Placita #1966


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.

Get Permits

The Placita Trail provides access to the Lily Lake trail. The trail goes through large dense stands of aspen and then pine at the upper end. It is very steep so don't over exert yourself. The majority of the traffic on this trail is horses in the fall hunting season. Hikers, please be considerate and allow the horses right-of-way. The trail ends at its junction with the Lily Lake trail.

At a Glance

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: Light
Restrictions:

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 containerHuman 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.
  • Dogs are prohibited in the Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, including the hot springs.  Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed.
  • Campfires are prohibited at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and above 10,800 feet including Snowmass Lake. Campfires consume wood, accumulate trash, kill fragile alpine vegetation, sterilize the soil and scar the land. Lightweight camp stoves are recommended.
  • Campers must camp in designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Copper Lake, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, Capitol Lake and Thomas Lakes.  Everywhere else campers should set up more than 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails and use previously impacted campsites.  Camp out of sight of others and away from fragile areas.
  • As with all designated Wilderness, motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, ATVs, carts, drones, hang gliders and paragliders. This equipment is prohibited to provide visitors with a primitive recreational experience and to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude.
Closest Towns: Redstone
Water: Filter and treat all water
Restroom: No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions
Information Center: Supervisor's Office: 
900 Grand Ave.
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970-945-2521 

General Information

Directions: From Carbondale travel south on Hwy 133 fro 20 miles until you see the Placita trail sign on the left side of the road near the bridge. Drive 1/4 mile up the road to the trailhead.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
3.0 miles

  Latitude : 
39.140549

  Longitude : 
-107.259

  Elevation : 
7400 - 10000