Rim Trail South

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Rim Trail South has great views of the Elk Mountains and connects to the Rim Trail North. There are often many bikers along the trail, so keep your wits about you, especially on the switchbacks. The Rim Trail South also has a connector to Spiral Point where there is a yin-and-yang platform that looks out to Capitol Peak, Mt. Daly, and Old Snowmass. During peak wildflower season this trail offers some of the best flower viewing in the valley.

At one point along the trail, enjoy an exciting traverse across a shaley hillside. The trail offers a secure and stable platform but you'll want to focus on where you're walking and not on the views as you cross through this section.

If you have the energy and packed enough food and water, continue your hike along Rim Trail North and drop down to the Town Park where you can catch a free public bus back to the trailhead. Make sure you're up for a much longer day if you choose to do this as this add-on increases the total mileage and vertical gain significantly.

Be bear aware on this trail, as they often enjoy eating the local berries that grow on the blind side of switchbacks. Make your presence known through conversation with your hiking partner or singing your favorite song aloud if you are out by yourself!