Aspen to Crested Butte via West Maroon TH #1970
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.
This is the shortest route to Crested Butte. It is more difficult than East Maroon, and also more popular. It offers magnificent views of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area and vast fields of wildflowers.
• Transportation to Crested Butte should be arranged in advance.
• Plan to start this hike very early in the morning; thunderstorms are common on the pass in early afternoon.
Begin at the West Maroon Trailhead and follow the West Maroon #1970 trail guide to West Maroon Pass. From the top of West Maroon Pass, a series of switchbacks descends from a steep scree field into meadows of magnificent wildflowers before the trail reaches the valley floor. A mile below the pass, the trail intersects the Frigid Air Pass Trail which goes right. Continue straight following the trail as it curves through the valley and then bears left.
About one mile below the Frigid Air intersection, the trail crosses a small stream and then intersects with the Hasley Basin Trail to the right. Go left. In 2/3 of a mile another trail heads left, stay on the main trail. Here the trail climbs briefly through a meadow and then descends again. The trail is intersected again, continue straight. After a series of switchbacks the ruins of an old cabin appear.
The Schofield Park parking area is just ahead, beyond the woods.
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
12,500'
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.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
