The trail starts climbing up Red Mountain. There are great views of the surrounding peaks. The trail continues to switchback along the side of the mountain through scrub oak. At approximately the one mile mark the trail crosses a driveway. In a little less than two miles the trail enters aspen groves.

Stay on the main trail through the aspen, there are several faded spurs along the way. The trail follows along the ridge entering areas of spruce and coming out on an old road. Follow the road to a sign marking the Sunnyside Trail off to the right.

The trail becomes a single track again and descends toward Hunter Creek. Sunnyside Trail ends at the intersection with 4WD road (the left fork on the road goes to Van Horn Park) but you can pick up the single track Hunter Creek Trail on the other side. The trail descends into Hunter Valley. At the trail junction at the bottom, turn right, and continue for about 1/8 mile to the Tenth Mountain Bridge. Cross the bridge and head right following the single track through the meadow.

The trail descends steeply through the trees and crosses Benedict Bridge. Take an immediate left just after the bridge. The trail follows Hunter Creek crossing over the creek several times. The last section is mostly boardwalk and ascends steps ending behind the Hunter Creek Condominiums. If you haven't arranged for a car shuttle you can walk into town and catch the Snowbunny Bus.

There are two options for access to Sunnyside Trail. The first is from Cemetary Lane and the second from Hunter Creek. These directions are from Cemetary Lane; please follow them in reverse for access from Hunter Creek. Traveling west from Aspen 1/4 mile on Highway 82, turn right at the first light out of town (on the west side of Aspen) onto Cemetary Lane. Continue 1 1/2 miles to the trailhead on the right. You can also ride the Snowbunny Lane bus from town to the last stop on Cemetary Lane and walk uphill 1/2 mile to the trailhead.

This trail offers a challenging day hike or backpack trip and access into Hunter Creek, Lenado and Van Horn Park.The trail passes through beautiful aspen groves and has good views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains.