Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
trails give you a taste of the high altitude with relatively smooth footing, but it ain't the
wilderness.
One stunning hiking destination is the Maroon Bells. It's no secret, but if you start early
and plan to hike all day, you can avoid the bussed-in crowds and head up and over Buck-
skin Pass, where solitude can be yours and the views are breathtaking. Other options in
the Aspen area include a hike to the famous Grottos and a trail to Conundrum Hot
Springs.
The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is a close second. Best accessed from Buena Vista on
Hwy 24, it has eight peaks above 14,000ft. Vail or Minturn are the best departure points
for Mt of the Holy Cross, while Quandary Peak holds the distinction of being the most ac-
cessible 14,000ft peak in the state, just outside Breckenridge.
If you want to sample the backcountry without having to rough it, look into the 10th
Mountain Division Hut Association (
Click here
)
. It manages 29 backcountry huts between
Vail and Aspen stocked with firewood and some even with saunas, connected by 350
miles of trails.
