Snowmass, Colorado is an amazingly beautiful destination. Many flock to Snowmass every year for the amazing skiing and snowboarding during the winter and the amazing natural beauty in the summer. No matter what time of year you go, you will need to check out the amazing views that Snowmass has to offer. Here are our top five spots for gorgeous Colorado sightseeing in Snowmass.
Western Skyline
One of the best places to breathe in the amazing views of Snowmass is the Western Skyline. Between Snowmass and Aspen lies Owl Creek Road. This off the main trail road winds up and over rolling hills and through a massive pasture. In the summertime you will see the rolling green grass and wildflowers strewn across this open pasture. In the summer, this pasture is covered in a fine layer of snow that puts you in a painting of Americana. If you are looking for more views than just the greenery, you will also see many different examples of the wildlife that calls Snowmass home. You will see everything from horses and elk that roam the pasture to smaller critters that love the trees and hollows around the pasture. If you are lucky, you may even see a bear or two in the summer. This area is capped off with a beautiful red barn that just sums up the countryside beauty of Snowmass.
The Ice Age
The Ice Age is one of the most fun and historic views in all of Snowmass. This view starts by traveling up to Snowmass’ Sam’s Knob. Sam’s Knob is a well-known ski lift during the winter, but in the summertime, it will serve as a portal to an ancient world. Looking off of Sam’s Knob, you will see lines of aspen trees and a nearly perfectly round lake below. This lake is Ziegler Reservoir, which is a repository for thousands of perfectly preserved fossils of Ice Age animals. The fossils include hulking animals such as mastodons and ancient camels. These fossils were discovered in 2010 by accident by a bulldozer operator who was not expecting to find anything but more dirt. This is a truly unique experience that you must see while you are in Snowmass for some of the best sightseeing in Colorado.
Mount Daly
One of the best lookouts in all of Snowmass looks out to Mount Daly. The lookout point is just one mile into the flat and easy Ditch Trail and offers major rewards of pristine views of the greenery around Snowmass. This trail is not a difficult one to climb and offers an amazing payoff for little to no effort. The lookout gives visitors looks at the magical Snowmass Creek Valley. The Valley is covered by aspen and evergreen trees that lead up to Mount Daly. After you see this amazing view, you can continue down the 1.62 miles of the Ditch Trail which is amazing for every level of hiking experience. The trail follows an old irrigation ditch and will continue to offer amazing views of Mount Daly and the Maroon Wilderness area of the East end of Snowmass for some of the best sightseeing in Colorado.
Colorado Sightseeing at Maroon Bells
Often referred to as the most photographed peaks in North America, the Maroon Bells are an extraordinary destination not to be missed during a visit to Snowmass Village. The most convenient and eco-friendly ways to see the Maroon Bells is via shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands or by bike. There are tickets for the midday shuttle that runs from 8 am to 5 pm every 15 minutes. Advanced reservations are recommended due to the volume of people who are looking to see the Maroon Bells via shuttle. The tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for kids. If you choose to drive, advanced parking reservations are required. When the shuttle is running, there are half day, whole day, or overnight permits. Parking reservations start at $10.
Spiral Point
Spiral Point is one of the most zen and beautiful locations in all of Snowmass. Spiral Point is a 2.6-mile trail that makes up part of the full Rim Trail and offers incredible views of Snowmass Village and the surrounding mountains and valleys. You will make your ascent up the overlook and end up on what is known locally as the ying yang. This is a marble platform that encircles a giant black and white ying yang symbol. Once you reach the scenic overlook at Spiral Point, take in the 360-degree view of the valleys, reservoir below and peaks above. Once you’ve had your fill of magnificent scenery you can choose to turn back or continue on through aspen groves and along the very scenic Rim Trail ridgeline until the trail ends at the pavement at the top of Sinclair Road. From there, you can either opt to continue your hike to Rim Trail North or you can make your way back to the trailhead. This is a great way to see all of what Snowmass has to offer.
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