The trailhead starts at Maroon Lake and the entrance to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. Due to the recent surge in visitor numbers, reservations are now required to access the area, whether you arrive by car or bus. (If you want to add a second sport to your adventure, biking the 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road can be done anytime.)

By Car

Parking reservations ($10/vehicle) are required May 15 through October 31. For Maroon Bells reservation questions, call 970-930-6442 or email info@visitmaroonbells.com. These reservations include a two-night option for overnight hikers, but note that even with this reservation, cars cannot access the road between 8am and 5pm, which means you'll need to plan to arrive at the trailhead early.

By Bus

If you opt for the bus, the shuttle ($16/adults, $10/seniors 65+ and children 12-) starts running 8am from Aspen Highlands. The last outgoing shuttle departs at 3pm and the last return shuttle departs Maroon Lake at 5pm.

By Drop-Off

Private vehicles can drop off passengers between 6 and 8am without a parking reservation, but visitors who are dropped off during this time will need a one-way ticket ($16) to ride the shuttle down to Aspen Highlands after 8am. Commercial drop-offs are not allowed at any time.
Note: There are a number of limited, day-of tickets released after no-show reservations. Prices are higher and tickets aren’t guaranteed, so this option is best for those who aren’t on a tight schedule.

It’s not just the cool factor—linking two mountain towns—that makes this hike unique. It’s also breathtaking. As the US Forest Service notes: “The Elk Range runs from northwest to southeast between the two towns, with seven 14, 000-foot peaks and several thirteeners reaching to the sky and creating a formidable barrier. The rugged terrain serves a purpose, however, intimidating the casual day hiker and providing a safe haven for a variety of wildlife.”

The hike begins at 9,580 feet above sea level at Maroon Lake. From there, it climbs 3,000 feet over seven miles to West Maroon Pass before descending another four miles into the East Fork of the Crystal River drainage below Schofield Pass.

The first 1.8 miles to Crater Lake climb through giant aspen groves. Because this part of the wilderness area provides access points to many of the surrounding 14ers and different trails, like Buckskin Pass, it can be crowded. Once past Crater Lake, however, crowds dissipate and the long yet moderate climb up West Maroon Creek is stunning. The trail meanders along the creek before popping into high alpine tundra above the tree-line. Depending on the time of year, there are some stream crossings which can require wading through chilly runoff water.

The ascent to West Maroon Pass is known for some of the most bountiful and colorful wildflowers in the area, especially from mid-July into August. The last mile to the pass is a set of steep switchbacks, but the view at the top is a worthy reward. Try to get here before noon to enjoy lunch with a view, avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and meet your shuttle in time (more on that shortly).

The descending four miles weave down into a wide-open valley that looks more like the Swiss Alps than Colorado backcountry. About one mile from the pass, the trail intersects with Frigid Air Pass. Continue straight, as Frigid Air will continue along the Four Pass Loop. Eventually the trail will pass an old cabin and shortly after, spits hikers out at the West Maroon trailhead on the Crested Butte side. Make note: Here, you’re still 11 miles from town, and the best way to get the rest of the way there is to book a shuttle. The two options are Dolly’s ($55/person or dog with a $220 minimum) and Alpine Express.