Aspen Ranger District 806 W. Hallam Aspen, CO 81611 (970) 925-3445—Voice (970) 925-5277—Fax United States Department of Agriculture SMUGGLER MOUNTAIN ROAD #131 Length: 6 miles one-way (9.7 km) Trail Use: Heavy Beginning Elevation: 7,900 feet (2408 m) USGS Map(s): Aspen Difficulty: Moderate Ending Elevation: 10,700 feet (3261 m) ATTRACTIONS/CONSIDERATIONS: The lower end of Smuggler Road is used heavily by hikers. This popular road provides a short 1 1/2 mile workout with great views of Aspen. The remaining portion of the road to Warren Lakes is very steep and not as heavily used. ACCESS: Travel east on Hwy. 82 into Aspen, Turn north onto Mill Street. Travel 1/4 mile on Mill and turn right after the bridge onto Gibson Street. Follow Gibson Street 1/8 mile to a "y" intersection and bear left onto South Avenue. Shortly, turn right onto Park Circle and follow for 1/8 mile to the Smuggler Mountain Road on the left. There is parking on the right. NARRATIVE: The Smuggler Road is a fairly well maintained County 4WD road. The road switchbacks up Smuggler with views of Aspen below. The switchbacks get longer and in 1 1/2 miles the road curves behind Smuggler Mountain. There is a short steep path on the right leading to a platform which is good for viewing the town. To continue to Warren Lakes, go straight (the trail on the left goes to Hunter Creek.) Keep going straight past the next left, here the road becomes rugged and contines to ascend steeply. At the 2 1/2 mile mark there are some communication disks on the right. The road becomes steeper until about the 3 mile mark, then it levels off until reaching the Forest Service bulletin board at the 6 mile mark. The road continues a short distance further to the gate at Warren Lakes. The ecosystem beyond the gate is very delicate. Please respect the area by hiking only in the area around the lakes. ETHICS/REGULATIONS: Motorized vehicles are not allowed within adjacent Wilderness Areas. Before you go out, check into available routes, their conditions, ownership of land, posted areas, regulations that apply and the following rules: * * * * Respect private property. Ask permission before entering. Be considerate of other winter back-country travelers. Remember, we're all out to enjoy the outdoors. Wilderness areas and Primitive areas are CLOSED to motorized recreational vehicles. If in doubt, inquire at a local Forest Service office. Obey all signs. BEWARE OF AVALANCHES! Avalanches may occur at any time during the winter. Avoid mountainous terrain after heavy snowfalls or prolonged periods of high wind. Stay on the windblown side of ridges. Avoid crossing steep hillsides and entering narrow, steep canyons. PACK IT IN—PACK IT OUT!! LEAVE NO TRACE!! This map is intended for use as a general guide only, not for actual land navigation. The White River National Forest suggests purchasing a topographical trail map prior to your snowmobile trip.