Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike
Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike

Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike

Elk Mountains
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Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike

Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike

Distance: 10.3mi
Elevation: 2,241ft
Time: 5-7h

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The Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike is a challenging, yet beautifully scenic adventure in Colorado that will take you through a rugged mountain pass for amazing views. While out hiking the trail, you will steadily climb uphill and make the steep push up through West Maroon Pass, before descending alongside West Maroon Creek to the Maroon Bells Recreation Area. Hikers should take note that this is a one-way trail, meaning that you will need to either utilize a shuttle from the Maroon Bells Recreation Area or arrange a pick up.

Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike Map

Getting there

The trailhead for the Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike can be found just north of Emerald Lake at the West Maroon Trailhead along FS-317.

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About

Backcountry Campground

West Maroon Creek Campsite

When to do

July-September

Pets allowed

No

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

One Way


Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike
Elevation Graph


Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike Description

If you want to experience some of the rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery of the Elk Mountains, but aren’t concerned with hiking the return leg of the journey, the Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass will be a great point-to-point option to explore.

Setting out from the West Maroon Trailhead, you make your way to the northeast and climb uphill alongside the edge of the forest, enjoying the views of the vast meadow on your left as you follow along the banks of the East Fork Crystal River. After reaching the base of a ridgeline, you will turn to the southeast and begin the steep climb uphill across the rugged terrain of West Maroon Pass, where you will enjoy some panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Descending the opposite side of the pass, you will head to the northeast and pass by a backcountry campsite, before meeting up with the banks of West Maroon Creek. Following it to the northeast, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Maroon Bells, as you make your way through the valley to pass by Crater Lake and Maroon Lake, before making your way into the endpoint of the trail at the car park for the Maroon Bells Recreation Area.

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