If you’ve been riding up on Smuggler Mountain (above Aspen) this summer, you might have come across a new trail or two recently. With new signage now in place, it’s time to spread the word, go ride these new-to-you trails!
Back in December of 2024, Pitkin County Open Space & Trails adopted an updated management plan. Thanks to many of our members who participated in the two comment periods during this update, the plan included a couple of key “Recreation Management Actions”. Action #3 reads: “Explore feasibility of constructing an advanced mountain biking trail on the north-facing slope connecting Smuggler Mountain Road to Smuggler trails.”
Ramble On – Find the top of this fast and raw downhill-only trail near the top of Lollipop Trail, on your left, soon after the boardwalk feature. You’ll find a steep initial drop down into a wide draw, bumpy terrain, and embedded log features, before a short uphill and a crossing of the Tenth Mountain Trail. The trail continues through dark timber, picking up speed while still finding log features and other uneven terrain. This raw trail can be expected to change each season as the faster lines get ridden into shape.
Midnight Rambler – Find this rare double diamond DH only trail about 3/10 of mile up Smuggler Mountain Road from the top of Tootsie Roll Trail. You can pick from A & B line options that both drop in steeply from the road, down to Lollipop Trail, offering challenging grades and a handful of catch berms to help control speed along the way.
Thanks to those who made Midnight Rambler a reality, and to Joey Giampolo from PCOST & Derek Thomson of Apex Trails for cutting Ramble On into place. On your next ride up Smuggler, put some Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin on your playlist, then go find these trails and help us ride them into shape!
