Sunnyside Trail

The trail is easily accessible from town, often via Cemetery Lane or behind the Hunter Creek condominiums. These areas typically offer parking options for trail users.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to jog the Sunnyside Trail. It is located within the White River National Forest, which generally does not charge for day-use access to trails.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail for everyone.

The trail is particularly stunning in autumn when the yellow aspen leaves are at their peak. However, it offers beautiful scenery throughout the warmer months. Be aware that sections can become muddy and slick with melting snow, especially near the treeline, during spring.

The trail is primarily a dirt singletrack with a steady uphill climb and numerous switchbacks. While generally well-graded, sections can be steep, and parts may include rocky areas. It's known for being south-facing, so it receives a lot of sun.

The Sunnyside Trail is characterized as a 'moderate' to 'hard' run due to its significant elevation gain and challenging sections. It requires good fitness, so it might be difficult for absolute beginners. However, starting from Cemetery Lane and turning back at the second intersection with the Shadyside Trail offers a shorter, roughly 6-mile round trip option.

Joggers are treated to breathtaking views of Red Mountain and the surrounding valley, the entire Aspen Valley extending to Mount Sopris, and beautiful aspen and pine forests. Notable highlights include the Sunnyside Trail Trailhead and the Aspen Grove/Radio Tower. Around mile 2, there are ideal spots for photos due to incredible vistas.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Rio Grande Trail, Gold Butte Trail, Gold Butte Climber's Trail, and Cemetary Lane Trail. It can also be extended by connecting to the Shadyside Trail or continuing towards the summit of Red Mountain or Hunter Creek.

The Sunnyside Trail itself is primarily an out-and-back route. However, it can be incorporated into longer loop adventures by connecting with other trails in the area.

The full trail is about 9.2 kilometers (approximately 5.7 miles) one way, with an elevation gain of about 505 meters. For an average jogger, the full out-and-back route could take around 1 hour and 25 minutes to 2 hours, depending on fitness level and pace.

Many runners use a small aspen grove or the Radio Tower a few miles in as common turnaround points for shorter runs. Starting from Cemetery Lane and turning back at the second intersection with the Shadyside Trail also creates a popular roughly 6-mile round trip.