Colorado · Hiking

Tinpot

4.8 mi
round trip
997 ft
climb
9,789 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Tinpot 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.

Tinpot is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 4.8 miles in the Aspen Ranger District of Colorado's White River National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail climbs from a low point of 8,483 feet to a high point of 9,789 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. The trailhead parking area is named Tin Pot, and the route is open year-round. The trail is a natural surface that allows both horses and bikes, making it a flexible option for riders and pack animals. Because it's a short, moderate climb, the hike works well for a day spent exploring the surrounding area. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Aspen, which sits about 1,600 feet lower, show July highs near 76°F and lows around 48°F. That station's figures run cooler at the higher end of the trail, so expect temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s with lows near freezing at night in winter. Van Horn Park and the Gandolf trail both start about 0.1 mile away. Paddlers can find Woody Creek about 1.6 miles off, and Difficult Group Campground lies roughly 6 miles away.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Tinpot

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      32° / 10°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      35° / 13°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      43° / 20°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      50° / 27°

      12 wet

    5. May

      60° / 35°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 42°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      76° / 48°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      73° / 47°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 40°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 30°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      42° / 19°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      32° / 10°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Aspen 1sw, CO, 4.2 mi away at 8,175 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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