North Star Preserve Cross-Country Skiing

Review

Intro

Winding amongst 175 acres of preserved Roaring Fork River wetlands, the North Star Nature Preserve cross-country trail offers an unforgettable Nordic experience. The North Star Nature Preserve that has been protected to allow its natural ecology to continue with a minimum of human impact. 

What Makes It Great

When downtown Aspen is buzzing with ski vacationers, the North Star Nature Preserve is a very quiet, calming place to be. In addition to beautiful, snowy meadows and the glistening, ice-lined river, cross-country skiers will enjoy spectacular views of Independence Pass, which the Preserve backs up to. It’s likely to spot wildlife, too.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are one of the few uses permitted on its flat, open meadows close to the Roaring Fork River. Please stay on marked trails and respect the wildlife. The North Star Loop offers two, relatively flat kilometers of beginner cross-country skiing. Grooming on this trail is scheduled on an as-needed basis to minimize environmental impact.

Who is Going to Love It

Beginner Nordic skiers or those just looking for some time alone with nature will find the North Star Nature Preserve perfect to their liking.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The parking lot and trailhead is located just two miles out of downtown Aspen on Highway 82. When driving towards Independence Pass the parking lot and trailhead will be on your right.