Blue Mountain Belle

search
  • Travel
  • Denver
  • Outdoors
  • Lifestyle
  • Style
  • About

09/01/2020

American Lake Trail outside Aspen

Aspen Colorado, Hiking, Outdoors

American Lake Trail, Aspen ColoradoAmerican Lake – Aspen

Trail: American Lake
Length: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,020
Highest Point: 11,370
Where: Maroon Bells Wilderness
Closest Town: Aspen
Directions:
Hiking Info: All Trails, Hiking Project
American Lake Trail, Aspen ColoradoWe recently spent a fabulous weekend with one of my best friends and her husband in the Snowmass/Aspen area. A friend sent me a list of recommended hikes but we decided that American Lake was the perfect length and difficulty level for our weekend hike – it really did not disappoint. After the hike, we cleaned up and went into Aspen for drink and dinner – more details at the end of the post!

American Lake Trail, Aspen Colorado

Hike & Picnic at American Lake

This hike is strenuous – 2,000 feet over 3 miles… means a pretty steady elevation gain, it wasn’t easy, but so worth it. We took our time on the way up stopping fairly frequently, about halfway up the trail evens out with a few final pushes at the end. If you’re just getting acclimated I don’t recommend this hike, wait a few days to get comfortable then pack a lunch and enjoy the day there!

American Lake Trail, Aspen Colorado


American Lake Trail, Aspen ColoradoThe first half of the hike is through gorgeous Aspen groves. I probably said 100 times that it would be absolutely stunning in the Fall. The second half is almost entirely wooded till the end where you have to cross a boulder field. The trail gets narrow but very passable, just pay attention. Four horses were ahead of us and I am not sure how they did it. Once you pass the boulder field you are almost to the lake.

American Lake Trail, Aspen ColoradoAmerican Lake Trail, Aspen Colorado American Lake Trail, Aspen Colorado

Quick Tips: American Lake

  • We got to the trailhead late like ~10:30 am on Saturday and the parking lot was full, we parked off the road
  • It took us about 2 1/2 going up and an hour going down
  • We were kinda doing a little shuffle/run down because of the grade but also we were dying to get back and get a beer! I highly suggest real hiking boots for this one (get all my hiking essentials here)
  • I also highly suggest bringing a snack or lunch, after the climb you will want to chill out lol
  • Pack a swimsuit – the water is chilly but feels good after a hike! See what all I have in my bag here.

American Lake Trail, Aspen ColoradoAmerican Lake Trail, Aspen ColoradoAmerican Lake Trail, Aspen ColoradoGirls having drinks at Hotel Jerome

Where to Eat & Drink in Aspen

I have only been to Aspen a few times and this was the first time in about five years so only a few recommendations but we all loved both of these spots! More details on my look here.

Drinks – Hotel Jerome – The famous hotel has an amazing patio with tables and lounges perfect for social distancing. Expect to pay Aspen prices with $15+ cocktails.

Dinner – Meat & Cheese – so many of yall recommended Meat & Cheese and it was so damn good! We of course got a cheese board to share then split some of the other boards too. Our waitress was so funny, we asked for her recommendation and she said the Chicken & Pork. She was like “You know Costco Rotisserie Chicken? It’s like that but even better” LOL! We had honestly had a full convo about how much we love Costco chicken earlier that day. In my opinion, the pork lettuce wraps really stole the show, the sauces – WOW so so good I wish I could bottle them! Highly recommended Meat & Cheese!

Cheese Board from Meat & Cheese AspenAmerican Lake Trail, Aspen Colorado

09/01/2020

Travel & Lifestyle Blog
Based in Denver, Colorado
Live Music Dancing Queen
Wannabe Cheesemonger

Search

Denver Guide

Blue Mountain Belle's Guide to Eating and Drinking around Denver
READ MORE

Related Posts

Where to Eat in Colorado
Roaring Fork Valley Guide
08/31/2021
Aspen, Roaring Fork Valley, Snowmass

A quick guide to exploring the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado. From where to stay and eat to the best outdoor activities.

[get_the_excerpt]
Categories: Colorado, Mountain Towns, Travel
Visiting The Maroon Bells CO
How to Visit The Maroon Bells
07/14/2021
Aspen

All the details from our day trip to the Maroon Bells outside Aspen, Colorado. Where to park, how to make a reservation and yes you can bring your dog!

[get_the_excerpt]
Categories: Colorado, Hiking, Outdoors
My Aspen Weekend Look with Mister Zimi
08/31/2020
Aspen

Rocking my favorite Australian brand Mister Zimi in Aspen + where we went for dinner and drinks

[get_the_excerpt]
Categories: Style, Summer

TRAVEL

DENVER

LIFESTYLE

ABOUT

STYLE


Blue Mountain Belle ©2019
Website Design by Kristen Poissant Studio LTD.