The Rim Trail - South runs 3.95 miles up and along the north valley wall of Snowmass Village from Divide Road to the Rim Trail - North Trailhead on Lake Wildcat Way. It climbs 600' in the first 1.3 miles to a high point with exceptional views into the Elk Mountains, then moderates along the rim with panoramas across Snowmass Village and Roaring Fork Valley.

The Rim Trail is distinguished by near-perfect singletrack and great views that extend from the Elk Mountains (west) to the Roaring Fork valley (east)

The Colorado 14ers Initiative finished constructing a trail to the Mount Daly - Capitol Peak saddle in 2002

Corridors between Snowmass and Buttermilk provide critical elk migration and calving habitat, and local trail closures are strictly enforced from May 15 - June 21

Serviceberry trees are members of the Rosaceae family that produce edible pomes

Wildcat Reservoir (8,130') is one of 8 main reservoirs in the Roaring Fork watershed

Aspen have a relatively short life span, and often don't produce seeds; instead, lateral roots produce vertical shoots called suckers, some of which will grow into mature trees

Pasque flowers are among the first to bloom at lower elevations, but only last about two weeks; it possesses medicinal properties known for treating cataracts

23 peaks in the Elk Mountains are over 13,000', with 6 peaks exceeding 14,000'

Sunflowers are in the genus Helianthus, which comprises the Greek word 'Helios' (sun), and 'Anthos' (flower)

Sagebrush parks provide critical habitat for mule deer, whose population is under pressure from habitat degradation and loss of winter ranges

View of the Snowmass Ski Area, Mount Daly (13,305') and Capitol Peak (14,130') from the trail's highest point (9,212')

Mule deer have larger feet than white tail deer, an adaptation to rockier terrain that also facilitates digging for water

The Rim Trail - South is relatively quick to dry in late spring and remains open through the elk calving season while the Government Trail and its connectors are closed

High points along the Rim Trail look across the Roaring Fork valley to peaks in the Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness

Mountain and Sage Brush Shrublands of the Roaring Fork Valley bloom from late May - late August

Runners and cyclists will enjoy the Rim Trail's smooth single track and moderate grades

The Rim Trail passes through archetypal oak-sagebrush habitat, which supports a wide range of birds

Phlox, a low-growing flowering plant, is derived from the Greek word for 'flame'

View across Snowmass Village golf course from the Rim Trail

Watch for wildlife! The Rim Trail passes through diverse habitat that attracts large and small mammals throughout the year