For those willing to pay the entry price up Smuggler Mt. Road… The great riding up in the Hunter Creek area now has a significant addition to the trail system!
This project, which was in the planning and approval phase for several years, and was delayed from a planned Fall 2014 construction, is one of several outcomes from the Smuggler Mountain – Hunter Creek Collaborative Plan that is now being implemented step by step each year. Although located on White River National Forest land, the trail’s construction (by Progressive Trail Design) was generously funded by Pitkin County Open Space & Trails.
This is the Hunter Creek area’s first machine built singletrack trail. The flowing alignment features playful grade reversals to keep water off the tread, provides plenty of fun on the descent, and also provides respite from short steeper sections on the way up. Nearly two miles long, the trail rides well both up and down.
Along the trail, you’ll enjoy aspen groves, scrub oak, and destination worthy views. As the trail traverses back and forth across the steep hill side, you’ll be treated to views of the grassy meadows along the Hunter Creek, and in the distance, views of the Williams Range. On the upper part of the trail views open up back towards Aspen, the local ski mountains, and Elk Range.
Find the top of the trail where Upper & Lower Plunge trails (aka Sunnyside trail) crosses over Red Mountain Rd. The bottom of the trail meets the Hunter Creek Trail above the uppermost bridge in this hanging valley.
Use the Hummingbird Trail as part of longer rides connecting Smuggler trails like Lollipop Trail, Iowa Shaft Trail, to get to or from 4 Corners area, Hunter Creek Overlook trail, Van Horn Park, and Hobbit Trail.
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