The Grottos Trail in Aspen is a hiking path that travels past waterfalls, rapids, and grottos. During the winter, the pools inside the caverns freeze, covering them in ice. In the colder months, visiting this snow-covered path with family can be a lot of fun, as long as the weather isn’t too rough to cause a closure.
Getting There
The easiest way to access the grottos is on the Grottos Trail, which is a heavily trafficked, half-mile-long path, great for all experience levels. Due to year-round activity on this trail, the pathway is kept up, allowing strollers to travel with ease, even during winter.
If you do choose to visit in the winter, it’s best to wear snowshoes and attire that is appropriate for coming in contact with the snow. However, it’s also a great place to go walking in the summer, and children often enjoy sliding on the rocks and playing in the water.
There are also nearby waterfalls to explore and dogs are permitted on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. The trail is located within the White River National Forest.
To get to the Grottos Trail from Aspen, drive nine miles east on Highway 82. Once you get to Weller Campground, continue on for another 0.9 miles to reach the right trailhead. Make a turn and drive the last 200 feet to the parking lot.
Highway 82 also continues east as Independence Pass over the Continental Divide. It leads you to Twin Lakes, in between Leadville and Buena Vista.
Details
Address: 26692 CO-82, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-925-3445
Season: Year-round
Website: fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40499