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Hey, if you missed Part 1, start here!
Sure, Aspen is a touristy place. But it’s for a good reason. Located approximately four hours away from Rocky Mountain National Park by car, it’s known as a world class skiing and snowboarding destination. However, we were here for its dreamy fall color😍.
Day 3: Hanging Lake
We left Estes Park in the morning and decided to stop by Glenwood Springs to visit Hanging Lake. I have always wanted to hike this trail after seeing pictures of its turquoise color lake. The hike is about 1.6 mile one way with 1000ft elevation gain and is rated as moderate.
Note: A permit is required to go on this hike. Check here for permit information.
From the parking lot, you will walk a few minutes on the paved road before reaching the trailhead.
Even thought the trail is short, the steep gain in elevation can make this hike a challenging one. Make sure you are wearing a good pair of hiking shoes since the trail is also rocky the majority of the way.
There are benches throughout this trail, so take your time to rest if you need to catch your breath before charging on to the last stretch of the trail which is the steepest part.
The view at the end is totally worth it! Look closely into the lake and you will spot the brook trout which were introduced to the lake by the Forest Service.
Tips: If you decide to take the shuttle to get here, make sure you don’t reserve the last bus if you think you will need more time on the hike.
Day 4, AM: Maroon Bells
Like Hanging Lake, you will also need a permit to visit Maroon Bells. Check here for permit information. There are various hikes for different experience levels. To give our tiring legs a break, we decided to hike the easy 1.9 mile scenic loop trail.
Day 4, Afternoon: Independence Pass
Independence pass is a classic Colorado drive. It also offers some great hiking trails. We decided to hike part of the Lost Man Trail (9 miles one way, difficult) in the afternoon.
If you only have a few hours like we did, Lost Man Pass (4.6 mile roundtrip) is a good turnaround point. Want a day hike or something more challenge? Combining the 4 mile stretch of Independence pass road, the trail becomes lost man loop trail(13 miles).
We started our hike from upper lost man trailhead. You might see the Linkins lake trail sign first (image below). Don’t worry, you are on the correct trail. Both trails share the same trailhead until the junction.
After 0.2 miles, you will come to the junction, stay right.
You are now entering Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. Due to the tundra climate, most of the plants here are short shrubs and flowers. Make sure you wear a warm layer, it can be very windy up here. We also saw a lot of puppies along the way, so it’s definitely a dog friendly trail 🙂
Eats
Masala & Curry: 730 Cooper Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Great location to grab a lunch, near hanging lake shuttle place.
Mod’s Thai House: 132 Midland Ave, Basalt, CO 81621. If you want to avoid staying in more expensive Aspen area and choose to stay at Basalt, give this Thai place a try!
Heather’s Savory Pies & Tapas Bar: 166 Midland Ave, Basalt, CO 81621. Friendly staff, good vibe and hearty pie😋
Big Warp: 520 E Durant Ave #101, Aspen, CO 81611. Busy lunch spot, but the line moves pretty fast and the wrap is tasty. Only downside is you have to pay expensive street parking 🙁
Final Stop, Great Sand Dunes National Park!
