Underground Aspen: Inside the Smuggler Mine Tour
A guided 1.5-hour walk into Aspen’s underground silver story
The tunnel swallows sound the way snow softens a town. You step under the timbered portal of Aspen’s historic Smuggler Mine and the daylight narrows to a coin-sized glint behind you. The rock walls bead with a cool sheen. The air steadies at cellar temperature, a quiet breath that carries the faint tang of mineral and history. Ahead, the passage angles into the mountain—1200 feet of original drifts that once pulsed with the hopes, sweat, and stubborn grit of silver miners who pulled fortunes from this seam above town.
Trail Wisdom
Dress for the Mine, Not the Weather
The mine stays cool year-round. Wear pants and a light jacket or sweatshirt even on hot days.
Footing First
Closed-toe shoes with good traction are required—expect uneven ground, damp spots, and occasional low ceilings.
Hydrate Smart
Bring a small water bottle; there’s no water source inside the mine and the dry mountain air can sneak up on you.
Light and Lens
Low light favors steady shots—brace your elbows against timbers and use a wide aperture. Flash can flatten texture.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Smuggler Mountain Observation Deck for sweeping post-tour valley views
- •Victorian-era facades along Aspen’s Durant and Hyman Avenues—best appreciated on a quiet morning
Wildlife
Mule deer on the lower slopes of Smuggler Mountain, Red fox along neighborhood edges at dawn and dusk
Conservation Note
Much of the Smuggler area has undergone remediation—stay on designated paths, don’t touch artifacts, and pack out everything you bring in.
In 1894, the Smuggler Mine produced a celebrated silver nugget weighing more than a ton, cementing Aspen’s place in mining lore.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Smaller crowds, Cool temperatures
Challenges: Mud on access roads, Variable weather
Spring in Aspen brings thaw and fewer visitors. The mine remains a consistent, cool experience even as conditions change outside.
summer
Best for: Family travel, Pairing with hikes
Challenges: Peak visitation, Afternoon thunderstorms
Summer is prime season—book ahead and consider a morning tour to avoid crowds and storms.
fall
Best for: Aspen foliage views, Comfortable temps
Challenges: Limited daylight, Shoulder-season schedules
Golden hillsides make a perfect pre- or post-tour backdrop. Check tour times as days shorten.
winter
Best for: Ski-day contrast, Stable indoor conditions
Challenges: Snow-packed roads, Cold transitions
Warm up from the slopes with a different kind of Aspen adventure. Expect slick parking lots and bundle up for the walk to the portal.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Hiking ShoesEssential
Grippy soles help on damp, uneven mine floors and short outdoor approaches.
Light Jacket or SweatshirtEssential
The mine interior stays cool even in midsummer, so an extra layer keeps you comfortable.
Compact Headlamp or Flashlight
Guides provide lighting, but a small personal light helps you examine details without using a phone.
Small Water BottleEssential
There’s no water inside the mine, and the dry air can dehydrate you quickly.
Common Questions
How far do we go inside the mine?
The guided route covers approximately 1,200 feet of original tunnels and shafts, with stops to examine equipment and geological features.
What is the minimum age to join?
Participants must be at least 7 years old; this is for safety due to uneven terrain and low ceilings in some areas.
Is it claustrophobic?
Passages are narrow in places and ceilings can be low, but groups move at a relaxed pace with a guide. If you’re very sensitive to tight spaces, consider a morning slot when traffic is lighter.
How cold is it inside?
The mine remains cool year-round—plan for a light jacket or sweatshirt regardless of outdoor temperatures.
Are photos allowed?
Yes. Photography is welcome—just keep flash to a minimum, stay with the group, and be mindful of footing while shooting.
Where do we meet and can I park there?
Tours meet at 100 Smuggler Mountain Road in Aspen. Free on-site parking is included for tour guests.
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes for traction on damp, uneven mine floors; Light jacket because temperatures stay cool underground; Compact flashlight to spotlight details without relying on a phone; Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in Aspen’s dry mountain air.
Did You Know
Aspen was originally called Ute City and was renamed in 1880; the Smuggler Mine famously produced a more than one-ton silver nugget in 1894, one of the largest recorded.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning tours to avoid summer storm delays and heavier crowds; Allow extra time for parking and check-in at 100 Smuggler Mountain Road; Cell service can be unreliable inside—download tickets and info ahead of time; Pair the tour with a Smuggler Mountain hike for a full day of history and views.
Local Flavor
After your tour, refuel at White House Tavern for a hearty sandwich, sip a local pint at Aspen Brewing Company’s taproom, and grab a cone at Paradise Bakery. Walk the pedestrian core to admire Victorian storefronts the silver boom paid for, then catch sunset from the Smuggler overlook.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE), about 10 minutes from downtown. Meeting point: 100 Smuggler Mountain Road, a few minutes’ drive from the core. Expect limited to no cell service underground. No permits required; hard hats provided; ages 7+; free on-site parking.
Sustainability Note
This historic site reflects decades of remediation and preservation—stay with your guide, avoid touching artifacts, and pack out all trash to help protect fragile structures and habitats.
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