Late spring is a great time for locals to lace up their hiking boots and get out on the trails before the summer season sets in with full force.  The snow on the trail has given way to wild flowers and bees, reminding everyone that the four mountains of Aspen and Snowmass Village have just as much power to offer hikers in the spring, summer and fall as it offered skiers and snowboarders during ski season.

Cathedral Lake is a charming hike that leads hikers up the walls of Castle Creek canyon and into the Pine Creek Canyon. Pine Creek follows hikers up all the way to the lake. Along the way aspen trees will give way to the higher elevation tundra landscape. For those with sharp eyes, wildlife, such as marmots, pikas and hawks can also be seen enjoying the fresh water and clean air of Cathedral Lake as well. This almost six-and-a-half mile hike is great day hike for a moderately experienced hiker.

The Crater Lake Trail offers hikers a splendid view of the Maroon Bells while winding hikers through to a shallow lake in the shadows of these imposing landmarks. The trail sets out from the edge of Maroon Lake and sends hikers up the valley walls. This trail is only 3.6 miles, but a steep climb mid-hike makes it an excellent workout with an iconic view.

Difficult Creek Trail’s name offers hikers a warning not to take this hike too lightly. Although certainly a challenge it is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Aspen/Snowmass area.  Full of foliage, scattered sunshine through the many leaves and even berries along the way, depending on the season, this trail is a sensory delight, rewarding those willing to take on the 4 mile hike.

The East Snowmass Creek Overlook Trail is only accessible by the ski lifts running in the summer months. As a result it offers hikers a double pleasure – a ride up and over their favorite runs from the winter and a great one and a half mile walk-about. After walking around Sam’s Knob, the East Snowmass Canyon opens up before hikers displaying the wondrous beauty of the Rocky Mountains. This is a great hike to take out of town visitors on, not overly strenuous and exceptionally beautiful.

One of the most challenging day hikes in Snowmass Village is the four mile Hardscrabble and Williams Lakes Trail. This hike starts out right at tree line and leads hikers up the rugged, remote trail. Trails.com recommends hikers plan for a long morning or all day hike.

These are just a few of the many, many hikes winding themselves around the mountains of Aspen and Snowmass Village. There are trails and nature walks tucked in corners and nestled in valleys and canyons just waiting to be discovered by a new set of boots. Trails.com offers great ideas of where to get started, likewise many organizations and groups within Aspen and Snowmass offer guided tours and hikes. Take some time this month to get out on the trails and into the gorgeous Rocky Mountain sunshine.

With the fresh spring sun on your back, and the solitude of Nature all around you, let the power of four seduce you all over again! Click here today to see homes, residences and investment properties just a stone’s throw from some of the greatest hiking in the country and then, fall in love with Aspen and Snowmass Village for good!