Discover Snowmass
Accommodation in Snowmass
Trail routes and use
The Basalt-Old Snowmass Trail connects Basalt with the Rio Grande Trail. It is paved and open year-round; in winter, it is groomed for Nordic cross-country skiing. Two different details are important for planning: the connection describes the route, while winter grooming describes a seasonal use of the trail. Since grooming conditions can change, check the current trail status before your visit.
The Rio Grande Trail runs through Snowmass Canyon, crossing Lower River Road twice and staying close to the Roaring Fork River. This description brings together three specific points of reference: the canyon route, the road crossings, and the proximity to the river. In contrast to the Basalt-Old Snowmass Trail, the focus here is on the landscape setting and crossings, not on a paved surface or winter grooming. This makes it possible to distinguish the two trail descriptions by different features.
Old Snowmass: Dark skies and nature
The designation of Old Snowmass recognizes the protection of the nighttime environment through comprehensive lighting guidelines, educational initiatives, and active conservation measures. The three components have different emphases: lighting guidelines address how light is used, educational initiatives share knowledge, and conservation measures represent active efforts. For travelers who factor conservation into their choice of destination, protecting the nighttime environment is a distinct consideration alongside trails and activities.
Large herds of elk and mule deer regularly migrate through the Old Snowmass valley. Wildlife migration is a landscape feature alongside the trails described here. The Windstar Preserve in Old Snowmass has a publicly accessible loop trail for horseback riding. The information differs depending on the activity: wildlife migration describes a feature of the valley, while the preserve offers a specific riding loop.
Route length and access
The Capitol Creek Loop is 6.6 miles long, including the out-and-back distance. This figure therefore covers the entire route, not just the distance to the turnaround point. When comparing trail lengths, check whether the return trip is already included. This makes it easier to factor the distance into your travel plans. That is about 10.6 kilometers for the full loop.
The Capitol Creek Trailhead can be reached from Old Snowmass via Snowmass Creek Road. The final mile is on a road that requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Road and access conditions can change seasonally; check them in advance. The four-wheel-drive requirement applies to access to the trailhead, while the 6.6 miles refers to the Capitol Creek Loop, including the return trip. This keeps access requirements and route length clear as two separate planning considerations.
Discover more destinations: Snowmass Village, Aspen, Woody Creek, Carbondale
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