The Hunter Creek Valley sits opposite of Aspen Mountain between Red Mountain and Smuggler Mountain. This valley is a hanging valley, formed by a smaller glacier running into a larger glacier. It is one of my favorite things to do in Aspen.
Easy for the visitor to access by either taking the Hunter Creek bus to the trail head or a 10 minute walk from town. Pack a lunch and expect an hour long, somewhat steep hike along the rushing creek until you reach the valley then hike as far back as you would like, just remember you will have to turn around some time. Along the hike you will find old equipment that harnessed water from the Hunter Creek for the hydro power plant (now the Art Museum) down on the Roaring Fork River. Up in the valley are historic mining cabins and beaver dams. You may come across a bear if they don’t hear you coming, so let them know..