miles out to the beautiful Warren Lakes. Smuggler Mountain Road (FSR #131), also called Smuggler Mountain Trail, is an intermediate/moderate road you can hike, run, and mountain bike that is dog friendly. The hike up to the Smuggler Mountain Overlook/Observation deck is a great little hike just north of downtown Aspen. Many runners enjoy Smuggler Mountain for its challenging elevation gain. Just a few steps out of downtown is Smuggler Mt. Past that, the … 81611 Many runners enjoy Smuggler Mountain for its challenging elevation gain. Early in the morning, around lunchtime and in the afternoons you'll find local Aspenites running and hiking up Smuggler Mountain. Needle Rock Natural Area Do it in the morning and your day will be better. It is quickly rewarding, but takes quite a bit of effort and about 1.5 hours to reach. Fifty yards after crossing the bridge, turn left onto Park Avenue. whether you walk or mountain bike getting to the overlook is worth the effort. Although we were high on life, I’m quite positive that we were on a slightly different level compared to the well known highs of the 1980’s. Early in the morning you are still in the mountain's shadow and it is nice and cool for the run up. Located on the outskirts of downtown Aspen, Smuggler Mountain is convenient for a quick run. The overlook platform provides spectacular views of downtown Aspen below and the impressive peaks above. Views are break-taking - if they aren't the climb certainly fits into that category! If this is full you can park on Park Circle in the parking area across from the beginning of the Smuggler Mountain Road. Many runners choose to take on the most popular section, which is 1.5 miles from the parking area at the base of the trailhead up to the Smuggler Mountain Overlook. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/smuggler-mountain-road A Storm, Failed Summit Bid, and Lessons Learned on the South Maroon Bell, Aspen Snowmass—Colorado's Best Big Mountain, How to Bury Your Wine in the Snow (and Other Boozy Tips from a Snowboarding Sommelier), Bears in Aspen: How To Avoid Ursine-Related Disaster in Town. The road continues a short distance further to the gate at Warren Lakes. Beginner and more advanced runners enjoy Smuggler Mountain for its challenging elevation gain.