Aspen, CO: West Maroon Pass

Beginning at the shores of Maroon Lake, this 12.7-mile out-and-back is a difficult day hike or a moderate overnight trip among some of North America’s most photographed peaks.

The trail climbs beneath aspen in the White River National Forest before traversing a lichen-covered rock garden and turning south. Skirting Crater Lake—and 11 designated campsites—the trail settles into a lush valley sandwiched between 13,000-foot Len Shoemaker Ridge and the 14,000-foot Maroon Peaks. As it follows West Maroon Creek, the trail crosses its path several times—consider bringing trekking poles, especially in early spring when snowmelt can make crossings treacherous.

Heavy understory thins near treeline where a mind-boggling array of wildflowers await: Indian Paintbrushes, Colorado Columbine, Geyer Larkspur, and dozens of other species bloom throughout late summer. In its last two miles, the trail gains over 1,000 feet, dipping into a valley saddle at mile 5.5 before the final push up rocky slopes to the 12,480-foot pass.

Wilderness camping in the White River National Forest is free but expect to pay a per-car fee to drive to the trailhead, or a per-person fee for the shuttle bus.

-Mapped by Kristy Holland and Anne Whetzel

Trail Facts

• Distance: 10.2

Waypoints

Summit Climb

Location: 39.038414, -106.995155

The rocky trail narrows and the climb intensifies near the summit.

Trailhead Parking

Location: 39.098949, -106.9394

During peak summer hours, a bus shuttles visitors to the trailhead near Maroon Lake, a popular destination for families, fishermen and photographers.

Aspen

Location: 39.094997, -106.952934

Massive aspen groves dominate the scenery along the trail’s early stretches. ©Annie Whetzel

Early Climb

Location: 39.090786, -106.95961

After emerging from the woods, the open trail skirts a tree-strewn valley and climbs toward Crater Lake.

West Maroon Trail

Location: 39.088642, -106.96579

Trailsigns point to the West Maroon Trail No. 1970.

Crater Lake

Location: 39.08765, -106.966209

The trail turns south and skirts Crater Lake’s shoreline for nearly 0.25 miles.

Rocky Trail

Location: 39.078907, -106.971733

The trail is easy to follow and open as it traverses several rock slides. The crumbling debris exposes steep faces along the Maroon Bells’ eastern slopes.

Stream Crossing

Location: 39.0653, -106.971481

Stepping stones made this late-August crossing a dry one, but be prepared for getting wet if the river is snowmelt-swollen earlier in the summer.

Wildflowers

Location: 39.043442, -106.986412

Approaching treeline, wildflower-filled fields are a sharp contrast to the rocky peaks.

WMP001

Location: 39.099651, -106.937668

In addition to toilets and water at the trailhead, there are three parking lots and a shuttle bus to reduce traffic during the summer.

WMP002

Location: 39.098534, -106.940826

Follow signs for the Crater Lake Trail as you head west through the parking area and along the shores of Maroon Lake.

WMP003

Location: 39.098091, -106.94603

Turn right @ signed Y-junction, heading uphill toward Crater Lake. A bench and several interpretive signs at this junction near Maroon Lake’s halfway point make this a great spot for a photo-op.

WMP004

Location: 39.097122, -106.947838

Cross two plank bridges just before reaching a self-registration kiosk at the wilderness area boundary. Overnight hikers are required to fill out the free registration tag and detail their plans.

WMP005

Location: 39.091442, -106.958328

After climbing several pine-shaded switchbacks, the trail opens up and winds through lichen-covered piles of angular rock. Near the end of this 0.3-mile section of trail, get your first glimpse of Crater Lake’s muddy waters to the left.

WMP006

Location: 39.088654, -106.965958

Turn left at this trail junction to follow the West Maroon Trail #1970. Skirting the lake’s northern shore, you’ll pass several campsite spur-trails. Campsite 6 is a favorite, but try to steer clear of Campsite 3, you may find a hornet’s nest.

WMP007

Location: 39.08429, -106.969894

Cross the small stream over a split-log bridge and continue through the ponderosa-shaded clearing. Pass left-hand spur trails to Crater Lake’s Campsites 7-9.

WMP008

Location: 39.080582, -106.971359

Continue on the main trail, bypassing the spur trails toward Campsites 10 and 11.

WMP009

Location: 39.078888, -106.971786

The lush understory clears as the trail winds atop a rockfall and scree field. Northern views of Crater Lake are a little distracting, but the well-trod trail is easy to follow.

WMP010

Location: 39.065227, -106.971741

You’ll cross several easy streams before reaching this more substantial crossing at mile 3.5. Water levels may be low in late August, but a snowmelt-swollen river in early summer might present more of a challenge. Stop to dry your feet and have a snack on the streams open eastern side.

WMP011

Location: 39.056427, -106.975632

A rock outcropping on the trail overlooks West Maroon Creek and the valley.

WMP012

Location: 39.055191, -106.976898

Several user-created trails merge on the opposite side of this 10-foot stream crossing. Expect to get wet in the late spring or early summer when the stream is high.

WMP013

Location: 39.046791, -106.983872

A hill on the right side of the trail and thick shrubbery obscure North and South Maroon Peak. This is one of the only sections of trail where the peaks are out of sight.

WMP014

Location: 39.042553, -106.986626

This meadow area near treeline has several inviting tent sites. There are no designated campsites above Crater Lake, but using established sites helps reduce the impact of overnight visitors.

WMP015

Location: 39.042293, -106.987824

Descend a small hill for another stream crossing, which is easy to hop across.

WMP016

Location: 39.036419, -106.997261

The climb intensifies as the vegetation and air thins near the pass. Alpine meadows and flowers give way to red-tinted rocks for the final few hundred feet of climbing.

WMP017

Location: 39.035732, -106.997307

The 12,480-foot pass offers spectacular and sweeping views of Mount Belleview and the East Fork Crystal River basin. Several rocky outcroppings are a good place to soak in the view, if the wind and weather are mild.