Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) Guided Hikes

The Wildflower Walk explores the gentle, kid-friendly Nature Trail. It's approximately two hours, from 10:00am–12:00pm. Naturalists explain local wildflowers, ecology and the surrounding aspen forests and alpine meadows rather than simply leading you down the trail. It's a good choice for families and visitors who want an educational, relatively gentle hike.

Both summer hike tours meet outside the Aspen Snowmass Ticket Office on the Snowmass Mall at the Info Cart. Look for the sandwich board signs. Arrive a little before the scheduled departure to give yourself time to find the group.

Yes! The regular ACES hikes are open to all ages, and the Wildflower Walk in particular follows a gentle, kid-friendly trail. The focus on flowers, wildlife, ecology and fossils gives kids things to look for along the way. The two-hour format is relatively manageable compared with a full-day mountain hike. For very young children, consider their comfort walking on mountain trails before setting out.

The scheduled naturalist-guided hikes are free and open to the public. There is no fee for the regular Wildflower Walk or Ice Age Discovery Hike. Both programs are designed to be accessible educational experiences.

Mountain weather can change quickly even on a fine summer morning, so come prepared. Comfortable hiking shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended. Bring a light rain layer, especially when afternoon weather is in the forecast. Temperatures can change with elevation, so a light layer is worth it.

The afternoon hike digs into the remarkable story of the Snowmass Ice Age Discovery. It runs from 1:00pm-3:00pm and follows the Discovery Trail. Naturalists share stories and information about the 2010 Ice Age Discovery dig. You'll get views of Ziegler Reservoir, where the fossils were discovered.

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies leads naturalist-guided snowshoe tours from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola. The tour takes place high on the mountain rather than on a village-level trail. Participants explore the winter landscape on snowshoes. Because it's reached by gondola, please arrive at the gondola 30 minutes before the tour for ticket purchase and gondola ride.

Prices: $85 Adults, $63 Youth (age 7-17) and Seniors (age 65+). Price includes gondola ride, snowshoes, knowledgeable guide, and basic snowshoeing instruction.

The naturalist-guided snowshoe experience is approximately two hours. The tour is approximately 1.5 miles round trip. Tours take place on gentle terrain and are held at a leisurely pace.

Winter mountain conditions can be cold and change quickly, particularly at higher elevation. Dress in warm layers and wear waterproof winter footwear. Gloves, eye protection and sun protection are worthwhile even on cloudy days. Bring water, and check the day's mountain conditions before heading up.

Yes! However, kids must be 7 years or older.