Aspen Ridge

Aspen Ridge

Aspen Ridge
Aspen Ridge

Distance

38.0 mi

Technical Rating

4 Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

High-Clearance 4x4 Trail

Accessible By

Trail Overview

Aspen Ridge is a well-known trail for tourists, but the version we recommend is different. This version includes Aspen Ridge in the middle of the run, but it also has a road with an interesting hill on the southern end. We suggest that you connect to Bald Mountain on the northern end. While you can visit this Jeep trail at any time of the year, it is best known for its fall beauty when the aspen trees are changing color. In the spring and early summer, the trail is alive with the yellow of a golden pea, and in midsummer, it is still beautiful, but not as colorful. Aspen Ridge itself is situated in the middle of this trail. The northern section, before turning toward Bald Mountain, has open rangeland, and the abandoned quarry in the southern part is full of water. Bald Mountain is a great spot to enjoy the lovely views across the Arkansas Valley. If you're lucky, you may even spot Bighorn up there.

Weather

Status Reports

Geoffrey Meyer
Nov 12, 2024
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Temporarily Closed
Posted Sign
“Road closed ahead no public access” could have been just for today idk
Brannon Stone
Oct 26, 2024
2023 Can-Am Maverick Trail 1000
Open
Normal
Mario Dibona
Oct 23, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Rough/Deteriorated
Salida/South side of trail on CR173 is tight for a full sized truck. About 2 miles of a legit 4x4 trail. Don’t take your Honda Element up this side going towards Aspen Ridge. Ran trail with modified 76 Bronco with no issues.
Running Ranger Raptor
Oct 14, 2024
4x4
Open
Tougher on the south end coming out of Salida…a solid 5. My dead stock Ranger Raptor was at its limit, clearance-wise. Larger vehicles would be significantly challenged on the shelf road in the first few miles heading north. The rest of the trail was fun and full-size pickups may find some portions too small or experiencing break over problems. Toward the north end, we had to pick our way around as construction had one exit to pavement blocked.