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Straight up from town to the Sundeck on top of Ajax!


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Map Key

3.1

Miles

5.0

KM

Point to Point

11,207' 3,416 m

High

7,996' 2,437 m

Low

3,211' 979 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

20%

Avg Grade (11°)

47%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is the quickest way to get the highest directly from town. Ute Trail goes through a beautiful forest and is the most pristine section of this hike. Ute is often crowded, so you might need to stop or slow down on the steep switchbacks. Most day-hikers turn back at the end of Ute.

Ajax Trail is a combo of singletrack & resort service road. You'll be hiking next to lifts / equipment, but the outing has great flow overall & the views just keep getting better.

Need to Know

If the Silver Queen Gondola is running, you can download for free. Dogs are allowed to download, but must be leashed. Bring beer money for a cool one at the Sundeck!

Description

Power up the Ute Trail - the steepest part of the journey. Ute Trail ends at a small overlook. Punch it to the summit on the unsigned, but obvious Ajax Trail.

From the trailhead, punch it up numerous switchbacks. If you can hike this whole thing, you are in damn good shape because it's steep!l

Ute Trail delivers full value in just one mile. It ends at an overlook which consists of a break in the dense trees and a small plateau / rocky outcrop. Enjoy a stunning panorama of Aspen.

Continue on the trail after Ute Trail ends. Ute is by far the steepest part of the journey, so get into the flow & punch it to the top of Ajax. Bring beer money for a refreshment at the Sundeck restaurant, soak in the views & take the Silver Queen gondola right back to town.

Note that dogs are allowed to download the gondola, provided they are leashed. Be sure to check operating hours for the gondola in advance if you are looking for a ride down.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jason Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 16 votes

#1

in Aspen

#584

Overall
  4.8 from 16 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Aspen

#122

in Colorado

#584

Overall
22 Views Last Month
11,525 Since Jun 30, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
7%
7%
80%
7%

Photos

Lugging a rather large, variably stoked toddler up Ajax
Jun 30, 2015 near Aspen, CO
It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll headed up to the top of Ajax!
Sep 26, 2022 near Aspen, CO
Coming around the corner on East Rim Trail.
Apr 3, 2015 near Aspen, CO
Top of the Ute Trail!
Jun 16, 2015 near Aspen, CO
Ute Trail descent
Jun 16, 2015 near Aspen, CO
At the top of the Ute Trail
Jun 16, 2015 near Aspen, CO

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