A Guide to the Perfect Day at Lost Forest

The Elk Camp gondola opens at 10am. Ride up for a cup of coffee and a bite at Elk Camp restaurant to greet the day. Then, take your group up Elk Camp chairlift (access is included in all ticket levels) which tops out at 11,325 feet (3,452m), giving you a spectacular photo op with the Maroon Bells in the distance. Choose to ride the chairlift back down to Elk Camp or opt to take Summit Trail for a beautiful hike—just keep in mind this option does take more time, and be sure to have some water with you.

Once you’re back down to Lost Forest, test your strength on the Rugged Ascent Climbing Wall, which has routes for everyone from beginners to advanced climbers. Or, take a lap (or five) on the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster. Both activities are included in your Base Ticket. Then grab a burger, a slice of pizza, or build your own hearty salad at Elk Camp restaurant if you need to refuel before embarking into the woods for the afternoon.

Sightseeing or Base Ticket holders can access plenty of activities until 4pm with the gondola making its last download at 5pm. Go for a hike on one of the surrounding hiking trails. Play some disc golf. Cast a line in the fishing pond. Or watch your kiddos play in the Robin’s Nest play area, an enclosed, multi-level playground with safety netting for kids to climb and jump around in.

If you go for a Treeline Challenge Tour Ticket, you’re in for a thrilling adventure as you repel, cross bridges, climb ladders, and fly down mini-ziplines in this obstacle course through the forest. Your reservation, including a 30-minute orientation, will begin at a specific hour—then you’re welcome to spend as much time as you’d like completing the course. The full Treeline Challenge course can take some people 90 minutes to complete, while others may spend two or three hours here. You can choose which of the five challenges within the Treeline Challenge course you want to complete: Lily Pads is the easiest, and Islands in the Sky is the most challenging. Keep in mind that it’s best to start earlier in the day to ensure better weather. To access the course, participants must be at least 48 inches tall, weigh between 50–250 pounds, and be able to grasp a cable overhead with both hands.

If you purchased a Canopy Tour Ticket, get ready for an adventure through the awning of the forest. This is a seven-line course with a sprinkling of rope bridge crossings throughout. Starting at the top of Lost Forest at Elk Camp, you’ll learn the ins and outs of how your harness and clips work, and then zip across the treetops via ziplines of varying heights and lengths, taking in incredible views and immersing yourself in the forest. The course ends at the bottom of the mountain, but you can always hop back on the gondola to continue enjoying Lost Forest. Because this is a big adventure and afternoon weather changes, Canopy Tours begin in the morning, and can take about two-and-a-half hours to three hours to complete. Take note that participants must weigh between 70-250lbs and be between 48-78 inches tall, and kids 16 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Once you’re done with your incredible excursions and explorations, it’s time to reconnect with your crew and celebrate with a cold beverage and a meal on Elk Camp Restaurant’s spacious outdoor deck to swap stories. If it’s a Tuesday, you’re in luck because Lost Forest, the Snowmass Bike Park, and Elk Camp Restaurant are open late into the evening for Sunset Tuesdays, complete with live music, food, and fun.