The Aspen Dayhiker

Aspen, Colorado is surrounded by designated wilderness areas renowned for their beauty and variety of terrain. This guide to 17 exceptional wilderness destinations provides an extensive description, a pictorial map and an elevation chart for each route. Journeys range from three to 23 miles with elevation gains of 1200 to 7400 feet. Trips take hikers to alpine lakes, mountain passes and a 14,000 foot peak. Early chapters focus on preparation for high altitude excursions, while final chapters introduce mammals, birds and wildflowers common to Aspen's environs. While appropriate for backpackers, the handbook advocates day trips to reduce human impact on wilderness preserves. The easiest hikes included here correspond to the most demanding walks in Aspen On Foot, a companion volume.