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Red Butte Park: Aspen's Scenic Overlook

Hike to panoramic views of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley from the summit of Red Butte Park, a natural gem close to town.

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Red Butte Park, near Aspen, Colorado, offers stunning panoramic views from its summit. A short but moderately challenging hike leads to a vista encompassing the town, surrounding mountains, and the Roaring Fork River Valley, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

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  • 1470 Silver King Dr, Aspen, Colorado, 81611, US
  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky and sometimes slippery terrain on the trail.
  • Bring water, especially during warmer months, as the hike can be strenuous.
  • Consider hiking during sunrise or sunset for the most spectacular views.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Aspen city center, walk east along the Rio Grande Trail to Cemetery Lane. Continue up Cemetery Lane; the Red Butte Trailhead will be on your left. The walk from downtown Aspen to the trailhead is approximately 1.5 miles and should take about 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the free Cemetery Lane Shuttle from Rubey Park Transit Center in Aspen. The shuttle runs frequently. Get off at the Cemetery Lane stop and walk a short distance to the Red Butte Trailhead. There is no cost for the shuttle.

  • Driving

    From downtown Aspen, drive east on Highway 82 and turn onto Cemetery Lane. Due to limited parking at the trailhead, park at Henry Stein Park and walk along Cemetery Lane to the trailhead. Parking at Henry Stein Park is free.

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Discover more about Buttermilk/HighlandsView- red butte park

Red Butte Park, easily accessible from Aspen, Colorado, provides a rewarding outdoor experience with its panoramic views and short, invigorating hike. The trail to the summit, while brief, involves a moderately steep climb and some rocky sections, offering a taste of the surrounding mountainous terrain. From the top, visitors are treated to a sweeping 340-degree vista that includes iconic landmarks such as Mount Sopris, Pyramid Peak, Independence Pass, Smuggler Mountain and Red Mountain. The town of Aspen unfolds below, along with the winding Roaring Fork River, the Aspen Golf Course, and the Aspen Meadows. The red hue of the butte itself comes from iron-bearing minerals in the sediments that formed the rock. Red Butte's history is intertwined with the geological past of the Roaring Fork Valley. The red rock is composed of sediments deposited by streams flowing from the Ancestral Rockies, which were then transformed by the oxidation of iron minerals. The park is open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, offering opportunities for sunrise and sunset viewing.

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