Overview
This route up Bald Knob has fine views of the town of Aspen and the Elk Range. The hardest part of the route is finding the trailhead, but once on route, the route is easy to find and follow.
Part of the gentle sections of the slopes of Bald Knoll on January 19 2009. Maroon Bells and the Elk Range are in the background. Getting There
Getting to the trailhead can be confusing because it is just outside the huge resort town of Aspen. From the intersection of Main Street and Mill Street in Aspen, drive north on Mill Street and across the bridge over the river. Turn left onto Red Mountain Road and follow it for about a mile. Turn right on Hunter Creek Road. Just after 0.2 miles, turn left and to a parking lot marked for the 10th Mountain Division Parking Area.
Hunter Creek not far from the trailhead. Route Description
From the trailhead you are going to have to walk up the road until it crosses Hunter Creek on a bridge. Follow the trail up Hunter Creek and bear left at the major junction which is marked with a sign for Red Mountain/Lenado. The trail climbs up the south facing and open slope and climbs through a long meadow. After the long meadow, the trail enters the forest gets much steeper the second half of the trip and reaches McNamara Hut after 5.7 miles.
From the hut, Bald Knob is another mile. Head south up the little valley and near its head curve southeast and to the summit of Bald Knob. The summit is very broad and affords good views all around.
The round trip distance to the summit is 13.4 miles and 2750 feet elevation gain. Most people will want to stay in the McNamara Hut and make an overnight trip of it.
My father on the broad summit of Bald Knob on January 19 2009. Essential Gear
Snowshoes or skis and normal winter gear is required. An ice axe and crampons are not required.