East Maroon Trailhead #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.
The East Maroon Trail begins at the East Maroon Wilderness Portal. From the portal, cross the bridge and bear right. In 1-1/2 miles the trail branches; continue left for the East Maroon Trail (the Maroon Creek Trail ro Maroon Lake goes to the right). At 4/1/2 miles, the trail branches again: keep straight (the right trail leads to a horse camp). A mile or so further two old cabins can be seen. At about the six mile mark, just past a large avalanche area, is the first of two stream crossings. During spring runoff these crossings can be very treacherous and are often impassible.The second stream crossing is about a mile farther. Two miles beyond the second crossing, at approximately 9 miles, the trail forks. Take the right fork to East Maroon Pass (the left goes to Copper Pass,Triangle Pass and Conundrum Hot Springs). Cross a small stream and continue heading right on the main trail as several false trails go off to the left. The trail continues for another mile or so then curves left and traverses uphill to East Maroon Pass.
At a Glance
Reservations: | Summer travel on Maroon Creek Road is restricted. Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area by vehicle or Roaring Fork Transit Authority( RFTA) shuttle. Some Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness trailheads are within the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. See Maroon Bells Scenic Area for specific access and logistics. |
---|---|
Fees: | 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. |
Permit Info: | 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. |
Usage: | Heavy |
Restrictions: | Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness regulations protect this special place:
|
Closest Towns: | Aspen |
Water: | Treat and filter all water |
Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
Information Center: | Supervisor's Office: 900 Grand Ave. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 970-945-2521 |
General Information
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.