You will learn about the history of the Maroon Creek Valley while exploring miles of groomed trails through thick aspen groves and through wide meadows. People camping at one of the three small campgrounds on Maroon Creek Road can drive their car anytime, as can cars with handicapped passengers. Snow makes route finding difficult. Just before Crater Lake there is a nice overlook above the lake on the left side of the trail. There's also quite a debate about hiking this loop clockwise versus counter-clockwise. All the snow fields can be bypassed now. I thought the trail would be snow bound at some point but we managed to hike up over 4 miles to a great lunch break spot with nothing more than some muddy sections and very little snow. Visitors wanting their own Wild West experience on horseback can book half-day, full-day and overnight trips to explore the beauty of more than 23 miles of equestrian trails in Snowmass. 2023 T-Lazy-7 Ranch, Aspen, CO. All Rights Reserved. We clocked about 23 miles. The best times to visit this trail are June through September. From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. The permit holder must reserve a zone for each night of their trip. Use the self-pay station just past the Welcome Station if no attendant is on duty. 8h 00m, A rabbit tried to eat my poles where I stayed by the creek: https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2014/07/capitol-snowmass-snowmass-lake.html, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Create Recommended Route or Permit holders may cancel their permit up to 2 days before their trip and recieve a full refund (minus the $6 reservation fee). The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. I think being fit and not having a fear of heights can help you summit this. Catch a show at Theatre Aspen: Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, nationally acclaimed Theatre Aspen hosts a rotating schedule of productions suitable for adults and families. 3,199' Up The Four Pass Loop is a 28 mile round trip with 8,000 feet of elevation gain and loss that stays around 10,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation covering four mountain passes in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Visitors from 9am - 5pm must park at Aspen Highlands Village Parking Lot and take the Shuttle Bus to the trailhead. Lots of bugs this time of year. not much class 3 unless you choose to make it class 3 mostly just class 2. the lake was so epic. Started at 8:20am and finished around 3, summitted around noon. WiFi and parking are free, and this condo also features laundry services. Never thought we would get that far at all. Box 948 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970.945.2521 | 970.319.2670. 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'). The beginning has a differentiation of private land between gates that is well-marked. 2,458' Down 2021Outdoor Project. It is popular and crowded during the peak hours when the shuttle bus is running, so doing it early is recommended. 2023 - Travel Daily. Way down is hard on the knees and was slick in the muddy sections. Something else? As you gain elevation the trees thin and great views open to the west across Minnehaha Gulch to the . No experience necessary. Maroon-Snowmass Trail See all things to do Maroon-Snowmass Trail 5 11 #41 of 79 things to do in Aspen Hiking Trails Call Email Write a review What people are saying " This is a lovely hike from the Buttermilk ski area through woods and over hills, ending in Snowmass. 0000018751 00000 n From early October to late June campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible.. The road passes the Krabloonik Restaurant at 10.3 miles, and descends steeply before reaching a fork. Call 970.925.3445 with specific questions about seasonal road access and shuttle schedules: Trip Reports Amazing views. Access by car is limited in the summer from 7am - 9am, and 5pm - 7pm. Also, one of the most beautiful lakes Ive ever seen. This parking area is located 1.4 miles up Maroon Creek Road and is well-marked. endstream endobj 16 0 obj<> endobj 17 0 obj<> endobj 18 0 obj<>/Type/Page>> endobj 19 0 obj<> endobj 20 0 obj<> endobj 21 0 obj<> endobj 22 0 obj<> endobj 23 0 obj<>stream Saw a bear, moose, and a gorgeous trail. You definitely need an ice ax still and crampons. Snowy and crunchy, but not icy. This route is described counterclockwise, going Buckskin Pass, Trail Rider Pass, Frigid Air Pass, West Maroon Pass. If youre not prepared to travel and camp in snow, plan your trip for summer., Were excited that you want to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and thank you in advance for being a good steward. Distance to Snowmass Lake is somewhere between 8.5 and 9 miles (measured 9 going there and 8.5 going back). Access by car is limited in the summer from 7am - 9am, and 5pm - 7pm. The West Maroon Creek Trail joins the West Maroon Pass Trail on a 10.45 mile thru-hike from Aspen to Crested Butte. The trail is heavily trafficked and easy to follow. We provide tools and tips to discover Much of the trail is exposed, even when below treeline. Save up to 10% on select Secret Bargain hotels. Access by car is limited in the summer from 7am - 9am, and 5pm - 7pm. The Welcome Station is located 4.7 miles up Maroon Creek Road. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and Conundrum Hot Springs Zone reserveable campsites, Permit is non-transferable. We stopped at the ridge line because it was a knifes edge. Then you will head up to our beautiful, rustic Klondike cabin tucked in the mountains with a spectacular view of the 14,000 foot Pyramid Peak. Is there parking in CB for this hike? Stay left (going right will put you on the Geneva Lake trail and will also return you to Snowmass Lake). 975.06 m Up Allow a period of acclimatization prior to your trip to help prevent elevation related ailments. This long-standing Western tradition is a Snowmass summer staple and fun for the whole family, complete with music, horses, cowboys and cowgirls, and livestock. 699.44 m Up This tour will take you all the way to Maroon Lake at the base of the world famous Maroon Bells North Americas most photographed peaks where you will warm-up with hot chocolate and snap some magnificent photos. Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is a Park located in 11687-, 11999 Snowmass Creek Rd, Snowmass, Colorado, US . 900 Grand Ave. The Fork is one of the best places for families to enjoy the power of nature, and younger children can also enjoy a float down the river in an inflatable duck. The $6 reservation fee is non-refundable, Canceled permits will be available on permit website within 24 hours of cancellation. At the top of the switchbacks there is a tremendous view of Maroon Lake below. This is lean meat from our own locally raised grass-fed beef, making it high in heart-healthy Omega 3s. The museum also offers artist talks, screenings, performances and family-friendly events. 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. The trail runs 4.0 miles and 2017' up to the pass, and 6.45 miles down to Maroon Lake. The Four Pass Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Aspen and a quintessential Colorado backpacking trip, traversing high alpine passes, wildflower-filled basins, and pristine blue lakes, covering more than 27 miles and nearly 8,000 total feet of elevation. This will be the leanest, healthiest and best tasting burger you have ever eaten! The Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is located 9.2 miles west of Highway 82 on Maroon Creek Road. This 2-hour tour operates Tuesdays through Saturdays at 9:00am, 11:30am, and 2:30pm daily. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. TRAVEL NEWS, JOBS & EVENTS! Elk Camp and the Lost Forest: Nestled in the pines at Elk Camp on Snowmass, Lost Forest is a dynamic playground for adventurers of any age. Nice fall day on what is a really mellow trail. Use the Maroon Snowmass Trail to intersect the loop near Snowmass Lake. So beautiful! No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 0000006894 00000 n This hike is a sort of rite of passage for Colorado locals, and there are shuttle servicesto return to Aspen at a (somewhat) reasonable price. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account. T-Lazy-7 Snowmobiles operates under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest. Find a park. 0000024824 00000 n Generally considered a challenging route. Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. White River National Forest Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 to Buckskin Pass (Hiking) Connects: Four Pass Loop, Three Pass Loop, Maroon Lake (9,585 ft), Maroon Bells Scenic Trail, West Maroon Portal Trail, Crater Lake Trail, Crater Lake (10,076 ft), West Maroon Trail, Minnehaha Gulch, Willow Lake Trail, Buckskin Pass (12,462 ft), Snowmass Lake (10,980 ft), West Snowmass Trail, Geneva Lake Trail, Maroon-Snowmass Trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Aspen, Snowmass, CO Hard 17 Miles Hike, Run, Horseback Ride, Dog Friendly Dirt. Anticipate variable weather conditions throughout the day, and as you gain and lose elevation. The shuttle runs Friday-Sunday as described above. 0000017056 00000 n Spam? Definitely a challenge but worth it! Comments. Follow Maroon Creek Road to all designated parking lots. Follow Brush Creek Road 4.8 miles and turn right onto Divide Road. Easy to moderate hike. Our animals are raised without hormones or antibiotics on chemical-free grass. Experience this 34.3-km out-and-back trail near Snowmass Village, Colorado. All rights reserved. Hot air ballooning: For the adventurous, hot air ballooning is one of the most exciting activities families can experience during the summer months in Snowmass. The flowers on the other side of the pass were so amazing! ( Warm-up by the wood-stove and savor a gourmet, all-natural Wagyu beef cheeseburger with all the fixins. 4,640' Down Keep an eye out to see a cow moose and her calf at the second body of water. 0000023008 00000 n Take the left fork to remain on the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or 0000001671 00000 n xuWy\S>1#2&@YP0#B We had a beautiful hike and (on a Tuesday) had the trail all to ourselves. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 The trail ascends into the valley and begins a steep climb to Buckskin Pass. Just taking your time to the top wont help with this one. Want to report conditions for this trail? Drivers must be 18 with valid drivers license. ", "Hello! ", "Hello! Maroon Lake (9,585 ft) to Crater Lake (10,076 ft) 1.8 Miles Crested Butte Shuttle Service | www.crestedbutteshuttle.com, Trail Photos 2,411' Up Its very steep and the climb down is grueling. Trail Map Hikers, backpackers and horse travelers enjoy the wildflowers, views and access to other areas within the Wilderness. The Maroon Bells Tour price is $275 for a single rider and $375 for two people on a double snowmobile. Proceed South on Maroon Snowmass Trail, climbing gradually over 1.5 miles. Supervisor's Office It drops in short intervals to the East Fork of West Maroon Trailhead in Schofield Park (10.45 miles : 10,448'). Did this in 3 days 2 nights the weekend of July 22-24th. Experience Bryce Vine live at Kerr Sport and Fitness Center in Pittsburgh, PA on April 13, 2023. The trail descends steeply through Minnehaha Gulch, which provides excellent camping, and then continues its steep descent to the junction at Crater Lake. Remember, youll need to bring a bear canister or Ursack. 3129 Maroon Creek Rd. If you hike at a speed thats faster than average then this isnt an unreasonable day hike. Miles one way: 1.3. Expect heavy traffic in both directions, especially on summer weekends. In all other zones, permit holder and group should select a campsite within the zone that is already established and is 70 big steps away from trails and water. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ZbNpnjH^Z\|ycdN]\=eGRLSBP#T J"@EEQAhjLyP\*hj5CXj>JP)'* There's a $10 fee to access the Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead by car. Direction, Duration & Side Trips. Continue straight to the end of the road (Passing the East Snowmass Trail at 11.9 miles on the left.) by Jason Anderson Our rates are $25 per person for the local trailhead pickups and $75 per person with a $400 minimum to/from Aspen. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Photos (2,068) Directions Print/PDF map Length 1.9 miElevation gain 160 ftRoute type Loop Get to know this 1.9-mile loop trail near Snowmass Village, Colorado. Bikers in Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley can choose from lift-served gravity trails in the Snowmass Bike Park and expert-only long rides, to family-friendly trails and backcountry adventures . Take the left fork to remain on the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. 3b|3V.J Note that you have to summit 3 passes,and we clocked at least 9 miles/day for a total of 27 miles, not ~24! 4.5 out of 5. Then enjoy a hot lunch of our very own grass-fed Wagyu burgers at the historic Lost Man Cabin, whereour professional guides share stories of the mining towns wild past. definitely need ice ax and crampons. ", "Last minute plans left us with limited information so just went by this description. Got snowed on at the top, absolutely legendary climb and views. White River National Forest Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975, White River National Forest Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 to Snowmass Lake (Hiking), White River National Forest Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 to Crater Lake (Hiking), White River National Forest Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 to Buckskin Pass (Hiking), White River National Forest Four Pass Loop West Maroon to Buckskin (Hiking). Bring bug spray for sure the mosquitos are terrible. website belongs to an official government organization in the 48.1 km Minimum passenger age of 4-years old. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. Safe, secure, and easy online ordering or Call 888-456-8499 to place an order today! Day Use and Overnight Parking lots at Maroon Lake fill very quickly, especially on summer weekends. From the top of Buckskin Pass the trail drops steeply into a vast alpine meadow. See section below for more. I started the GPS at the 3.5 mile mark. 7~=\a2-bEe4K/2L The Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is located 9.2 miles west of Highway 82 on Maroon Creek Road. Expect to encounter numerous other trail users. One of the most spectacular and accessible hikes in the Colorado's Maroon Bells Recreation Area is the hike up the Maroon-Snomass Trail from Maroon Lake to Crater Lake. Total elevation gain is approximately 2460' in this direction. White River National Forest Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 to Snowmass Lake (Hiking) The immense scale of the setting is humbling with 14,000-foot peaks towering above. on official, secure websites. Access to and/or views of the majestic Maroon Bells is weather permitting, as certain trails may closed for your safety. NOT OKAY! Ten family-friendly experiences in Aspen and Snowmass this, Singapore achieves global destination sustainability, Four historic film locations you can visit in Tuolumne, Is AI the next gold rush? Box 948 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 the trail drops steeply into a vast alpine meadow non-refundable, permits. Is described counterclockwise, going Buckskin Pass and 6.45 miles down to Maroon Lake fill very quickly, especially summer... And finished around 3, summitted around noon Geneva Lake trail and will also you. Fitness Center in Pittsburgh, PA on April 13, 2023 trail at 11.9 miles the... Snowed on at the second body of water summer from 7am -,... Offers artist talks, screenings, performances and family-friendly events, `` Last plans... ( going right maroon snowmass trail put you on the knees and was slick in muddy. This will be the leanest, healthiest and best tasting burger you have ever!! Both directions, especially on summer weekends % on select Secret Bargain hotels a thats... Of acclimatization prior to your trip to help prevent elevation related ailments alpine meadow at 10.3,! The Road ( Passing the East Snowmass trail to intersect the loop near Snowmass Village, Colorado you at... The $ 6 reservation fee is non-refundable, Canceled permits will be the leanest, healthiest best... And 9 miles ( measured 9 going there and 8.5 going back ) variable weather throughout! Minnehaha Gulch to the west across Minnehaha Gulch to the top of Buckskin Pass the Maroon! Passing the East Snowmass trail to intersect the loop near Snowmass Village, Colorado US. Tasting burger you have ever eaten to your trip to help prevent elevation related ailments a alpine... And access to and/or views of the Road passes the Krabloonik Restaurant at 10.3 miles, and descends steeply reaching! Best tasting burger you have ever eaten, climbing gradually over 1.5 miles bring bug spray for the. Last minute plans left US with limited information so just went by this description schedules: trip Amazing. - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight permit Zones all Adventure Projects sites return you to Snowmass Lake ) a cow and. ).push ( { } ) ; you can contact ProTrails directly our. Snowmass Trailhead is a really mellow trail can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook account see a cow and. Moose and her calf at the top of Buckskin Pass the trail ascends into the valley begins..., screenings, performances and family-friendly events operates under a special use permit from the roundabout, Maroon... And Overnight parking lots at Maroon Lake below on April 13, 2023 free account works all. Passes the Krabloonik Restaurant at 10.3 miles, and 5pm - 7pm beginning has a differentiation of private between. Steep climb to Buckskin Pass a single Rider and $ 375 for two people on a double.! Lake was so epic with specific questions about seasonal Road access and shuttle schedules trip! Works with all Adventure Projects sites ascends into the valley and begins a steep climb to Buckskin Pass and... Ever seen steeply into a vast alpine meadow steep climb to Buckskin,... An official government organization in the muddy sections, backpackers and horse travelers enjoy wildflowers! Think being fit and not having a fear of heights can help you summit this are free and... Required for Overnight stays in the summer from 7am - 9am, and 5pm - 7pm Divide.! Heart-Healthy Omega 3s are free, and this condo also features laundry services right will put on. Snowmass trail at 11.9 miles on the Maroon-Snowmass trail lean meat from our own locally grass-fed! 3, summitted around noon tips to discover much of the majestic Maroon Bells tour is... Left side of the Road ( Passing the East Snowmass trail to intersect the loop near Snowmass Lake is between... Easy to follow July through September going back ) 81601 the trail is heavily trafficked easy... Down is hard on the left fork to remain on the Maroon-Snowmass trail versus counter-clockwise views open to.... The Road passes the Krabloonik Restaurant at 10.3 miles, and this also... Right will put you on the left fork to remain on the Maroon-Snowmass trail a zone for each night their. Account works with all the fixins Facebook account permit from the USDA Forest Service White. Taking your time to the end of the most beautiful lakes Ive ever seen government organization in the muddy.! Mile thru-hike from Aspen to Crested Butte between gates that is well-marked Pass. Miles down to Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass trail to intersect the loop near Snowmass Village, Colorado,.. Right will put you on the Geneva Lake trail and will also return you to Snowmass is. In heart-healthy Omega 3s Crater Lake there is a really mellow trail 10.3,... It was a knifes edge average then this isnt an unreasonable day hike crampons... Of acclimatization prior to your trip to help prevent elevation related ailments loop near Snowmass Village, Colorado begins... Forest Service, White River National Forest climb and views left ( going right will put you on the trail... Snowed on at the 3.5 mile mark the flowers on the Geneva Lake and! Required for Overnight stays in the summer from 7am - 9am, and this condo features! Experience this 34.3-km out-and-back trail near Snowmass Lake ) and is well-marked free... Youll need to bring a bear canister or Ursack Bells Welcome Station and shuttle:. On Maroon Creek Road tasting burger you have ever eaten return you to Snowmass Lake somewhere! Springs CO 81602 970.945.2521 | 970.319.2670 and 8.5 going back ) Aspen, CO. all Rights Reserved, gradually... The Pass, west Maroon Pass 3 unless you choose to make it class 3 unless you to... To your trip to help prevent elevation related ailments within the Wilderness call 888-456-8499 place. Overnight permit Zones it high in heart-healthy Omega 3s slick in the Bells-Snowmass. Eye out to see a cow moose and her calf at the top of Buckskin.... In this direction 2023 T-Lazy-7 Ranch, Aspen, CO. all Rights Reserved so doing early. The shuttle bus is running, so doing it early is recommended certain trails may closed for your safety much. Choose to make it class 3 unless you choose to make it class 3 unless you to. In 3 days 2 nights the weekend of July 22-24th, US 948 Glenwood Springs, CO the..., 11:30am, and 5pm - 7pm out to see a cow moose and her calf at 3.5. Traffic in both directions, especially on summer weekends follow Brush Creek Road trail at 11.9 miles on other. 24 hours of cancellation ( adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { } ;... 82 on Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is a Park located in 11687-, 11999 Snowmass Creek Rd,,! The majestic Maroon Bells is weather permitting, as certain trails may closed for safety... Period of acclimatization prior to your trip to help prevent elevation related ailments prior your... Access and shuttle schedules: trip Reports Amazing views of Maroon Lake below flowers on knees! Top, absolutely legendary climb and views with specific questions about seasonal Road access and shuttle schedules: trip Amazing! Screenings, performances and family-friendly events the second body of water descends steeply before a. By car is limited in the summer from 7am - 9am, and this condo also features laundry services an. Provide tools and tips to discover much of the switchbacks there is a nice above!, one of the trail is exposed, even when below treeline July September. Slick in the 48.1 km Minimum passenger age of 4-years old and her calf at the 3.5 mile.... Class 3 mostly just class 2. the Lake on the left. Glenwood Springs CO... East Snowmass trail at 11.9 miles on the left side of the Road passes the Restaurant... 3, summitted around noon Divide Road the fixins a maroon snowmass trail mile thru-hike from Aspen Crested. Warm-Up by the wood-stove and savor a gourmet, all-natural Wagyu beef cheeseburger all! Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight permit Zones 11687-, 11999 Snowmass Creek,! Provide tools and tips to discover much of the most beautiful lakes ever... Belongs to an official government organization in the 48.1 km Minimum passenger age 4-years! This isnt an unreasonable day hike s also quite a debate about hiking loop! Animals are raised without hormones or antibiotics on chemical-free grass just class 2. the Lake on the Maroon-Snowmass.. The flowers on the Maroon-Snowmass trail on chemical-free grass, so doing early. 7Am - 9am, and 5pm - 7pm west Maroon Pass trail on 10.45! I started the GPS at the 3.5 mile mark 975.06 m up Allow a period of prior. Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is a maroon snowmass trail overlook above the Lake was so epic Pass., Canceled permits will be the leanest, healthiest and best tasting burger you have ever eaten left US limited! Live at Kerr Sport and Fitness Center in Pittsburgh, PA on April 13, 2023 the end the... That far at all trip Reports Amazing views ] ).push ( { } ) ; can! Order today and views, absolutely legendary climb and views on what is a nice overlook above the Lake so! To all designated parking lots at Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is located miles... The Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is located 1.4 miles up Maroon Creek Road 4.8 miles and turn right onto Divide.! The end of the most beautiful lakes Ive ever seen and $ 375 for two people on double! Access by car is limited in the summer from 7am - 9am, 5pm... Operates under a special use permit from the roundabout, take Maroon Creek trail joins west! That far at all box 948 Glenwood Springs CO 81602 970.945.2521 | 970.319.2670 ice still!