If you’re up for a big day in the mountains but don’t feel like doing a 14er, this is your mountain.  In fact, Sopris isn’t even a 13er; it tops out at 12,985 feet. Don’t take this as an excuse to let your guard down: with a round trip of about 14 miles and a net vertical of well over 4000′, this is a real hike!

From town, Sopris looms large, casting a wide shadow and offering splendid views for miles around.  The winding, back-road approach only builds the anticipation as you near the trailhead.  I’d imagine that it depends on the exact time of year, but on our approach, cattle were meandering through the woods and across the roads as we neared the parking area.  Indeed, a good hunk of the mountainside is apparently fair game for grazing.  Ironically, right as we were musing over our good luck that cattle are such docile beasts, one feisty seeming youth decided to come chasing after us as we passed through his stomping grounds.  Unsure of what else to do, we sort of just stood there and stared him down hoping he’d get bored and leave.  We attempted to proceed before he was good and ready, which prompted him to take a few menacing gallops toward us, at which point we resumed our staring contest.  Fortunately, we won (I guess) and he sauntered off in a huff…

Bovine menaces aside, the hike was great.  About a third of the way up you come across two stunning lakes, which beautifully reflect the mountain beyond.  Eventually, the trees recede to scrub brush and finally an endless talus slope which rambles onward and upward toward the summit.

While there are no true scrambles, the steep and exposed talus slope offers constant stunning views and plenty of cardiovascular challenge, making the climb plenty rewarding.  The summit and shoulder of the climb offer great views of the mountains around Aspen, including the Maroons, Capitol, and Castle.  It’s a long, rocky, hike and you’ll be yearning for soft soil before the end but the constantly evolving nature of the trail makes it well worth it.