Hiking

The Ditch Trail is a local favorite: it's wide, has minimal elevation gain, passes through aspen groves, and offers views toward Mount Daly. It's particularly suitable for families and visitors who are still acclimatizing to the elevation. There's a bench just about one mile from the trailhead for incredible views toward East Snowmass Creek.

Spiral Point via Rim Trail South is an excellent moderate hike. It's about 1.3 miles to the top, with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain. The trail delivers views of Snowmass and the surrounding mountains for much of the hike, rather than saving everything for the summit. Spiral Point is a great spot for watching the sunset—just plan enough daylight for your return.

Snowmass has wonderful dog-friendly trails. Here are some of our favorite summer hikes for you and your four-legged hiking buddy:

• Ditch Trail— Best Easy Hike
  • Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Approximately 1.6 miles out and back
  • Wide, mostly flat trail with minimal elevation gain, ideal for dogs of all ages. Gorgeous views of Mount Daly and surrounding mountains.
    The irrigation ditch sometimes contains water where dogs can cool off.
• Tom Blake Trailhead— Best Shaded Hike
  • Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: Flexible, depending on your turnaround point.
  • Winds through beautiful aspen groves and mixed conifer forests.
    Provides welcome shade during warm summer afternoons. About two miles into the trail, there's a creek where dogs can stop for a water break.
• Nature Trail— Best Short Adventure
  • Difficulty: Easy | Distance: Approximately 0.85 miles
  • Mostly shaded, making it comfortable for dogs during summer.
    Features creek side spots where pups can cool down. Passes wildflowers and a beaver pond.
• Spiral Point via Rim Trail South— Best Mountain Views
  • Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: Approximately 2.6 miles round trip to Spiral Point.
  • Features spectacular panoramic mountain views. Leads to the famous yin-yang viewing platform. Particularly beautiful during golden-hour light. Offers an excellent sunset-watching experience.

Tom Blake Trailhead is a favorite for leafy scenery. It winds through some particularly beautiful aspen groves across the ski area. It's shaded in places, making it appealing during warmer summer days. It's shared by hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, so keep an ear open for other trail users.

Vista Trail is the local workout option. It begins at Base Village and climbs through aspen groves and open meadows. You can hike uphill to the top of the Elk Camp Gondola and catch a free ride down during gondola operating periods.

Snowmass Lake is a serious option for prepared hikers. Expect roughly 16–17 miles round trip, making this much more than a casual afternoon stroll. Snowmass Lake is one of the largest alpine lakes in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness.

Yes. Visit the Ditch Trail for something mellow and Rim Trail South for the views. Another great option is the Snowmass Golf Course; in winter, its trail network provides easy-to-moderate walking and snowshoeing across the snow-covered course (and dogs are allowed on certain trails).