About this campground
The Government trail crosses Maroon Creek via a pedestrian bridge and turns left onto a residential street. It then leaves the road and begins a steep ascent with switchbacks until reaching Buttermilk Ski area. The trail alternates between aspen groves and ski runs (signs are present to guide you across the runs). Beyond the ski area the trail climbs slowly through rolling terrain, passing through aspen, lodgepole pine, and flowered meadows where wildlife can often be seen. The trail ends at the Snowmass Ski area. The trail is not a loop so a car shuttle is recommended. It's an enjoyable day hike or mountain bike ride through aspen groves. This is a hike where a car shuttle is helpful. It is also known as Brush Creek Trail and is a popular cross country ski trail in the winter.
Getting there
From Aspen: Drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 to the Roundabout. Go around the Roundabout and turn right onto Maroon Creek Road and continue 1 mile to the Recreation Center. The trail begins behind the baseball fields. Cross the pededtrian bridge and follow the signs for the Government Trail.
Activities
- BIKING
- HIKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Silver Bar CampgroundWhite River National Forest3 mi
- Silver Bell CampgroundWhite River National Forest3 mi
- Silver Queen CampgroundWhite River National Forest3 mi
- Aspen Mountain Ski AreaWhite River National Forest4 mi
- EAST MAROON PORTAL PICNIC SITEWhite River National Forest4 mi
- Sunnyside #1987Colorado4 mi
Explore more Colorado camping
Government #1980 doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Colorado camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.