I’ve called Aspen home for thirteen years, and in that time I’ve discovered a handful of outdoor workouts that mix serious training with spectacular mountain views. When I’m not coaching at Ajax Fitness you’ll find me sweating it out on our local trails. Below are my favorite outdoor sessions (in no particular order) that you can squeeze in before work/lunch break or on a weekend adventure.
10. A Quick Smuggler Ruck
- What: A speedy hike up Smuggler Mountain with a weighted vest (about 30 lb).
- Why: Perfect for low impact cardio. I push the pace on the way up and with the vest on i still get worked on the way down.
- When: Year‑round — it’s close enough to downtown to fit into a lunch break.
9. Rio Grande to Cemetery Lane Run
- Route: Start at Rio Grande Park, follow the paved path along the river to the bridge, head up Cemetery Lane, then loop back into town.
- Distance: Roughly 4–5 miles; adjust pace for an easy Z2 run or tempo effort.
- Winter friendly: The Rio Grande trail is plowed in winter, so you can run this loop even when other trails are buried.
8. Track Work at the Aspen High School
- Session idea: 8 × 800 m repeats with a two‑minute rest. Run each rep at your goal 5 km pace or slightly faster.
- Views: Panoramic mountain backdrops make speed work more enjoyable.
- Note: The track is open any time during the school’s summer break and before 8.30 or after 4 for the rest of the year.
7. Skinning the Ski Mountains
- Options: Buttermilk for beginners; Aspen Mountain for a steeper challenge.
- Skill: Get comfortable skinning on gentler slopes before tackling the big hills.
- Why: A great way to build endurance and get exercising outdoors in the winter.
6. Road Bike Ride to the Pine Creek Cookhouse
- Route: Pedal from town up Castle Creek Road to the Pine Creek Cookhouse.
- Reward: Epic alpine views and a hearty lunch at the top.
- Tip: Bring layers — the higher altitude can be chilly even in summer.
5. Hill Repeats on Cemetery Lane
- Location: Cemetery Lane is one of the few places that stays clear of snow in winter.
- Workout: Alternate running hill sprints with heavy carries (sandbags, farmers carries) to build power and endurance.
- Why: Short, steep hills are efficient for strength training when you don’t have much time.
4. Hunter Creek ↔ Smuggler Trail Loop
- Route: Start at Hunter Creek Trail and finish at the bottom of Smuggler.
- Distance: Around 4–5 miles of trail running with steady vertical gain.
- Season: Works in summer or winter — expect post‑holing when the snow is deep.
3. The Ute Trail
- Intensity: Even a slow hike is a great cardio workout; pushing hard turns it into a Zone‑4 burner.
- Personal best: My current record is a sub‑18‑minute climb — see if you can beat it!
- Tip: Use poles for extra stability
2. Mountain Biking the Rim Trail
- Start: Park at the Snowmass Rodeo lot and pick up the Rim Trail near Snowmass Center.
- Why: Flowing single‑track with playful ups and downs. I especially love the descent through 7 Stars after the north rim.
- Beginner option: Stick to the south rim if you’re new to mountain biking.
1. Aspen Mountain Hike/Run
- The challenge: A relentless climb straight up Ajax. No matter how fit you are, it never feels easy—you just go faster.
- Benchmark: For a threshold session I push as hard as I can; my PR is 51 minutes. Hiking at a steady pace still provides an excellent Z2 workout.
- Bonus: Ride the gondola down to save your knees.
Supplement Your Outdoor Training at Ajax Fitness
Outdoor workouts are incredible, but sometimes you need weights, recovery tools and professional guidance. At Ajax Fitness, we offer:
- A state‑of‑the‑art gym where you can connect with a personal trainer and access top‑quality equipmentajaxfitnessaspen.com.
- Recovery services such as contrast therapy, a cold plunge and an infrared sauna — all designed to reduce inflammation, speed recovery and improve circulationajaxfitnessaspen.com.
- All‑inclusive memberships that provide unlimited gym access (6 am–9 pm daily) and quarterly goal reviewsajaxfitnessaspen.com.
Taking advantage of both outdoor adventures and structured gym sessions will keep you balanced and injury‑free. For more local workout ideas or to set up a personalized training plan, feel free to drop me a message or stop by Ajax Fitness — Aspen’s premier fitness hubajaxfitnessaspen.com.