American Lake near Aspen

Not far from the popular Cathedral Lake hike in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area south of Aspen is American Lake.  Surrounded by steep cliffs that rise nearly two thousand feet above the lake, this hike is well worth the effort.  The trail climbs about 1,700 feet over three and a half miles, and has very good footing most of the way.  Once at the lake, it's not difficult to walk its circumference, and something I recommend, since there's nowhere else to go except back down.

The trailhead is a couple of miles shy of the ghost town of Ashcroft, on the south side of the Castle Creek valley.

Cathedral Lake near Aspen

The Castle Creek valley, south of Aspen, Colorado is host to several great trails.  One I'm eager to do again is Cathedral Lake.

The trail is moderately steep and rocky, but not difficult, and hikers are rewarded with great views on the way up and a spectacular scene at the top.  The above shot was taken in late summer, when the water levels were lower.  I'm eager to do this hike earlier in the season, along with its neighbor, American Lake.

The trailhead for Cathedral Lake is not too far past the ghost town of Ashcroft, on the right hand (south) side of the road.