The Great Outdoors

Aspen, Colorado, is a veritable outdoor playground with numerous scenic hikes and nature walks.

For an easy 1.2-mile loop with an elevation of 78 feet near Aspen, consider The Grottos Trail. Expect to see two waterfalls and explore ice caves along the way.

A moderate option is the Crater Lake Trail, a 3.9 scenic hike with rocky terrain and a breathtaking view of Maroon Bells. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring a bottle of water and a camera.

At Cathedral Lake Trail, a strenuous 5.6-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,986 feet, advanced hikers will ascend 2,000 feet along Pine Creek Canyon framed by Cathedral Peak (a mountain range stretching 13,943 feet). Want to keep going? Extend the hike with a steep hike to Electric Pass, a ridge between Cathedral Peak and Electric Peak.