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Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from this open and challenging trail.


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Map Key

9.0

Miles

14.6

KM

Unknown

12,357' 3,766 m

High

10,091' 3,076 m

Low

2,007' 612 m

Up

2,306' 703 m

Down

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Avg Grade (0°)

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Max Grade (0°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. The Interagency, Senior & Golden Access Passes are honored.

From mid-June through September, Maroon Creek Road is restricted to vehicles from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m beyond the T-Lazy 7 Ranch. Take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area, which leaves every 20 minutes; dogs are allowed on the bus. rfta.com/routes/maroon-bells/

Description

If using this trail as part of the Four Pass Loop, the West Maroon Trail starts from an intersection with Fravert Basin Trail in Scholfield Park where you'll head east, away from Schofield Park to West Maroon Pass.

After gaining the pass, the trail angles to the left and descends steadily through willow and then tundra. This area is very open and Crater Lake can be seen in the distance. Cross a stream at a very wide and sometimes washed-out section - be careful here! The trail on the opposite side can be difficult to find after heavy rainfall or during spring runoffs.

After more tundra traveling, the trail reaches a massive scree field. After this rock field, the trail enters a dense forest and eventually pops out next to a beautiful stream. Follow the stream to its source, Crater Lake. The trail eventually diverges from the water and works its way around the eastern side of Crater Lake to the information bulletin board. After a few more meters, West Maroon Trail terminates at Maroon Snowmass Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#1645

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#236

in Colorado

#1,645

Overall
3 Views Last Month
5,990 Since Apr 2, 2015
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Aug 20, 2020
John Carr
9.5mi
Jul 15, 2020
Jacob M
Trail from Crater Lake to the West Maroon TrailHead just above trail 401 on the Created Butte side. Add 1.8 miles from the Maroon Bells Parking Lot. — 4h 30m
Jul 7, 2020
Zac Johnson
Jun 17, 2020
Neil Wilkey
Aug 27, 2019
Jason Anderson
10.8mi from Maroon Lake Trailhead. With Gretchen, traded cars with S&L 10.8mi — 6h 45m
Aug 10, 2019
Mark Malsom
Few patches of snow, many stream crossings 2 of which are relatively large. Avalanche plug on Crested Butte side added 3 miles. Flowers in full bloom. 13.1mi — 7h 00m
Sep 2, 2018
Nicki Bartak
Aug 14, 2018
Rachel Elliott
Keagan and I did a guided tour up to Crater Lake. I fainted at lunch, but we pushed on a little further. This trail was great! 3mi
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