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An intermediate hike that ends at East Maroon Pass above Copper Lake.


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Map Key

6.0

Miles

9.6

KM

Point to Point

11,825' 3,604 m

High

9,787' 2,983 m

Low

2,100' 640 m

Up

116' 35 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The trail is easy to follow and not technical.

Group size is a max of 10 people. If you plan to continue into the Maroon Bells-Snomass Wilderness you'll need to complete a free self-issue permit at the trailhead.

Description

This is a well marked intermediate trail. You pass by beautiful Judd Falls and follow Copper Creek all the way to Copper Lake. The elevation gain is mild except for one section toward the end with some switchbacks. Copper Creek Trail #983 is also a great starting spot for backpacking if you plan to head toward Triangle Pass, Copper Pass, or East Maroon Pass. In the summer, this is great trail for wildflower viewing.

Contacts

Shared By:

Michael Adkins

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 10 votes

#12

in Crested Butte

#2855

Overall
  4.5 from 10 votes
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Trail Rankings

#12

in Crested Butte

#351

in Colorado

#2,855

Overall
3 Views Last Month
3,953 Since Oct 23, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Looking south, over Copper Lake.
Sep 17, 2018 near Crested…, CO
View of the lake as you approach from the trail.
Dec 20, 2017 near Crested…, CO
Copper Lake from the traverse headed to the pass.
Sep 19, 2020 near Crested…, CO
Copper Lake
Dec 20, 2017 near Crested…, CO

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Check-Ins

Jun 6, 2022
Tommy Plunkert
1.2mi
Jul 5, 2021
Jake Vossen
At this time (2021-07-05) two of the creek crossings required water shoes - water went up to about our calfs 11mi — 4h 45m
Sep 29, 2020
Katie Osland
Plus 50 min break at the lake 12.6mi — 5h 10m
Oct 12, 2019
Michael Adkins
Jul 18, 2019
Matthew Carter
Overall, a lovely hike. The lake is much worth the river crossings, and the steep incline near the end. The wildflowers are absolutely stunning.
Jul 3, 2019
Shannon King
Walked slowly with David's parents and had to stop due to creek having too much water. 4mi
Sep 22, 2018
Heidi Rose
It was a joy to hit Copper Lake after the last mile!!! Watched the sunrise at the end of the trail. 5mi
Sep 22, 2018
Bryan Baumunk