When the campground is closed, you'll have to walk 0.6 mile down a paved road to the trailhead. And because the route is mostly in pine and fir forest, this is a good hike for dogs on a hot day. You'll eventually pass through a clearing, where your dog may be able to spot the remains of some log cabins, and arrive at a sign indicating that the trail is not maintained beyond this point. Rio Grande Trail Runs about 7 miles from Neal St. in Aspen to Jaffe Park in the neighboring town of Woody Creek. Puppy Smith St. The trail begins across the street from the post office.
Dogs can be off leash as long as they are under voice control.
If your dog is into jogging, this trail would be a perfect venue. At Cemetery Lane, the trail surface switches to gravel. As you travel westward, you'll go through the river canyon before coming onto a plateau, where the brilliant red tones of the valley are coupled with scenic vistas of the Elk Mountains to the south. About 4 miles round-trip. Take Highway 82 west out of Aspen.