Difficult Creek Trail #2196

White River National Forest

Located within Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, the 3.0 mile Difficult Creek Trail travels from the parking to a gravel road which turns right toward the Roaring Fork River. The trail turns left at the river. After crossing a wooden bridge over the river the trail turns right and climbs the bank, crosses a broad sagebrush area and reaches Difficult Creek about 0.5 mile from the trailhead. Continuing through a pine & fir forest, crossing a side stream at 2.0 miles. Difficult Creek Trail then enters a rocky area and begins a steep ascent.

Views of Aspen & Independence Pass are available at this point. At 2.5 miles the trail levels, enters a forest and follows Difficult Creek for the rest of the hike. Beyond this point, the wilderness is classified as pristine and the maintained trail ends.

To reach Difficult Creek Trail travel 5 miles southeast of the Aspen Ranger District Office on Highway 82 and turn right into Difficult Campground. Travel 0.5 mile and park in the picnic area on the right. The trailhead is in the left corner of the lot.