West Snowmass #2187
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.
Hike 1-1/4 miles along the Maroon-Snowmass Trail to the junction with the West Snowmass Trail (about 1/4 mile past the second gate). The West Snowmass Trail then switches back towards Snowmass Creek. Cross Snowmass Creek. This can be a cold and swift crossing well into the summer months. Water sandals are a must! After crossing the creek, climb through stands of Aspen, CO for 1.5 miles. At higher elevations the trail journeys through stands of Spruce, Fir and flower-filled meadows, passing below Mt. Daly, until it finally emerges above the timberline where deer and elk are often seen. From the pass, the trail descends very quickly as it carries you through undisturbed meadows and forests where few people visit. The trail ends at its junction with Capitol Creek Trail.
SAFETY: Remember climbing is dangerous, even deadly!
Check out Colorado Fourteeners Initiative YouTube Channel to learn more.
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
Getting There
Elevation
11,600 feet (3536 m)
Directions
From Aspen, CO drive 6 miles west of on Highway 82 and turn left onto Brush Creek Road. Continue on Brush Creek Road 5.5 miles then turn right onto Divide Road. Divide Road turns into a gravel road and passes Krabloonik Restaurant and Kennels. The road descends steeply to the valley bottom where it forks. Take the left fork. You will pass the East Snowmass trailhead on the left. The Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead, which is the starting point for the West Snowmass Trail, is at the end of the road. **A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not currently available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
