Join Darlene Liss, volunteer Forest Ambassador, on Wednesdays at the Maroon Bells Visitor Center for hands-on exploration
of wild things.

Take the Forest Conservancy Conservation Pledge to earn a Smokey Bear Junior Ranger pin.
 
DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP?
Click here to find out how you can support
the Forest Conservancy while you shop!
about us   |   volunteering   |   find a trail   |   e-naturalist cafe   |   quick links
Columbines
Smokey Bear educates the public about preventing forest fires.
ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE VIA EAST MAROON CREEK TRAIL 31983
Back to the trails list
 
Trail: Aspen to Crested Butte via East Maroon Creek Trail 31983
Region: Maroon Creek Valley
Difficulty: difficult
Description: This hiking trail to Crested Butte is 5 miles longer than the shortesttrail to Crested Butte, but it is most direct and the easiest to hike. It provides outstanding views of Pyramid Peak, scenic wooded walks, fields of wildflowers, several challenging river crossings and access to Copper Lake. For those choosing an overnight stay the camp sites in the vicinity of Copper Lake are ideal. The trail ends two miles past the small town of Gothic, seven miles from Crested Butte.Transportation into Crested Butte should be arranged in advance. Plan on starting this hike in the early morning as thunderstorms are common on the pass in the early afternoon. This trail is heavily used by those going to Crested Butte on horseback.
Directions: Located 6 1/2 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Coming to Aspen via Independence Pass: Take Highway 82 West from downtown Aspen 1 mile to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. You will pass Aspen High school and Aspen Highlands Ski Area on the way to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station, Independence Pass (Highway 82) is normally open from Memorial Day through mid-October, weather dependant. If you are planning an event during these times, please call the Colorado Department of Transportation Hotline for road updates at (877) 315-7623. Coming to Aspen via Glenwood Springs: Take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Welcome Station.
Map: Sky Terrain: Aspen, Crested Butte


 
 

Home  |   About Us  |   Volunteering  |   E-Naturalist Café  |   Support the Forest Conservancy  |   Contact Us  |   Site Map
THE FOREST CONSERVANCY • 1012 Brookie Drive, Carbondale, CO 81623 • 970-963-8071

Site Design by: Unleashed Designs