The Maroon Bells Loop, near Aspen, is an iconic trek for a reason. The four-day, three-night hike is best during the late summer when the wildflowers are out of control, or fall when the aspen leaves are changing. The route is fairly strenuous, it crosses four passes—Buckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Air, and West Maroon—over 28 miles giving you a total of 10,000 feet of elevation gain, but the scenery is so gorgeous that you won’t even notice. Bring along your fishing pole (and licensce) and try to catch some trout for dinner. Wake up early to get some great shots of 14,156-foot Maroon Peak, which the loop circumambulates. Parking at the Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead can be a pain, so take the shuttle from Aspen for free. Another option, if you are looking to really get away from everyone for a few days, is hiking from Aspen into Crested Butte by taking the East Maroon Trail over East Maroon Pass to Gothic. Stock up on trail foods at City Market and delicious specialty cheeses at Spec Foods & Cheese of Aspen to fancy-up the trip a little before embarking on the 14-mile journey which starts at the East Maroon Wilderness Portal seven miles from town. The trail follows a glacial valley interspersed with open meadows filled with wildflowers, aspens, and spruce. Camp at Copper Lake near the top of the pass so you can enjoy some great views in the morning when you get up to finish the hike.