Five Aspenites share their top picks: 

“I take the LITTLE CLOUD and AJAX TRAILS from the west, going across Shadow Mountain to Gondola Plaza. The hike offers a bird’s-eye view of town.”

–Lucy Lea Tucker, public relations and brand strategist

“My favorite is the HUNTER CREEK TRAIL to VERENA MALLORY PARK—the early morning is a quiet time when the trail is empty except for an oc­casional bear sauntering near the rushing creek.”

–Carolyn Sackariason, reporter, Aspen Times

“I hike the RIM TRAIL IN SNOWMASS to ar­rive at the yin-yang plat­form when the sun crests over the mountains and the sky turns pink for my own moment of zen.”

–Sara Stookey San­chez, public relations coordinator, Snowmass Tourism

“The HUNTER CREEK TRAIL LOOP to the LANI WHITE TRAIL is my go-to hike, offer­ing ample shade and glimpses of Ajax through the trees.”

—Kimbo Brown-Schirato, client services associate, Obermeyer Wood Invest­ment Counsel

“I hike the SUNNYSIDE TRAIL before sunup. It’s so peaceful, with stunning wildflowers and spectacular views of Aspen.”

—Carolyn Barabe, guest services director, Aspen Mountain