Explore Aspen's Foliage Along Government Trail

The Government Trail is beautiful and relaxing during spring and summer, but my favorite time to hike it is during fall because it goes through countless numbers of Aspen groves, which have turned a majestic yellow. After a moderate ascent for the first couple of miles, the trail become flat and peaceful for your viewing pleasure!

The best way to access the trailhead is by parking at the Aspen Recreation Center then crossing Maroon Creek via a pedestrian bridge. Turn left onto a residential street and you'll find the trailhead on the right side of the road a couple hundred yards up.

It begins a steep ascent with switchbacks until reaching Buttermilk Ski area. The trail alternates between aspen groves and ski runs. Beyond the ski area the trail climbs slowly through rolling terrain, passing through aspen, lodgepole pine, and flowered meadows where wildlife can often be seen.

After about 10 miles, the trail ends at the Snowmass Ski area. The trail is not a loop so either set up a car shuttle or take the free bus back to Aspen.