I like this trail! It is fantastic and shady through the first bit, while it meanders along the rushing Hunter Creek! Springtime and early summer, you will find this Creek dramatic w/ tons of snowmelt and lots of natural drama! There are several very pretty bridges crossing the rushing creek! It is a quick hike for those that are looking for just a short touch of nature, right next to Aspen! It is relatively heavy w/ traffic as it is a popular close to town hike!
You can continue past the last bridge (three?) and head on up to the mountain meadow above, eventually you will find some old 'ghost town' builiding left over from the 1880s and the mining era that flourished at the top of the valley. The Hunter Creek has fueled mining needs and provided for a groovy Aspen treat right outside the town corridor!
It is kid and dog friendly, and you can even loop from the top back towards the '405' of Aspen hikes, the Smuggler Mtn. road, where it not uncommon to see a ton of Aspen's outdoors enthusiasts getting their sweat on, be it on mtn. bike or foot! Makes for a great loop hike and I like to start on the 'shady' Hunter Creek side, then finish w/ the downhill on the Smuggler Road w/ fantastic views over gorgeous Aspen town! read more