Mountain near Aspen? 7-8 miles RT?

[joelsteidl]

My in-laws are coming in town, and we'd like to do some sort of summit with them. We'll be camping near Aspen around Aug 20, but all of the 14ers are a little difficult in the area. We'd like something in the 7-8 mile roundtrip range, with moderate elevation gain. Any suggestions?

[MrFrumpylane]

Castle Peak is pretty easy.. but as for other options:

Red Mountain. You can do this hike as a loop (if you have two vehicles). Start at Hunter Creek TH on north edge of town, climb/traverse Red Mountain with fantastic views of town, ski areas, and the rest of the Elk Range. Return to same TH or carry on to Sunnyside TH if you have a second vehicle.

Buckskin Pass. Though not quite a mountain, I find the view from the pass prettier/more dramatic than many 14er summits. Start at Maroon Lake, hike to Crater Lake at base of Maroon Bells and then just head up the pass.

[me,myself,and I]

How about Electric Pass?

[Papillon]

Twining and 13500 from Indy Pass are both good, low key ops. Mileage is around 5 total with less than 2500 vert for both peaks. Nice views too. Park at the top of Independence Pass and start hiking north.

[Floyd]

Buckskin Pass. Though not quite a mountain, I find the view from the pass prettier/more dramatic than many 14er summits. Start at Maroon Lake, hike to Crater Lake at base of Maroon Bells and then just head up the pass.

Buckskin Pass isn't a mountain, but Buckskin Benchmark is and has probably the best view of Snowmass/Snowmass Lake I've seen. Class 1 pretty much the whole way, maybe a class 2 step to gain the summit http://www.summitpost.org/buckskin-bm/153002" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another option is Willoughby Mountain. Incredible View of the Snowmass/Cap ridge. I'm sure OldSchool would greatly appreciate a picture if you went that way. The only TR on this site is from SarahT in April but still applicable though. Astrobassman and I had no trouble hiking it with a mean hangover after Cheeseburglar's wedding celebration last fall so routefinding should be pretty easy when sober. Here is the view you'd be greated with: http://www.summitpost.org/capitol-snowm ... 4/c-150300" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[highpilgrim]

Again, not a mountain, but consider Geneva Lake. A beautiful hike, awesome camping and stellar views of Snowmass and Hagerman. Plus, you can climb higher on either peak if you're interested. Summits aren't critical for a great time.

[joelsteidl]

Thanks all for the suggestions!

I will let you know what we end up doing. (Mid August)

[pkripper]

Mt. Sopris wouldn't be bad.