Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Aspen-Snowmass Nordic
Trail System
( 970-429-2039; www.aspennordic.com ) This European-style village-to-village trail sys-
tem incorporates over 60 miles of free trails that link up the towns of Aspen, Snowmass,
Woody Gulch and Basalt. The hub is the local golf course, where you'll find the Aspen
Cross-Country Center ( 970-925-2145; www.utemountaineer.com ; 39551 Hwy 82; ski rentals adult/child $23/10;
9am-5pm Dec-Mar) , which rents out equipment and gives lessons.
SNOW SPORTS
Ashcroft Ski Touring
( 970-925-1971; www.pinecreekcookhouse.com/tours ; 11399 Castle Creek Rd; adult/child $15/10) This local
Nordic outfitter serves 20 miles of groomed trails through 600 acres of backcountry - it's
a bit more wild than your typical Nordic center. The mountain backdrop is spectacular, the
Ashcroft ghost town eerie. Rent classic cross-country ski equipment, ski gear or snow-
shoes. Individual and group lessons, as well as snowshoe and ski tours, run daily.
Shuttles ($35) to and from Aspen are also available.
SNOW SPORTS
Silver Circle Ice Rink
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 970-925-1710; 433 E Durant Ave; adult/child $7/5.50, skate rental $3; noon-9pm Nov-Mar) Set at the
front of the Hyatt Grand Aspen, this small but centrally located ice rink is ideal for a fam-
ily skate.
SKATING
Hiking
Conundrum Hot Springs
(Conundrum Creek Rd) The steaming, healing Conundrum Hot Springs, west of Castle Peak
(14,265ft), are the reward for 8.5 miles of tough climbing on the Conundrum Creek Trail
(USFS Trail 1981). There are several pools hewn from craters, some larger than others,
varying in temperature from 102°F (39°C) to 105°F (41°C).
No matter which you sink into, you'll have outrageous alpine views, including glimpses
of steep avalanche chutes and waterfalls. Most people spend the night at the nearby camp-
site, unofficially called 'The Bluffs.' From here you can either retrace your steps or con-
tinue over the little-visited Triangle Pass (12,907ft) and return on East Maroon Creek Trail
(13 miles) to catch a bus from Maroon Lake back to Aspen.
HOT SPRING
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