If you’re fit and acclimated, the West Maroon trail takes six hours and is moderately strenuous; the Aspen-to-CB route is more difficult due to a one-mile, 1,000-foot ascent to the 12,500-foot summit of West Maroon Pass. Being near water, the chances of seeing wildlife are pretty good. This trail is a moderate climb through the valley below Pyramid Peak. The Maroon Creek trail is located in the White River National Forest near Aspen, Colorado. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Maroon Creek is a 140 m green singletrack trail located near Crested Butte Colorado. Trail Description. Hikers are treated to beautiful scenic views of the iconic Maroon Bells and a forested trail from which an occasional moose might be glimpsed. Snowshoeing, skiing, or otherwise traveling along Maroon Creek Road in the winter makes for a beautiful day and a quick way to explore a taste of the splendor of the Elk Mountains. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. rich-text The East Maroon Creek trail does have more horse traffic. The trail follows the banks of West Maroon Creek between Maroon Lake and the East Maroon Wilderness Portal. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area offers hiking trails for all abilities. The Maroon Creek Trail winds downhill alongside Maroon Creek for 3.5 miles. East Maroon Pass - 19.4 Miles Round-Trip East Maroon Pass is located 9.7 miles from East Maroon Portal in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Directions: From Aspen, take Maroon Creek Road south west for about 5 miles to the winter closure area. The scenic Maroon Creek Trail, however, is a pleasant change of pace. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Green Lake Trail 9.4 mi 15.2 km • 1,718' Up 523.64 m Up • 1,718' Down 523.59 m Down. Maroon Creek Trail begins at Maroon Lake and the trail can be picked up by hiking across the footbridge, turning left, then following the trail down into the valley (away from the Maroon Bells). https://www.aspentrailfinder.com/maroon-creek-trail-maroon-bells Jun 20, 2017 Maureen Floriano. Once hikers reach the pass, they descend to Copper Lake and eventually into the town of Gothic, 7 miles from Crested Butte. Numerous hiking trails depart the Maroon Lake area, penetrating … Crested…, CO. You have to park here as the road is closed in the winter. The views of the Maroon Creek Valley and the Maroon Bells (if you persevere) are incredible! We set out the day after a big rain, and so the first snow of the season dusted the peaks. This long but moderate trail follows East Maroon Creek to its origin just below the pass, and continues down the west side into Copper Basin and on to Gothic near Crested Butte.. Without a doubt, it is among the most scenic protected areas in the United States, and the best way to see it is on foot. Maroon creek trail to crater lake 3.5mi Jun 21, 2018 Kari Kitchen. That the trail is sparsely crowded is not due to a lack of splendor: the rushing rapids and sweeping meadows make for a blissful hike through… This 3.2-mile one-way trail is an excellent place to spot wildlife such as mule deer, red fox, bighorn sheep, porcupines and a variety of birds. Maroon Creek Recreation Area near Aspen, Colorado is generally swarming—for good reason—with visitors in the non-winter months. Maroon Creek Trail. The same parking rules and car fees apply for the East Maroon Creek trailhead. Start at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. While not part of the platform groomed by Pitkin County and the City of Aspen, Maroon Creek road offers a beautiful nordic skiing experience. Nearby Recommended Routes. 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