Hiking in the White River National Forest
White River is the most visited national forest in the country, and on this site it covers the trails around Aspen, Vail, and Glenwood Springs: Hanging Lake, the Independence Pass lakes, the Vail Valley creek trails, and the Elk Mountain approaches.
18 trail guides in the White River National Forest
Hanging Lake Trail
Colorado's most photographed lake features turquoise waters and a spectacular waterfall. Reservations required year-round due to its popularity and fragile ecosystem.
Four Pass Loop
Colorado's premier backpacking route crosses four mountain passes above 12,000 feet through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. A 3-4 day trek with stunning wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and panoramic views of the Elk Mountains.
Conundrum Hot Springs
A long but rewarding trail to one of Colorado's most famous natural hot springs at 11,200 feet. The route follows Conundrum Creek through forests and meadows in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Permit required for overnight stays.
Cathedral Lake Trail
A steep climb through Pine Creek canyon to a gorgeous alpine lake at nearly 12,000 feet in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Forests give way to meadows and wildflowers before reaching the dramatic lake basin below Electric Pass.
American Lake Trail
A steep switchback climb through aspen groves and spruce forests to a pristine alpine lake at 11,365 feet. Meadows ablaze with wildflowers from mid-July to mid-August and a waterfall near the lake make this a rewarding destination.
Pitkin Lake Trail
A challenging hike in the Eagles Nest Wilderness climbing nearly 3,000 feet to a stunning alpine lake. The trail offers dazzling views of East Vail and the surrounding peaks, with the final approach through open alpine terrain.
Gore Lake Trail
A long and rewarding hike through the Eagles Nest Wilderness to a remote alpine lake beneath the dramatic Gore Range. Stunning fall colors, rocky terrain, and wildlife sightings make this a Vail-area classic for experienced hikers.
Notch Mountain Trail
Climb to the summit of Notch Mountain in the Holy Cross Wilderness for one of Colorado's most iconic views: the cross-shaped snow couloir on Mount of the Holy Cross. A historic stone shelter sits at the top.
Upper Piney River Falls Trail
A scenic, family-friendly trail following the Piney River past Piney Lake through open wildflower meadows, aspen stands, and pine forests. The waterfall at the end is a refreshing reward with views of the Gore Range.
Willow Lake Trail
A steep, challenging trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness climbing through a gulch into alpine meadows before reaching secluded Willow Lake. The trail passes near Buckskin Pass with views of the surrounding peaks.
The Grottos Trail
A short, family-friendly trail along the Roaring Fork River to unique ice caves and small waterfalls carved into granite. The picnic area and accessible terrain make this a great stop along Independence Pass.
Savage Lakes Trail
A moderately steep climb east of Basalt to a pair of subalpine lakes surrounded by rugged peaks. The trail passes through aspen and conifer forests with good fishing opportunities at the lakes.
Anthracite Pass Trail
A short but very steep trail through the Raggeds Wilderness climbing to a mountain pass with beautiful views of surrounding peaks. Passes through aspen groves, pine forests, and open meadows with great wildflower displays.
Linkins Lake Trail
A short but high-altitude trail just below the summit of Independence Pass leading to a small alpine lake above treeline. The trail starts at nearly 12,000 feet, offering immediate alpine tundra scenery and wildflowers.
Berry Creek Trail
Local Vail Valley trail from Edwards climbing through pine and aspen forest along Berry Creek. Popular with mountain bikers in summer; quieter for hikers in shoulder seasons. Connector to the broader USFS trail system above Vail.
Hunter Creek Trail
Hunter Creek Valley trail starting from the east end of Aspen. Climbs through aspen and conifer forest along Hunter Creek to a high meadow with views back to Aspen Mountain. Popular with locals for after-work jogs and dog walks.
Grizzly Creek Trail
Closed beyond the first 0.3 mile as of September 2026 under a Forest Service order while fire and flood damage is repaired. Follows Grizzly Creek up Glenwood Canyon. Wildflowers, beaver ponds, and a quiet alternative to Hanging Lake. Check the White River National Forest alerts page before going.
Boy Scout Trail
Local favorite uphill grind that ends at a viewpoint over Glenwood Springs and the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork. Steep but short.
Hiking the White River National Forest: what to know
Three towns anchor the forest. Glenwood Springs sits at the mouth of Glenwood Canyon, where Hanging Lake requires a permit year-round; the Boy Scout Trail above town does not, and Grizzly Creek would not either, but it is closed 0.3 mile above the trailhead under a 2026 Forest Service order while the fire- and flood-damaged trail is rebuilt. Vail's trailheads run up every side drainage of Gore Creek: Pitkin Lake, Gore Lake, and Booth Creek climb north into the Eagles Nest Wilderness, and Berry Creek in Edwards and the Savage Lakes trail near Eagle serve the valley's west end. Notch Mountain, the classic viewpoint for Mount of the Holy Cross, starts from the Tigiwon Road above Minturn.
Aspen has the deepest bench. Hunter Creek climbs out of town. Cathedral Lake and American Lake start from Castle Creek Road, Willow Lake from Maroon Creek Road, and the Grottos and Linkins Lake from Highway 82 on the way up Independence Pass. The Four Pass Loop and Conundrum Hot Springs are the two overnight trips everyone asks about, and both need a wilderness permit reserved on Recreation.gov months ahead.
Independence Pass closes to vehicles from roughly early November to late May, which removes the pass trailheads for the winter. Hanging Lake permits are required year-round, and permit holders drive to the Hanging Lake rest area themselves. Everywhere else, the low trails open in May and the lakes above 11,000 feet are best from July through early October. The aspen groves along Castle Creek, Maroon Creek, and the Fryingpan turn in the last week of September.
Camping is easy to find: Forest Service campgrounds line Independence Pass, Maroon Creek, and Castle Creek, and dispersed sites are allowed on most forest roads outside the wilderness. Glenwood, Vail, and Aspen have every service, at three very different price points.