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Government Trail Point-to-Point
Mountain Biking Trail
Hard
10.98 mi
1,851 ft
A classic point-to-point singletrack running from Snowmass to Buttermilk.
The Government Trail anchors many iconic mountain bike trail rides in the greater Aspen/Snowmass area. Running from Snowmass Mountain to Buttermilk Mountain, it’s possible to ride this trail as a point-to-point with a car shuttle or to loop this trail with a long combination of other sections of singletrack.
While most websites list the distance of the Government Trail as a mere 6.6 miles or so, if you combine the government trail with the West Government Trail, you can stitch together an 11-mile point-to-point route with 1,900 feet of climbing and 2,800 feet of descending. Another point-to-point option begins at the base of Snowmass below the village, climbs through the village and up through the resort, and then hops on the Government Trail.
The character of the singletrack itself changes dramatically depending on the section that you’re pedaling, in keeping with its designation as a classic singletrack trail ride. Some sections of trail are butter-smooth, flowing through gorgeous aspen groves. Others are rooty, rocky, and challenging. As []( says, "this trail mostly descends as it heads west, there’s a decent climb mid-way through and several stretches of rolling hills interspersed with many technical challenges—like creek crossings, a rock garden, and the infamous Root, where you can take the quicker route over a series of tree roots or go around them.”
As you plan your ride, note that “the section of the trail from West Buttermilk to Elk Camp Summer Road has a seasonal wildlife closure from May 15 – June 21,” according to [](
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
The Government Trail anchors many iconic mountain bike trail rides in the greater Aspen/Snowmass area. Running from Snowmass Mountain to Buttermilk Mountain, it’s possible to ride this trail as a point-to-point with a car shuttle or to loop this trail with a long combination of other sections of singletrack.
While most websites list the distance of the Government Trail as a mere 6.6 miles or so, if you combine the government trail with the West Government Trail, you can stitch together an 11-mile point-to-point route with 1,900 feet of climbing and 2,800 feet of descending. Another point-to-point option begins at the base of Snowmass below the village, climbs through the village and up through the resort, and then hops on the Government Trail.
The character of the singletrack itself changes dramatically depending on the section that you’re pedaling, in keeping with its designation as a classic singletrack trail ride. Some sections of trail are butter-smooth, flowing through gorgeous aspen groves. Others are rooty, rocky, and challenging. As []( says, "this trail mostly descends as it heads west, there’s a decent climb mid-way through and several stretches of rolling hills interspersed with many technical challenges—like creek crossings, a rock garden, and the infamous Root, where you can take the quicker route over a series of tree roots or go around them.”
As you plan your ride, note that “the section of the trail from West Buttermilk to Elk Camp Summer Road has a seasonal wildlife closure from May 15 – June 21,” according to [](
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking Trail Climb | 0.76 mi | 725 ft | 18.1% |
| First Govy Climb From Ditch Trail | 0.56 mi | 518 ft | 17.5% |
| Government Trail Gate to Gate | 4.33 mi | -433 ft | -0.5% |
| Government Trail Snowmass to Aspen | 6.55 mi | -1,188 ft | -3.1% |
| Govt - Anaerobic -> W Bmilk gate | 2.59 mi | 387 ft | 1.6% |
| Eagle Pines Dr Climb | 0.86 mi | 341 ft | 7.4% |
| Gov't Descent (Buttermilk) | 2.34 mi | -1,040 ft | -8.4% |
| Govt to Shorty cutoff | 1.09 mi | -420 ft | -7.0% |
| Gov't from Blue Grouse | 2.22 mi | -1,148 ft | -9.6% |
| Gov't Shorty Descent | 1.21 mi | -741 ft | -11.5% |
| ButterHack Singletrack DH | 0.73 mi | -344 ft | -8.9% |
| Extra Short Butter-Hack Descent | 0.40 mi | -259 ft | -12.3% |