7 of the Most Iconic Trail Running Routes in Aspen, CO

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!