Aspen to Crested Butte - 10.45 Miles Round-Trip

The West Maroon Creek Trail joins the West Maroon Pass Trail on a 10.45 mile thru-hike from Aspen to Crested Butte. This feature-filled route is highlighted by Maroon Lake, Crater Lake, West Maroon Pass and one of the finest wildflower displays in Colorado.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

The east-west hike begins at Maroon Lake (9,580') outside Aspen and climbs 2885' to West Maroon Pass (12,465'), then drops through high alpine meadows and moderates above East Fork Crystal River to East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead on the Crested Butte side.

Thru (one-way) hikers will need to arrange a ride from the TH, or walk an additional 8+ miles into town from this point. See below for shuttle and transportation details to each trailhead.

This is a very busy trail corridor with access to all points on the 4 Pass Loop, Snowmass Lake, Willow Lake, Hasley Basin and climbing routes to Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Expect heavy traffic in both directions, especially on summer weekends. Get an early start to experience lighter crowds and avoid storms while coming over the pass.

Much of the trail is exposed, even when below treeline. Anticipate variable weather conditions throughout the day, and as you gain and lose elevation:

The trail begins on the north side of Maroon Lake before rising away into thick aspens that break across an open rock field to the West Maroon Creek - Maroon Snowmass Trail split (1.7 miles : 10,110’). Bear left for Crater Lake and West Maroon Creek.

The trail levels around Crater Lake with access to 11 designated campsites. It bends S-SW above the inlet and undulates over rockslides at the base of Maroon Bells. It moves quickly up valley and crosses east over West Maroon Creek, where water can be swift (3.65 miles : 10,515’).

The trail rises steadily through patchy forest and crosses back to the west side through tall mats of willow (4.5 miles : 10,905'). Travel steepens in short intervals through 5.45 miles (11,525’) and the last of treeline into broad meadows below the pass.

It climbs 940’ in the last mile on a ramp-like trail to West Maroon Pass (6.45 miles : 12,465’). The pass spans a small notch in the SW corner of the headwall with great views down West Maroon Creek and the East Fork drainage on the Crested Butte side.

The trail drops from West Maroon Pass on steep switchbacks to the Frigid Air Pass split at the top of the East Fork drainage (7.25 miles : 11,735’).

The West Maroon Pass Trail splits left, bends W-SW and moderates through high alpine meadows to the north side of the valley. These sunny south-facing slopes support one of the most prolific wildflower displays in Colorado, which continues virtually uninterrupted for the next 3 miles.

You'll pass an unmarked split at 8.45 miles (11,155') which breaks north for Hasley Basin, a compelling diversion that scales a pass and drops into the North Fork drainage to join the 4 Pass Loop.

Travel eases on a steady descent (save one steep rise from 9 - 9.5 miles) through the open valley until the forest re-constitutes at the Wilderness Boundary (10.12 miles : 10,590'). It drops in short intervals to the East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead in Schofield Park (10.45 miles : 10,448').

Crested Butte to Aspen Return Hike

The hike from Crested Butte to Aspen is slightly easier because there's less elevation gain (it starts higher on the CB side) and follows a relatively smooth path all the way up to the pass. The descent to Maroon Lake is particularly rocky with several stream crossings and potential for deep mud in places.

The trail runs 4.0 miles and 2017' up to the pass, and 6.45 miles down to Maroon Lake. Total elevation gain is approximately 2460' in this direction.

Crested Butte Shuttle Service | www.crestedbutteshuttle.com

• Dolly's Mountain Shuttle provides reliable service between Crested Butte, Aspen and the East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead. Call ahead to discuss your itinerary - they're very accommodating and will help with logistics.

• Office + Driver's cell: 970.209.9757

• Rates are subject to change, and may vary by season and capacity

• East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead to Crested Butte ($25 person or dog, each way) | minimum shuttle capacity applies and may affect minimum individual rate

• Crested Butte to Aspen (one-way): $75 per person - $400 minimum (summer) | $600 (winter)