This short hike has a huge wow factor. The Grottos Trail near Aspen packs ice caves, glacial rock formations, a cascading waterfall, and picnic spots into a series of short trails off Independence Pass.

My friend Lisa and I arrived before 7 a.m. and had the area almost entirely to ourselves. The early start explains my no-makeup look, but it’s worth it. Parking is limited and fills quickly after 9 a.m., especially on summer weekends.

 

Grottos Trail Details

• Location: Grottos Day Use Area near Aspen
• Distance: Less than one mile, depending on how much you explore
• Difficulty: Easy, but with slick rock and scrambling near the caves
• Trail number: Grottos Trail #2180
• Highlights: Ice caves, cascades, glacial erratics, and Roaring Fork River
• Best time to go: Summer through early fall
• Parking: Small lot at the trailhead
• Facilities: Picnic tables and vault toilets

Although it’s considered an easy, family-friendly trail, getting into the ice caves requires a short scramble. The rocks can be extremely slippery when wet or icy.

Start With the Glacial Erratics

We hiked the loop counterclockwise to reach the ice caves before the cascades. Shortly after crossing the bridge, we spotted massive boulders resting on a smooth granite slab as if they had been dropped from the sky.

They’re called glacial erratics. The large rocks were carried by a glacier and left behind when the ice melted thousands of years ago. The rounded granite formation beneath them is known as a whaleback.

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Explore the Grottos Ice Caves

It only takes about five minutes to reach the sign for the ice caves. The entrance is tucked beneath a protruding boulder near a cluster of small trees.

Getting inside requires climbing down roughly six feet. Wear hiking shoes with good traction and use your judgment before climbing down. The rocks can be icy or wet, and entering the caves is not appropriate for everyone. If the water in the river is running high, cave conditions are unsafe.

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There are usually large slabs of ice, even in summer.  With its smooth walls, it really feels like something out-of-this-world. This a place you can visit many times and never has the same experience. The ice caves are constantly changing depending on the weather.

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Walk to the Cascades

After climbing back out, follow the trail across the slick rock toward the cascades. Look for the quick detour to a large crack. That’s another opening to the ice caves you were just in. As you cross the wooden bridge, you’re treated to another interesting view of the ice caves. 

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From the bridge, it’s just a few more minutes to the cascades. Early morning sunshine just beginning to hit the rushing water makes the scene even more beautiful.

One section looked like a giant washing tub as the water swirled and churned through a bowl in the rock. There are several places to admire the cascades, explore the unusual formations, or enjoy a picnic beside the river.

Stay back from the water’s edge. Rocks around the cascades can be slick, and the current is especially powerful during spring runoff and early summer.

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Complete the Loop Past the Glacial Erratics

From the cascades, continue along the Roaring Fork River to complete the loop. This part of the trail isn’t as clearly marked and includes slick rock, so take your time and watch your footing.

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After crossing the small bridge, climb onto the smooth granite for a closer look at the glacial erratics. These massive boulders, carried and deposited by a glacier thousands of years ago, look almost as if they were carefully placed on top of the rock.

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From the erratics, the trail reconnects with the route back across the river to the parking lot. It’s a short finish to a hike packed with an impressive amount of scenery and geology.

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Getting to Grottos Trail From Aspen

The Grottos Day Use Area is about nine miles east of Aspen on Highway 82 toward Independence Pass. From Aspen, look for the entrance on the right approximately nine-tenths of a mile beyond Weller Campground. The sign and turnoff are easy to miss, so slow down as you approach.

Independence Pass is seasonal and generally closes to vehicles in late fall. Check current road conditions before heading out. 

Go early, wear shoes with excellent traction, and take your time around the slick rock. The Grottos Trail delivers an impressive dose of Colorado geology and scenery without requiring an all-day hike.

Don’t miss nearby Independence Ghost Town. It’s worthy of at least an hour stop. While in Aspen, enjoy another early morning stop at John Denver Sanctuary. It’s one of my favorite spots in town.