Smuggler Mountain Road Trailhead
ELEVATION 8,007 feet
HUTSKI.COM FREE TOPO MAP: Aspen
GPS: 3438 869 E, 4339314 N
Huts accessed: Benedict
USGS 7.5 min. map: Aspen
10th Mountain Huts map: Smuggler Mountain (trailhead unmarked)
In downtown Aspen, follow Main Street (HWY 82) to the east side of town. Look for a well signed turn for Park Avenue and Smuggler Road. Take a left and follow Park Avenue (becomes Park Circle) to a small parking area and signs for Smuggler Mountain Road.
You'll find a fair amount of day parking here, but no overnight parking. During months with less snow it's possible to drive a 4x4 some distance up the Smuggler Road and overnight park on Forest Service land. Only attempt this if you're certain a winter storm will not strand your vehical.
Continue up the Smuggler Road to your chosen destination.
Please note that the Smuggler Road is a legacy of the Aspen Mining District. The complete road, from town to Warren Lakes peat bogs, is a historical treasure. Here at HutSki.com we feel such roads, while sometimes rough and steep, add to the character of the Colorado experience and should be kept in their unaltered state rather than improved. If you need 2-wheel-drive access via improved roads, use any of the Hunter Creek Trailhead options.
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