Smuggler Mountain Trail
The most popular morning exercise route at the edge of town, climbing about 200 metres to a lookout with views over the town of Aspen and the surrounding snowy peaks.
Smuggler Mountain lies on the northeast side of Aspen and takes its name from the Smuggler silver mine of the 19th century. In 1894 the world's largest single silver nugget was dug out here. From the start of Smuggler Mountain Road in town, a wide gravel road climbs about 2.4 km and about 200 metres to a viewing platform overlooking the town and the snowy peaks of Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands. It is the locals' favourite hiking and mountain-biking route. Continuing uphill reaches the Hunter Creek area in the Hagerman Mountains. There is no entry fee. Summer mornings are the most comfortable time to climb, and you should watch out for sun exposure and altitude sickness.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- John Denver Sanctuary
- Aspen Art Museum
- Wheeler Opera House
- Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (Hallam Lake)
- Downtown Aspen
- Aspen Music Festival (Music Tent)
- Aspen Mountain (Ajax) & Silver Queen Gondola
- Aspen Highlands