Maroon Creek Trail, Aspen

If time and stamina are lacking, yet you still crave to wander into Aspen's famed backcountry, give this 4.5-mile (7.2-kilometer) hike some consideration. Rated moderate, the trail wanders through stands of shimmering aspens and towering lodgepole pines providing rare viewing access to mule deer and elk. Bring your pole and fish for cutthroat trout in Maroon Creek, or the many beaver ponds. The trail culminates by spilling out on Maroon Lake and its spectacular views of the famed Maroon Bells . Bus service at the lake spares you the time and energy of having to hike back.