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 over the valley, then moderates along a diversely vegetated ridge with panoramas across Snowmass Village and the Roaring Fork Valley.
The trail begins on a moderately steep climb through scrub oak and sage with rapidly expanding views over Snowmass Village.
It winds methodically up to the trail's highest point (1.3 miles : 9,212') with stunning views of Mount Daly (13,305') and Capitol Peak (14,130'). Ignore spurs branching right just before gaining the ridge, as they'll join the main trail but eschew this amazing backdrop.
The trail turns sharply east off the apex and dips into pockets of aspen and fir on the north side of the ridge. Note contrasting ecological compositions as you toggle between north and south slopes from this point on.
Travel moderates on a rolling descent through intervals of aspen, conifer and scrub oak through 2.5 miles (8,885') where views of Wildcat Reservoir open to the north.
The trail edges back to the spine (3.0 miles : 8,718') and splits at a sign for easy and difficult terrain (3.48 miles : 8,535'). The right (easy) fork narrows across the south slope and rejoins the left fork just before reaching the terminus on Lake Wildcat Way (3.95 miles : 8,545'). The Rim Trail - North picks up on the far side of the road.
The trail generally faces south and is free of tall canopies, thus quicker to melt and dry out than other local trails.
This scrub oak habitat attracts (and is a good place to see) many small birds. Wildlife is fairly abundant and active on this trail.
The Rim Trail - South is a great alternative to the Government Trail while closed for elk calving May 15 - late June.
Be mindful of fast-moving bikes and honor yield protocols.
Camping is not permitted along the Rim Trail (south and north sections).
There is no fishing along the Rim Trail (south and north sections).
Be mindful of private property that borders the trail and honor these well-marked boundaries.
Dogs are permitted on south and north sections of the Rim Trail. Dogs must be leashed on the Rim Trail - North.
The Rim Trail - North is closed December 1 - May 15 for elk migration and calving. The area is closely monitored, and closures are strictly enforced. Significant fines may apply for violations.
The Rim Trailhead - South is located on Divide Road in Snowmass Village, .1 miles west of the Bush Creek - Divide Road split.
The trailhead is located on the right side of the road, which is sparingly marked and easy to miss. There's a small parking lot just past the trailhead on the left. Use public parking in the adjacent residential area if spaces are full.