Express Creek Road #122 – route to Taylor Pass
Government Trail #1990 – popular single track between Aspen & Snowmass
Little Annie Road – very scenic ride with great views of the Castle Creek ValleyMidnight Mine Road #118 – road follows Queens Gulch, passing through aspen and fir stands
Montezuma Basin #102 – road is very rugged in sections, but the scenery makes the effort worth while
Pearl Pass Road #102 – views from the top of Pearl Pass make the trip worth while. Continue on the road down the other side of the pass to reach Crested Butte
Richmond Hill Road #123 – Richmond Hill Road connects Taylor Pass with the top of Aspen Mountain
Summer Road #123 – a loop ride can be made by going up Little Annie and down Midnight Mine Road
Express Creek Road #122
Length: 5-1/2 miles one-way
Beginning Elevation: 9,422 Feet
Average Biking Time: 4 Hours one-way
Ending Elevation:11,928 Feet
Difficulty: Difficult
USGS Map(s): Hayden Peak
Use: Heavy
Recommended Season: Summer – Fall
Attractions/Considerations: The last couple miles are very steep and often has snow well into July.
This road gets heavy 4WD use, especially on weekends. From the top of Taylor Pass you can access the Richmond Hill Road leading to Aspen Mountain, Midnight Mine Road, and Little Annie Road.
Access: Travel west from Aspen 1/2 mile on Highway 82 and turn left at the Maroon Creek Road turnoff, then immediately take a left onto Castle Creek Road. Travel 11 miles on Castle Creek Road to the intersection with Express Creek Road. There is some parking along Express Creek Road and at the Ashcroft Historic Townsite.
Narrative: The first 1/8 mile is fairly flat, the road soon crosses a bridge and begins to climb steeply. There are several private drives along the first mile, please stay on the main road. In approximately 2 miles there is a spur to the right, stay on the main road. The road becomes a little steeper and in a another 1-3/4 miles begins a long steep uphill. The road crosses a bridge and is very steep the last mile.
From the top of Taylor Pass you can see Taylor Lake below and magnificent views of the Castle Creek Road.
