Red Butte Trail

About

The Red Butte Trail is a short, difficult single-track hike located in Aspen, Colorado. It ascends the reddish rock uplift of the Maroon Formation to a summit at 8,281 feet. The trail spans approximately 0.5 miles and typically takes about 20 minutes to complete, though some sources note a length of up to 0.75 miles depending on the specific route taken. The path consists of loose dirt and rock, with a steep climb of roughly 391 feet. Hikers should expect slippery conditions on the descent and occasionally hard-to-follow visibility along the single-track. The route is suitable for use in both directions and is open year-round. Parking is available at the trailhead. The primary reward for the effort is panoramic, 360-degree views of the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen. The trail is dog-friendly and generally considered hard in physical difficulty due to the scrambles and steep gradient.