Smuggler Mountain Rd/Trail
Smuggler Mountain Road (aka Smuggler Mountain Trail) is a well maintained dirt road that climbs up from Aspen. It is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The trail is mostly hardpack, with a few loose sections going up to the overlook (1.4 miles). The trail climbs approximately 800 vertical feet over the 1.4 miles, with a maximum grade of about 18%, but generally averaging around 8 or 9%. At the overlook there are junctions to other trails, or you can continue up the road to the Tootsie Roll junction and a picnic area (an additional 0.6 miles), or even continue onto Warren lakes (those trails are not included in this trail review, see map linked below). Be prepared to frequently be told that you are inspiring, or better yet, wear headphones so you don’t have to listen to people tell you how awesome you are for leaving the house.
photos of the road can be found here: http://www.aspenproductions.com/Aspen%20Productions%20Reference/Aspen%20Colorado/Aspen%20Town/Smuggler%20Mountain%20Road/index.html
More Information
Trail Name: Smuggler Mountain Rd/Trail
Location: Aspen, Colorado | Map
Type: Unpaved road (open to vehicles), Start and end at the same point (Out-and-Back)
Rating: Adaptive Level 04
Length: 1.4 miles each way
Steepest Section: Moderate – between 10-30º
Most Off-Camber Section: Mild – under 10º
Terrain: Mostly hardpack, minimal loose sections
Obstacles: None
Help Needed? Nope
Even more info: Aspen Trail Finder
Directions to Trailhead
Directions from Aspen: Travelling east on Main Street in Aspen, turn left (north) onto Mill Street. Travel 1/4 mile and turn right after the bridge onto Gibson. Follow Gibson 1/8 mile to a Y intersection and bear left onto South Avenue. Shortly, turn right onto Park Circle and follow for 1/8 mile to the Smuggler Mountain Road on the left. There is parking on the right.
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