Pitkin: Nature, Trails and Cross-Country Skiing

Pitkin County Open Space and Trails preserves nearly 30,000 acres through the ownership of open space and conservation easements. It also includes an extensive trail network and designated opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Trail types, surfaces and seasonal restrictions vary: a nature preserve, a longer regional trail and a Nordic loop offer different focuses for day planning.

Natural Areas and Habitats

Sky Mountain Park provides wildlife habitat, protected views and recreational trails in Brush Creek Valley. Trailhead parking is available at Buttermilk, Brush Creek Park-and-Ride and the Snowmass Village Recreation Center; seasonal restrictions may apply. Check parking information before making plans.

Sagebrush-dominated shrubland defines the landscape of Moore Open Space. It has habitat and scenic value; views of Pyramid Peak are also part of the landscape. The Moore Trail is a singletrack that crosses Moore Open Space between Maroon Creek Road near the roundabout and the Aspen Recreation Center grounds. It also connects to the Tiehack Bridge bike and pedestrian crossing. This makes it possible to consider the open space landscape and the route of a specific trail separately.

North Star Nature Preserve includes wetlands and a fen. These habitats support numerous species, including mammals and birds; an elk migration corridor also runs through the area. There is a hiking loop at the southern end of the property. Here, habitat and trail are within the same preserve but serve different functions: the loop is the designated hiking option, while wetlands and the fen primarily define the natural area.

Distinguishing Trails and Surfaces

Pitkin County Open Space and Trails manages more than 85 miles of trails. These include paved trails, natural-surface trails and sections used seasonally. The trail network is part of a larger regional network extending across the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. When choosing a route, both the specific surface and its seasonal use are relevant.

The Rio Grande Trail follows a historic Rio Grande Railway route for approximately 42 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. Within Pitkin County, the former rail bed is paved. One exception is an approximately two-mile section below Stein Park outside Aspen, which has a crusher-fines surface. Walking, running, cycling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing are permitted on the section within Pitkin County. The trail’s approximate total length and the surfaces on its county section therefore describe different aspects of the route.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The Aspen-Snowmass Nordic Trail System includes more than 60 miles of free cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails connecting Aspen, Snowmass Village and Basalt. Snowshoeing is permitted throughout the trail network. Moore Open Space also has a winter Nordic loop that connects to the Aspen Golf Course Nordic trails. The connection passes through an underpass beneath Highway 82. This makes it possible to view the wider reach of the Nordic trail system and the specifically described Moore loop as distinct options.

Naturalist-led snowshoeing and hiking tours are offered around Toklat in Castle Creek Valley. These guided activities differ from choosing your own routes in the Nordic network. When planning a winter activity, the information on permitted uses and seasonal restrictions can help you better identify the right option.

Vehicle Advisory for Independence Pass

Vehicles longer than 35 feet are not permitted on Independence Pass. This also applies to vehicle-and-trailer combinations with a total length greater than 35 feet. Check current road conditions before driving. Factor vehicle length into your plans for Independence Pass.

Discover more destinations: Aspen, Snowmass Village, Jefferson, Gunnison County, Summit, Grand, Eagle, San Miguel.

See the main travel overview: Colorado.