Near Ute Trail to Ajax Sundeck
Ute Trail descent
Near Ute Trail to Ajax Sundeck
At the top of the Ute Trail
Near Ute Trail to Ajax Sundeck
It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll headed up to the top of Ajax!
Near Ute Trail to Ajax Sundeck
Recovering on a mellow stretch midway up Ute Trail
Near Ute Trail to Ajax Sundeck
Lugging a rather large, variably stoked toddler up Ajax

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Ute Trail to Ajax Sundeck

4.8 (18 Ratings)
Straight up from town to the Sundeck on top of Ajax!
2.9
mi
Distance
3,178
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
Dogs AllowedFall ColorsViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.94mi
Distance
3,178ft
Elevation Gain
127ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
11,164ft
High Point
8,000ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Power up the Ute Trail - the steepest part of the journey. Ute Trail ends at a small overlook. Punch it to the summit on the unsigned, but obvious Ajax Trail.From the trailhead, punch it up numerous switchbacks. If you can hike this whole thing, you are in damn good shape because it's steep!l Ute Trail delivers full value in just one mile. It ends at an overlook which consists of a break in the dense trees and a small plateau / rocky outcrop. Enjoy a stunning panorama of Aspen. Continue on the trail after Ute Trail ends. Ute is by far the steepest part of the journey, so get into the flow & punch it to the top of Ajax. Bring beer money for a refreshment at the Sundeck restaurant, soak in the views & take the Silver Queen gondola right back to town. Note that dogs are allowed to download the gondola, provided they are leashed. Be sure to check operating hours for the gondola in advance if you are looking for a ride down.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Rio Grande Trail

Classic Hike Route

Rio Grande Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
42 mi
+277 ft
Hunter Creek Trail

Classic Hike Route

Hunter Creek Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
7.98 mi
+774 ft
Sunnyside-Radio Tower

Classic Hike Route

Sunnyside-Radio Tower

Fall Colors
strenuous
4.99 mi
+1,576 ft
Conundrum Hot Springs

Hike Route

Conundrum Hot Springs

Birding
strenuous
16.7 mi
+2,911 ft
Intercept Lot to Rodeo Lot via Sky Mountain Park

Hike Route

Intercept Lot to Rodeo Lot via Sky Mountain Park

Birding
moderate
7.72 mi
+1,636 ft
Weller Lake

Classic Hike Route

Weller Lake

Family Friendly
moderate
0.81 mi
+236 ft
Contributors
Jason Smith