West Snowmass

Distance: 12.4 miles (round trip)

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, White River National Forest, near Aspen in Central Colorado

View of Clark Peak and Mt. Daly

View of Clark Peak and Mt. Daly

 

Solitude, a good workout and nice views, along with a chance to see wildlife, are the rewards for hikers of this lightly used trail ascending steeply to saddle separating the Snowmass and Capitol Creek Valleys.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

  • Distance: 12.4 miles (round trip) to the Pass
  • Elevation: 8,400-ft. at Trailhead
    11,780-ft. at the Pass
  • Elevation Gain: 3,380-ft. to the Pass
  • Difficulty: strenuous
  • More Hikes in:
    Aspen / Central Colorado

Why Hike West Snowmass

The West Snowmass trail is a good option for hikers looking for a little solitude, a good workout and some nice views. The lightly used trail climbs to a saddle at the top of a ridge separating the Snowmass and Capitol Creek Valleys. Views from the saddle extend southeast to the high peaks of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. To the west, the red rock peaks lining the Capitol Creek drainage extend northwest to Mt. Sopris.

The trail offers good opportunities to spotting deer, elk and other wildlife. On two separate occasions I have seen small black bears loping through the woods near the creek.

From the top of the ridge the trail drops steeply to Capitol Creek where it links with the Capitol Creek trail, offering backpackers options for extended loop trips. Keep in mind that after crossing Snowmass Creek the West Snowmass Trail gains 3,000-ft. in 4.5 miles. Not an easy trail if carrying a full pack.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile West Snowmass Trail

Best Hiking in Central Colorado around Aspen, Marble, Leadville, Buena Vista and Crested Butte

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Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Aspen

Region Information:
Central Colorado

Other Hiking Regions in:
Colorado