As you head farther up the mountain, Aspen Vista Picnic Area (13 miles up the road from town) marks the start of the most popular trail in the Sangre de Cristos. But don’t be put off by the thought of crowds, as the promised views of golden aspen groves are indeed spectacular—in the densest spots, when the sun is shining through the leaves, the air itself feels yellow. Though at a high elevation, it’s an easy hike, on a wide path with a very gradual slope across the 10 miles.