Grand Traverse Mountain Run
Famous point-to-point race route from Crested Butte to Aspen.
Difficult Trail Running
- Distance
- 65 km
- Ascent
- 2.3 km
- Descent
- 2.5 km
7 of the Most Iconic Trail Running Routes in Aspen, CO
Explore Aspen's legendary trails with these 7 recommended trail running routes.
Trail Running Moderate, Difficult
Description
Aspen has reigned for years as one of the top hiking destinations in the state of Colorado. And as trail running has exploded in popularity in the past decade, runners have flocked to Aspen’s stunningly-beautiful singletrack trails in greater and greater numbers. While the trails have stayed exactly the same, the perspective on these classic routes has radically transformed.
Where hikers might take 2-4 days to complete the iconic Four Pass Loop, many competent trail runners can tackle the marathon-length route in less than a day. For a real challenge, trail runners set their sights on the 40-mile Grand Traverse Mountain Run that crosses the Elk Range from Crested Butte to Aspen.
But of course, a trail run doesn’t always have to be ultra-length to be beautiful and epic. Other runs in this guidebook, like Cathedral Lake, are much more achievable and are still stunningly beautiful. The trail options in Aspen are nearly endless, so narrow down your search for the perfect route by digging into this guidebook!
Routes included
West Maroon Trail: Aspen to Crested Butte
Beautiful backcountry run between two of Colorado's most famous mountain towns.
Difficult Trail Running
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 964 m
- Descent
- 708 m
The Four Pass Loop
An epic jaunt through Colorado's Elk Mountains.
Difficult Trail Running
- Distance
- 42 km
- Ascent
- 2.4 km
- Descent
- 2.4 km
Buckskin Pass -> Willow Pass -> Willow Lake
An epic trail run featuring multiple alpine passes and lakes.
Difficult Trail Running
- Distance
- 22 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
Cathedral Lake
Run to a stunning alpine lake nestled high in the mountains.
Moderate Trail Running
- Distance
- 8.8 km
- Ascent
- 643 m
- Descent
- 643 m
American Lake
One of the quintessential trails in Aspen.
Moderate Trail Running
- Distance
- 9.4 km
- Ascent
- 614 m
- Descent
- 614 m
Conundrum Hot Springs
Colorado's most popular hot springs trail run.
Moderate Trail Running
- Distance
- 27 km
- Ascent
- 877 m
- Descent
- 877 m
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