Recreation Region: Aspen - Sopris Ranger District

Aspen to Crested Butte via East Maroon TH #1983

ALERTS:

• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. See regulation information below.

Get Permits

This hiking trail to Crested Butte is 5 miles longer than the shortest trail to Crested Butte, but it is most direct and the easiest to hike. It provides outstanding views of Pyramid Peak, scenic wooded walks, fields of wildflowers, several challenging river crossings and access to Copper Lake. For those choosing an overnight stay the camp sites in the vicinity of Copper Lake are ideal. The trail ends two miles past the small town of Gothic, seven miles from Crested Butte.

Transportation into Crested Butte should be arranged in advance.
Plan on starting this hike very early in the morning as thunderstorms are common on the pass in the early afternoon.
This trail is heavily used by those going to Crested Butte on horseback.

General Information

A permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov.
For all other overnight trips to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, registration is required at the trailhead.

Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness regulations protect this special place:

Overnight permit required for overnight stays within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave.
You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn more about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails.
Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others

Fees are charged for high season overnight stays in permitted zones of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, and for parking and shuttle reservations at Maroon Bells Scenic Area.

Getting There

Elevation

11,800 feet (3596 m)

Directions

Located 6 1/2 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station.

Coming to Aspen via Independence Pass: Take Highway 82 West from downtown Aspen 1 mile to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. You will pass Aspen High school and Aspen Highlands Ski Area on the way to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station, Independence Pass (Highway 82) is normally open from Memorial Day through mid-October, weather dependent. If you are planning an event during these times, please call the Colorado Department of Transportation Hotline for road updates at (877) 315-7623.

Coming to Aspen via Glenwood Springs: Take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Welcome Station.