Hikers who are looking for a pleasant jaunt in the woods, a steady climb that alternates between patches of forest and open, flower-choked meadows and slogs through dark timber have it all in their backyard in Aspen’s Snowmass Village.
The town has done a good job over the years of creating an extensive trail system that now boasts 26 miles of natural-surface trails and 8 miles of paved.
The paved trails are a great introduction to the mountain environment without making a backcountry commitment, according to Andy Worline, director of parks, recreation and trails. Summer maps of the trail system can be found at Town Hall, the recreation center, bike shops, various trailheads and online.
Worline recommended the Ditch Trail as a transitional route for visitors to the village. It’s flat and easy and is the gateway to the White River National Forest after covering 2.5 miles. It also has the advantage of offering plenty of parking on the end closest to the village.
After you acclimate to the elevation, Worline recommends the South Rim Trail, which starts with a 700-foot vertical climb. The smooth trail surface and perfectly sculpted switchbacks take some of the pain out of the gain.
Hikers who stick with it are rewarded with an “epic view” at the Yin/Yang platform on a short spur after the trail tops out, Worline noted.
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I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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