Snowmass Colorado, Hike Spiral Point for Sunset during the fall
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Aspennn, One of the best places to visit during the fall in Colorado. While a lot of people may be inclined to visit the Maroon Bells, there’s still a number of different hikes in the area if your unable to get a reservation for the Bells. While I was visiting the Maroon Bells, I stayed at the Stonebridge Inn located in Snowmass and after almost just watching TV for the night at the last minute I decided to hop on the All Trails app and look for trails in the area. I found Spiral Point, a shorter hike, perfect for sunset and about a ten minute walk from the hotel. I’ve done a number of hikes in Colorado, but I’d have to say this one had to be one of my favorites. The views, location, and length of the hike made it perfect for an evening fall sunset.
In this post I’ll be going over how to get to Spiral point, trail details, and the best time of year to hike it. Alright lets do thissss!
Where is Spiral Point
The trailhead for Spiral Point is just outside of Snowmass Village in Aspen Colorado. You’ll want to go up Brush Creek Road veer right onto Divide road, then on the right will be a small parking lot and the trailhead. The ski resort will be to your left as well as the Snowmass Mall area.
What is parking like
There is a small lot at the trailhead and if that gets full, in the fall and summer months day parking is free at the Snowmass Mall lots. These are about a ten minute walk to Spiral Point.
Is this a challenging Hike
What I liked about this hike was that it wasn’t too far of a hike to the summit, 2.6 miles out and back with 590 feet of elevation gain. It takes around 1.5 hours depending on speed. Just make sure to watch out for Mountain Bikers as this is a shared trail! If you have kids or a dog, this is also a good easy-moderate trail to do with the whole family. Just make sure your dog is on a leash!
What is the trail like
It’s not very rocky and is going to be mostly switch backs on a dirt path. Look left and you will notice part of the Snowmass Ski resort and the Maroon Bells wilderness as you hike up. This is an awesome trail for shooting photos so whether you have a digital, phone, or film camera there’s a number of spots as you make your way to the top. (including the summit!)
Best time of day and season to hike
Sunset is going to be the best time of day to hike this trail in my opinion and I would have to say in the fall because of all the golden colors that Aspen is known for. If you’ve never been to the Colorado mountains in the fall, I highly recommend making a trip out to Aspen for all of the fall foliage!
Is the trail hard to navigate and why is it called Spiral Point
The trail is easy to navigate as there will be signs at the beginning of the trailhead and at the top. You’re going to want to take the Rim Trail South and then eventually a left onto Spiral Point! You’ve made it to the summit if you see a giant marble floor with a Ying and Yang. I believe the name of the Trail comes from the 360 degree views you have at the top!
Mt Daly, Clark Peak, and Capitol Peak (a 14er that sits at 14,131 feet) will be some of the mountain peaks that you see straight ahead. The views are pretty breathtaking at sunset and definitely worth hiking for in the evening!
Tips for Hiking Spiral Point and what to Pack
Know the Sunset time
Make sure to leave yourself enough time to get up to the top and back down before it gets completely dark. Packing a headlamp with you will be very helpful for the trek back down if needed.
Wear the proper outdoor clothing and footwear
Hiking shoes/boots- Look for anything with good traction and support. Remember to size up a little bit as your feet do swell up when hiking. I recently started hiking in La Sportiva’s and really like the designs and function of the boots.
Beanie- Pack one of these for any sunset hike in the mountains
Lightweight Down Jacket- Burtons AK Baker Down is packable, lightweight, and warm. Once the sun starts to set in the mountains you’ll want to bring this jacket out of your bag for warmth.
Hiking pants- I like anything made by Fjallraven. Lightweight, moisture wicking, and fabric that stretches for easy movement when hiking.
Pack a camera
The lighting is incredible, use a phone, digital, or film camera!
Looking for other fall adventures in Aspen? Check out Maroon Bells and Crater Lake, not far from Spiral Point! Thanks for checking out the blog, and if you have any questions or comments to add, please leave a comment below.
