West Snowmass
- 9.8 mi
- round trip
- 3,192 ft
- climb
- 11,989 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is West Snowmass open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.
FSR 286, Radical Hill, is closed due to washouts and unsafe conditions
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Limited parking at Snowmass Creek Trailhead
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Grizzly Creek Trail Closure
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · Order 2026-02 · USFS · White River National Forest
Ruedi Marina Day Use area Dump Station is CLOSED
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Asbestos safety closure - Camp Hale
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
West Snowmass is a hard hike in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, part of the Aspen Ranger District of White River National Forest in Colorado. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is a natural-surface out-and-back that climbs from about 8,579 feet to about 11,989 feet over roughly 9.8 miles. The one-way gain is about 3,192 feet. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The route is long and steep, so plan for a full day on foot. East Snowmass lies about 1.3 miles away, and East Snowmass Ditch is about 1.6 miles off. For paddling, Snowmass Creek is about 2.2 miles away. Silver Bar Campground is about 7.2 miles away for an overnight base.
Go with a guide
- Mineral Belt Trail Guided WalkRoamze · $25 per person · 39 mi away
- Maroon Bells Guide and Outfitters7 mi away
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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Approach to Snowmass Mountain (14,099 ft) from Snowmass Creek, mapped to about 12,300 ft. The summit is about 1,800 ft higher, off the mapped line.
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