Hunter Creek Trail

Hunter Creek is Aspen's backyard trail, starting a few blocks from downtown and climbing beside the creek to Hunter Valley, a high meadow with old cabins and a view back down to Aspen Mountain. It is 2.5 miles to the meadow with 700 feet of gain, and it is where the town walks its dogs, runs before work, and takes visitors who want an hour outside without driving anywhere.

From the Hunter Creek trailhead, cross the creek on the 10th Mountain Bridge and follow the trail a short way to the signed Hunter Creek Trail on the left. The trail climbs steeply beside the creek for the first half mile, on rock and roots with the water loud below, then eases as the canyon opens.

The trail passes the Benedict Bridge and a small waterfall on the creek and continues up the valley through aspen and spruce to the meadows of Hunter Valley, with the collapsing log cabins of the old Hunter Creek settlement and the view southwest to Aspen Mountain. The meadow is the turnaround for the 5-mile round trip; the trail continues to Van Horn Park and connects to the Smuggler Mountain road for a loop back to town. Return the same way.

From downtown Aspen, take Mill Street north across the river, then Red Mountain Road and Lone Pine Road to the Hunter Creek trailhead at the road's end, about a mile from the center of town. Parking is a small lot and limited street parking; most people walk or bike from town, and the free city bus stops nearby. No fee or permit. There is a toilet at the trailhead.

Dogs are allowed and are everywhere, and the Forest Service says they must be on a leash on this trail. The first half mile is steep for small kids, and the meadow is the reward for the rest. Carry water; the creek is silty. Mountain bikers use the Smuggler side of the loop more than the creek trail. The cabins are on Forest Service land and unstable. Aspen is at the trailhead. The Aspen hikes page lists the drive-to trails, and the Smuggler Mountain road is the other town climb.