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Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen

Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

The Rio Grande trail is a pretty stroll in the heart of Aspen.

Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

Rio Grande trail: Getting there

The Rio Grande trail starts behind the Aspen Post Office near Mill & Puppy Smith.

Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

Rio Grande trail: The hike

Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

The hike starts at the Jenny Adair Wetlands & Sawmill Park, a serene area dedicated to an early Aspen pioneer. Heading along the Rio Grande Trail, the hike winds along to the sound of the Roaring Fork River.

Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

The 1st two miles (one way) are paved & shared with cyclists, dogs, strollers, and runners. At Cemetery Lane, the trail is dirt and runs all the way to Basalt.

Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

Rio Grande trail: Cutoff to the Music Tent

Grindlay Bridge, Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Grindlay Bridge, Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

An alternative is to cut off the Rio Grande Trail at about 1.5 miles at the Grindlay Bridge.

Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

The trail runs up behind the Benedict Music Tent in the West End.

Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Hiking the Rio Grande Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Kim Hull © Chasing Light Media

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