Colorado · Hiking

East Snowmass

14.1 mi
round trip
4,143 ft
climb
12,691 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is East Snowmass open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

East Snowmass is a hard hike in Colorado's White River National Forest, within the Aspen Ranger District. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from about 8,373 feet to 12,691 feet, a total gain of 4,143 feet over roughly 14 miles. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is at East Snowmass Trailhead, with parking labeled EAST SNOWMASS. The route is open year-round. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows horses, but bikes are not permitted. That makes it a good fit for riders on horseback or on foot, and the climb is a long one, so plan on a full day. East Snowmass Ditch lies just 0.4 miles away, and West Snowmass is about 1.3 miles off. Snowmass Creek, a canoeing spot, is also about 1.3 miles away. For an overnight base, Silver Bar Campground is about 6.4 miles from the trailhead.

Go with a guide

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

East Snowmass DitchPhoto: jofwooster, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

East Snowmass Ditch

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3.40-mile out-and-back trail in Colorado managed by White River National Forest.

Rim Trail SouthPhoto: rjones0856, CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Willoughby MountainPhoto: jedisct1, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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GovernmentPhoto: Nabeel H, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

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Maroon-Snowmass Trail 1975Photo: jofwooster, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Rim Trail SouthPhoto: jedisct1, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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Snowmass Mountain: Approach to 12,300 ftPhoto: rjones0856, CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

Snowmass Mountain: Approach to 12,300 ft

~3 min drive

Route to the summit of Snowmass Mountain (14,099 ft) from Snowmass Creek.

HIKE

West Snowmass

~2 min drive

9.83-mile out-and-back trail in Colorado's White River National Forest with 3,192 ft gain.

Tom Blake ConnectorPhoto: jofwooster, CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Mountain View TrailPhoto: jedisct1, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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