Can you reserve a site at Government #1980?

No. Government #1980 is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Government #1980

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

White River National Forest (NF) · Open Access

9,409 ft
Elevation

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.

39.18361, -106.89667 · 39°11'1.0"N 106°53'48.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 82°F in Jul, down to 34°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	35	38	46	55	65	77	82	80	72	60	45	34
Low °F	9	12	21	28	35	42	48	47	40	29	19	9
Precip in	1.1	0.9	1.0	1.8	1.5	0.9	1.6	1.5	1.4	1.3	1.0	0.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Add a photo

Common questions about Government #1980

Can you reserve a site at Government #1980?: No. Government #1980 is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Government #1980

Silver Bar Campground 2.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Silver Bell Campground 2.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Silver Queen Campground 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site 4.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sunnyside #1987 3.7 mi · Facility
Aspen Mountain Ski Area 3.7 mi · Facility
West Maroon #1970 4.2 mi · Facility
Maroon Creek #1982 5.1 mi · Facility
East Snowmass #1977 5.1 mi · Facility
Maroon Lake Scenic #2197 6.2 mi · Facility
West Snowmass #2187 6.3 mi · Facility
Woody Creek #1994 6.5 mi · Facility

Comments

Contact

Info Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.