Grottos Trail: Aspen's Natural Playground
Explore Aspen's Grottos Trail: A short, scenic hike with ice caves, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. Perfect for families and nature lovers!
The Grottos Trail, located near Aspen, Colorado, is a short, easy hike featuring geological wonders like unusual boulders (erratics), ice caves, and cascading waterfalls. This popular spot offers a family-friendly outdoor experience with opportunities for exploration and picnicking.
A brief summary to Grottos Trail
- 26692 CO-82, Aspen, Colorado, 81611, US
- +1970-925-3445
- Monday 8 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
- Thursday 8 am-9 pm
- Friday 8 am-9 pm
- Saturday 7 am-8 pm
- Sunday 8 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during peak season, as the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
- Wear appropriate footwear, especially if you plan to explore the ice caves, as they can be slippery.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities along the trail.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, and be aware of potential hazards such as high water during spring runoff or after heavy thunderstorms.
- Be sure to follow the cairns and path markers to avoid getting lost, especially near the ice caves.
Getting There
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Driving
From Aspen, drive east on Highway 82 (Independence Pass) for approximately 9 miles. The Grottos Trail parking area is on the right side of the road, just past the Weller Campground. The sign can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out. Parking is free, but limited, so arrive early.
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Public Transport
Take the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus from the Aspen bus station towards Glenwood Springs. Request a stop at the Grottos Picnic Area, approximately 3.5 miles from Aspen. From there, walk a short distance back towards the road to find the Grottos Trailhead entrance. A one-way fare on the RFTA bus within the Aspen zone is typically around $3.
Discover more about Grottos Trail
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ute Cemetery
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New Smuggler Mine Corporation
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Elk Mountain Expeditions
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Aspen Love Story
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Aspen, Co.
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The Little Nell
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The Little Nell Boutique
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Columbine of Aspen
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Gondola Plaza
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Blazing Adventures Aspen
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Little Ollie's Aspen
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Charles Cunniffe Architects
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Betula Aspen
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Upstairs Aspen
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Silverpeak Dispensary
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Unmissable attractions to see
Grottos Day Use Area
0.3 km
Explore Aspen's Grottos: Waterfalls, ice caves, and stunning rock formations await in this natural playground just a short drive from town.
Independence Ghost Town
8.4 km
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North Star Nature Preserve
10.2 km
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Ashcroft Ghost Town
11.0 km
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Independence Pass
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Smuggler Mine tours
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Glory Hole Park
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Herron Park
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Aspen Mountain Ski Resort
12.7 km
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Silver Queen Gondola
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Aspen Art Museum
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Aspen Whitewater Rafting
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Aspen, downtown
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Westy's Tap & Tavern (Westbound & Down Aspen)
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Wagner Park
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Essential places to dine
Jour De Fête
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Living Room - W Aspen
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Element 47
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Ajax Tavern
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Poppycock's
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Mezzaluna
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Big Wrap
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Zane's Tavern Aspen
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Aspen Country
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Silverpeak Grill
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CP Burger
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Clark's Oyster Bar - Aspen
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Kenichi Aspen, est 1991
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Casa Tua Aspen
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Catch Steak Aspen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Green Joint - Aspen Rec Dispensary
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ASPENX
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MAX Women’s Clothing
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LIV Aspen (Formerly 02 Boutique)
12.8 km
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Nuages
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Gorsuch
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Harper and Hudson
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Alo
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Duchess and the Dude
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Meridian Jewelers
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The Little Bird
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Pitkin County Dry Goods
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Hermès
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Susie's Aspen
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Ralph Lauren
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
39 Degrees Lounge
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Ponyboy Aspen
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The Wine Bar
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Silver City Aspen
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Shadow Mountain Lounge
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Mountain Social Bar & Lounge
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Caribou Club
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Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar
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The Sterling Aspen
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J-Bar
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Hefner Lounge
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Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro Aspen Highlands
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Three Peaks Bar & Grille
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Black Saddle Bar & Grille
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NEST Bar & Grill
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
ASPENX Mountain Club
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Horse Farm
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Matchstick Productions Lounge
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Leadville Rod & Gun Club
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King's Club
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Altitude Bar and Grill
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The Gambit Bar
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Bad Kitty Lounge
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Inspirato Vail Member Lounge
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The George Restaurant & Pub
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Palisades Restaurant
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Crested Bucha
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I Bar Ranch
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Alamo Saloon
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