Nathan Levi
yesterday
Open
Started from BV, a couple of gatekeeper features and after that pretty smooth then the Salida side is off camber, lots of gravel & loose rock with the sections closer to Salida pretty tricky. Lifted 2021 Tacoma on 33s
Grayson Vernon
Jun 22, 2026
Open
Fun trail with fun hard climbs/decents depending if you’re coming or heading towards Salida. I came from Salida and the first few miles is tight, some rock features and off camber spots. Middle is scenic and easy, while the decent into town is sandy with some steep decants. One tight spot. 33’s and rear locker did fine with good line choices.
Trevor Smith
May 23, 2026
Open
90% of Aspen Ridge trail is an easy groomed drive. You can skip the technical sections by using the Ute trail near Salida or entering off 285 east of Buena Vista. The BLM section when descending into Salida takes some good line selection and brief off camber moments. Managed it fine in a Tacoma. One other section near the Nathrop entrance is a narrow canyon I’d hesitate to send a full-size down. Great overlooks of the valley and relatively easy to find camping even on Memorial Day weekend. ATV tour groups use the easy sections so be ready to deal with what that entail
Rich Guess
May 16, 2026
Open
We joined this trail off of Ute leaving out of Salida. We were on adventure bike, there was some rock steps that we decided not to try. There are lots of turns, so mind the trail as you go. Several short, quick inclines, with rocks.
Dave Meiborg
Oct 26, 2025
Open
Started in Nathrop. Ended up cutting Aspen Ridge short and pulling off at Ute. bald Mountain was tighter than for a full size. I ran it solo but I would not if you don’t have the experience.
Seth Borglin
Oct 03, 2025
Open
This trail had great views but is nowhere close to being considered a blue trail. This was basically a glorified dirt road through an aspen grove. If that’s what you’re looking for, great. If not do not be deceived by the difficulty rating.
Joe Leonard
Oct 01, 2025
Open
Beautiful trail, especially in the fall. Amazing colors and Amazing views and multiple places for lookouts and great photos. We did the trail from N to S. OnX has this as a 4, and for the most part that is true, maybe even a 3, until you get to the last 4-5 miles dropping into Salida. This part alone is at least a 5, maybe a 6. Loose rock, multiple shelves to crawl down, narrow shelf road with off camber hair pin turns with wash outs in the bottom of each turn. Large boulders to maneuver around. My wife basically walked the last couple of miles while recording and guiding me down. Certainly a doable and fun trail, but takes a lot of focus and picking good lines. It would be hard to do by yourself without a spotter. Did it in my 2004 Lexus GX 470, with a 6’ lift. Smacked hard 1 time. Lots of new desert pinstripes as well!! Very narrow!! Loved it!!
Scott Battagler
Sep 24, 2025
Open
The descend into Salina is a white knuckler with a lot of roll on shelf roads.. besides that it was pretty smooth.
Glen Kaufman
Aug 26, 2025
Open
The majority of the trail was easy but there are some rocky area where we had on person get out to guide. Tight turns with some small boulders on a significant slope. Definitely need a high clearance 4x4. We started in Salida and the hit UTE trail/road looping back around. Fun excursion! Would recommend it.
Garrett Knutsen
Aug 10, 2025
Open
Very tight turns in some areas. Very rocky terrain for the first 5 miles or so. Off camber moments (about 6 or 7 times). Loose rocks and dirt with washout on the rock climbs. Deep ruts. Recommend high clearance, 4x4 with tight turn radius vehicle. Definitely air down for better grip.
Andy Bowling
Jul 21, 2025
Open
We had a great time on this trail. while it's around 30 miles it's very rocky and a little steep coming up out of salida so you may plan for a little extra time. After that initial climb you get to start enjoying the views! very beautiful all the way through. definitely recommend high clearance and 4 low. dads jeep is a little low on clearance but it performed just fine.
Travis Bennett
Jul 11, 2025
Open
Did it in a stock Gladiator Mohave. Dust,Rocky,steep In places. Scraped a few times very minimal. Long day all the way through. We also did Bald Mountain lot more technical. Narrower steep and rocky. I'd give it a 6.
Bill P
Jul 08, 2025
Open
If you start from Salida this trail is pretty challenging. I have a stock 2006 Wrangler Sport on 31s that was capable of making it but anything less than that would have issues. The views are great. We rode from Salida to the 1st T intersection and came back on the main large very well maintained county road. The only wild life we saw was chipmunks.
brandon coward
Jul 05, 2025
Open
first section that has a intersection with ute is the hardest part of aspen trail. it is definitely greater then a 4 rating.. more like a 5/6. i just completed this with a stock height tundra, HOWEVER, I do have full rci skid plates, 33 in tires, and a viper cut on my oem front bumper. I have done a few trails very similar, so i had confidence my experience would carry me through with no major issue. this trail is completely doable with a full size truck, but please know your limits and skill level. YOU WILL scrap underneath, front bumper, gain pin stripes, and are required to perhaps take lines with a spotter. if you are full size, rock sliders would be a major plus. I didnt have any .. check my pictures for clearance
Sam Addison
Jun 14, 2025
Open
