Adventurous beginners - moderate mountain bikers. Several historic mining cabins sit along the North Hunter Creek Trail, and one is hidden behind the 10th Mountain Division Bridge. 3,790' Down Smuggler has another nickname: Struggler. Trail. Because of my need for a hop fix after running Hunter Creek and doing over 12 hundred feet of vertical, my hop craving may be for their hops having anti-inflammatory properties. All of their beers are good in their category. Fun adventure – talked to Bryce from Pitkin County open space who was ‘guarding’ the road to Four Corners to keep people from going up to the Controlled Burn. Local Club: Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association. So bring plenty of water, sunscreen and get ready to pedal. 3,265' Up 3,027' Down Spam? He is a UPer! Much of the riding is intermediate level, although the the epic conclusion - the Sunnyside trail - should be considered difficult (at least) given sections where the narrow trail traverses extremely steep terrain, and rocky and rooted sections demand your fullest attention. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/smuggler-mountain-road This was our final ride of the 3 days, and it was easy, with little elevation gain. • Start at the base of Smuggler Mt. Steep. I opted for the snow run which means going through heavy pine and aspen forest trail till I popped out at Smuggler Mountain road 4 tenths of a mile above Observation Deck. • Rerouted onto Smuggler Mountain Trail from Controlled Burn Dry dirt trail at end of trees – Aspen Mountain view across valley Controlled burn in Hunter Creek Valley – plenty of agencies there to keep an eye on burn My favorite is the Conundrum Red – well balanced in body, hops and malt. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. Park at the base of Smuggler Mountain Road. At this point you could increase the ride length by continuing on BTS, Tootsie Roll, Lollipop, and Iowa Shaft trails. Mid-way down the trail you can dip off on the right to Iowa Shaft, which takes riders along a relatively flat, but enjoyable trail that traverses northeast along a mountainside. 3,101' Up You can ride back to car via Red Mountain Rd. 945.21 m Up Hunter Creek/Four Corners/Controlled Burn aftermath, Bennington Lake/Mill Creek Trails – Walla Walla WA. Their deck looks straight up the Ridge of Bell. For me it was trail running but several 20 somethings were on their fourth pitcher as they had been up since about 2 am and skinned up (having traction skins under skis allowing to hike in snow) to ski down Castle and Conundrum Peaks. He missed some stuff but not the mosquitoes and black flies! • If unfamiliar with the area, be sure to bring a map or the MTB Project mobile app. That’s why I wear my mud shoes on days when who knows what the conditions will be? Take a right at the bottom of the hill and pedal to the 10th Mountain Bridge. • • Your email address will not be published. Moderately steep. Fom the base of Smuggler Mountain, you will climb 800 feet to the main stopping point, the Observation Deck/Trail Map sign, but up to an additional 500 feet is possible if you choose to add on BTS, Lollipop and Tootsie Roll. To get back to downtown Aspen you’ll need to continue down Hunter Creek Trail and over the bridge and stay right where the trail forks, in a hundred yards you’ll be spit onto the paved portion Red Mountain Rd., which you can take all the way back to town. Smuggler Mountain and the Hunter Creek Valley in Aspen Aspen, CO – Recreation Area Smuggler Mountain, also called Aspen’s Backyard, is a historic mining area in Aspen with numerous trails and recreation opportunities. NOT OKAY! 6 miles to Warren Lakes, but can riders can make it shorter or longer. This is a big ride that allows for true backcountry experiences. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. 31.8 km The Verena Mallory trail is a short but sweet section of singletrack that is essentially a jug handle option to the main rocky HC trail option. He had been around. The adventurous can even go inside these old cabins for a better perspective of how silver-boom miners once lived. 6,290' Down Land Manager: USFS - White River National Forest Office, 59.9 mi https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/smuggler-mountain-trail 52.2 km As the trail gets increasingly rocky, look out for your next intersection on the left. See if you can find it! • Glacial boulders in Hunter Creek – noisy during runoff season! Memories…. Hunter Creek Trail #2194 is an intermediate/moderate trail you can hike, run, and mountain bike that is dog friendly. 995.19 m Up 49.2 km 1155.24 m Down, 19.8 mi Good kid and we walked together across Hunter Creek bridge and along Hunter Creek  till trails split. Aspen Brewing Company has a tasting room in town. Daly and other iconic peaks are possible, as well as the ski resorts. Oct 1, 2020: RFMBA TEAMS UP WITH GLENWOOD SPRINGS FORD TO MATCH YOUR DONATIONS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER! 8,199' Down 66.3 km Hunter Creek Valley not only provides incredible views of the surrounding Elk Mountains, but also a glimpse into Aspen’s past. Cell phone service disappears at the farthest reaches. Much of the climbing takes place on dirt roads, but nearly all of the descending takes place on high quality singletrack. CO, Your email address will not be published. The view looking west towards Aspen is breathtaking, glimpses of Mt. 96.4 km 2499.08 m Down, 30.6 mi 1917.25 m Down, 24.0 mi 2318.11 m Up Fire habits of strange behavior and weather conditions. Spectacular views of the Roaring Fork Valley. Something else? Once my home course when I lived in Aspen this loop is great for trail running and offers all conditions – hot and sunny, cold and snowy, mud and post holing in deep snow, and – all on the same day!