Hiking American Lake Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Waterfall and Wildflowers on this Popular, Summer Day Hike
Jul 27, 2008
Hiking trails abound in Aspen, Snowmass and throughout Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley. Visitors can choose among easy, paved walking paths, moderate day treks or challenging overnight hiking trips that summit multiple mountain passes. While American Lake Trail is considered a "difficult" trail, it's one that can be completed in half a day.
Those who take the challenge and make it to American Lake are rewarded along the way with panoramic views of jagged mountain peaks, high-alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, shady spruce forests and quintessential aspen groves. And at the top: a small, clear, emerald-green body of water that's a delightful spot to enjoy a packed-in lunch.
American Lake Trail Details
Reach the American Lake trailhead by driving about 10 miles up Castle Creek Road, accessed at the Aspen Valley Hospital just west of town. The trailhead is on your right, clearly marked across from the Elk Mountain Lodge. There is no public transportation this far up Castle Creek Road, so you'll need to drive yourself (or hitch a ride).
The route is 3.2 miles one way, with an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet. The length of time required to complete the out-and-back trail naturally depends your energy level, but for folks who are accustomed to hiking in the Rockies, the trek to the lake can be easily completed in under two hours. (Flatlanders who might not be used to the high-altitude thin air or adults hiking with school-age children could take longer.)
The first half of the trail is a steady incline through aspen groves. The trail switches back (zig-zags) several times until it reaches a spruce forest. Then it's a nice flat stretch, with moderate inclines through the forest and a few high-alpine meadows. From mid-July to mid-August the wildflowers are typically in full bloom, and it's not unusual to see fields dotted with yellow, lavender, pale red and white flowers.
Before you reach the top, you'll pass through a large boulder field (also known as a scree field), with a cascading waterfall on your left. Once you reach that waterfall, you just need to make it up and through just one more section of trees before reaching American Lake.
If You Go to American Lake
Stop by the Forest Service Aspen Ranger District Office on 806 W. Hallam to pick up a sheet that details the topography for the American Lake Trail.
Wear bug repellent that protects against biting flies. The horseflies are huge, and the little ones are annoying.
Dress in layers. The high-altitude sun can be hot, but since the lake is at 11,365 feet above sea level, it's typically cool at the top. Be prepared for rain, too, with a rain jacket or poncho.
Go early! You'll want to get up to the lake and back down to the trailhead by the time typical mid- to late-afternoon summer thunderstorms hit. Plus, the small parking lot at the trailhead usually fills up by lunchtime, especially on the weekends.
Castle Creek Road is a very popular route for cyclists. As you drive to the trailhead, enjoy the gorgeous mountain scenery, but be aware of the bikers on the road, too!
If you've got energy after your hike, drive a mile up Castle Creek Road to the ghost town of Ashcroft. For $3 admission, take a self-guided tour to learn how the area was booming in the late 19th century, during the silver-mining heyday.
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