Trail Information and Road Conditions | Independence Pass area | Smuggler Mountain/Warren Lakes Road #133

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SMUGGLER MOUNTAIN/WARREN LAKES ROAD #133

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Trail: Smuggler Mountain/Warren Lakes Road #133

Region: Independence Pass area

Difficulty: moderate

Description: Smuggler Mountain Road is a fairly well maintained Pitkin County 4WD road. The road switchbacks up Smuggler and provides views of Aspen below. At 1 1/2 mile the road curves behind Smuggler Mountain. There is a short steep path on the right leading to a platform which is good for viewing Aspen. To continue to Warren Lakes go straight on the road (the left fork goes to Hunter Creek). In a short distance the road becomes a rugged 4WD road and continues to climb steeply. At the 2 1/2 mile mark there are some communication microwave reflectors on the right. The road becomes steeper until about the 3 mile mark, then the steepness eases. Soon the road becomes level with only brief sections of steepness until reaching the gate at Warren Lakes. The gate is locked. It is National Forest System land, but the area surrounding Warren Lakes is closed to motorized vehicles.

Directions: Travel east on Highway 82 into Aspen and turn north onto Mill Street. Travel 1/2 mile on Mill and turn right after the bridge onto Gibson Street. Follow Gibson Street 1/8 mile to a "Y" intersection and bear left onto South Avenue. Turn right onto Park Circle and follow it for 1/8 mile to the Smuggler Mountain Road on the left. There is parking on the right. The lower end of Smuggler Road is used heavily by mountain bikers, runners, and hikers. This popular road provides a short 1 1/4 mile workout with great views of Aspen. The remaining portion of the road to Warren Lakes is very steep and not as heavily used.

Map: Aspen

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