Pitkin County Open Space and Trails preserves nearly 30,000 acres through the ownership of open spaces and conservation easements. What you can discover outdoors ranges from habitats and protected views to trails and a historic rail corridor. The appeal lies in the changing perspectives: sometimes a protected area takes center stage, while at other times it’s a route that extends over a longer distance.

Trails Between the Valley and the Trail

The trail network managed by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails covers more than 85 miles. It includes paved trails, natural-surface trails and sections open for seasonal use. At the same time, it is part of a larger regional trail network that extends through the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. The different surfaces and seasonal access give each section its own character.

Protected Areas with Distinctive Character

Sky Mountain Park provides wildlife habitat, protected views and recreational trails in the Brush Creek Valley. Trailhead parking at Buttermilk, Brush Creek Park-and-Ride and Snowmass Village Recreation Center is part of the park. Seasonal restrictions may apply; take them into account when planning access to these areas.

Sagebrush-dominated shrubland defines the landscape at Moore Open Space. It provides habitat and scenic value, including views of Pyramid Peak. The Moore Trail runs through the area as a singletrack between Maroon Creek Road near the roundabout and the Aspen Recreation Center grounds. It also connects to the Tiehack Bridge crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.

Wetlands and a fen characterize North Star Nature Preserve. They provide habitat for numerous species, including mammals and birds; the area is also an elk migration corridor. There is a loop trail for hiking at the southern end of the property. This means the preserve combines habitats with a specific route to explore on foot.

Winter Trails and Snowshoe Routes

The Aspen-Snowmass Nordic Trail System includes more than 60 miles of free cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails connecting Aspen, Snowmass Village and Basalt. Snowshoeing is allowed throughout the trail network. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing therefore share an extensive system, with snowshoe use explicitly permitted throughout the entire network.

Another winter option is the Nordic loop at Moore Open Space. It connects to the Aspen Golf Course Nordic trails via an underpass beneath Highway 82. Compared with the expansive Nordic network, this is a specific loop with a named connection to the golf course trails.

A Historic Rail Corridor Through the Landscape

The Rio Grande Trail follows a historic Rio Grande Railway corridor and runs approximately 42 miles from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. Within Pitkin County, the former rail bed is paved, except for a roughly two-mile section below Stein Park outside Aspen. There, the surface is crusher fines. Walking, running, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing are allowed on the section within the county. The route therefore combines its historic rail corridor with several expressly permitted uses; the different surface applies to the section noted above.

Industrial History at the Holden Site

A tour of the Holden Lixiviation Works site explores its industrial and agricultural history. The site is considered the largest industrial complex in the history of Pitkin County. This glimpse into the past adds a distinct historical focus to the nature and trail experiences.

Discover more destinations: Aspen, Snowmass Village, Carbondale, Woody Creek, Snowmass, Broomfield, La Plata, Garfield.

For the broader travel overview: Colorado.