This trail passes through aspen groves and rock formations to reach the Crater Lake. The lake is partially frozen and trail around it is mostly snow free. Watch the mountains and valleys turn gold with the changing Aspen trees. more, Recommended experiences in and around Aspen, French Alpine Bistro - Creperie du Village. This is a 1.8 mile dirt/rocky section of the Maroon-Snowmass Trail from Maroon Lake (9,585 ft) to Crater Lake (10,076 ft) in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, CO. Distances: Maroon Lake (9,585 ft) to Crater Lake (10,076 ft) – 1.8 Miles Comments. The aspen were golden which was stunning. Access by car is limited in the summer from 7am - 9am, and 5pm - 7pm. Autumn days in Aspen are filled with sunshine and nights with crisp cool air. Such a great way to avoid the masses at Maroon Lake - there's still going to be people, but significantly less than the Scenic Loop or Maroon Lake. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The run starts at Mar... For the adventurous backpacker looking to get backcountry in central Colorado, the stunning beauty of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness cannot be beat. Crater Lake is a beautiful and easy destination with much smaller crowds than the nearby Maroon Lake. Fishing Information Fishing is permitted at Maroon Lake, Crater Lake, Willow Lake and along all related streams with a valid Colorado fishing license. Visitors will enjoy mild grades, abundant wildflowers and great fishing on the hike to Crater Lake: The Maroon Snowmass Trail begins on a level path up the north side of Maroon Lake to the Scenic Loop split (.3 miles). The shore is open and can be explored, but please be careful as some of the shoreline is wet meadow that can be damaged easily. Take water and food! I whined on the way in but could have run it on the way back. The West Maroon Creek Trail levels around the north shore to the open outlet area before steepening up-valley. I would like more return on my hiking investment. Pick your way through talus back into the forest, where it crests and drops to the West Maroon Creek Trail split (1.7 miles : 10,110’). Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity. In the fall, the trail goes through a beautiful Aspen grove that ends at the Lake, which is at the bottom of the famous and awe-inspiring Maroon Bells. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The trail continues on to West Maroon Pass, part of the venerable 4-Pass Loop and most popular thru-hike route to Crested Butte. This moderately difficult trek is a very popular spot for hikers visiting Aspen. Be sure to follow the signs to crater lake, which will be heading higher into the valley. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! The crater lake trail begins at Maroon Lake and quickly breaks off from the scenic trail at .3 miles. Maroon Bells is just stunning. The 1.8-mile dirt and rock section from Maroon Lake to the Crater Lake is the known as the Crater Lake Trail. The Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is located 9.2 miles west of Highway 82 on Maroon Creek Road. Aspen, CO – Lake Crater Lake (10,076 ft) is an alpine lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness accessed by the Crater Lake Trail (a section of the Maroon-Snowmass Trail), a popular day hike from Maroon Lake and the Maroon Bells Scenic Area.. Distances: Lake to Maroon Lake (9,585 ft) – 1.8 Miles. This is a 1.8 mile dirt/rocky section of the Maroon-Snowmass Trail from Maroon Lake (9,585 ft) to Crater Lake (10,076 ft) in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, CO. Distances: Maroon Lake (9,585 ft) to Crater Lake … Crater Lake Trail is an intermediate/moderate trail you can hike and run that is dog friendly. And if you've seen them in person, it's likely yo... 100' To Slopes! The 1.8-mile dirt and rock section from Maroon Lake to the Crater Lake is the known as the Crater Lake Trail. Get spooky in Aspen with this ghost tour! Saw a couple of picas on way back down too, as well as deer. Make sure to look back towards Maroon Lake, though, as those were some of my favorite views the whole hike. The shuttle operates everyday from mid-June to Labor Day. The shuttle runs Friday-Sunday as described above. Bring at least 2 L of, Very rocky trail, tough on knees (? Campfires are otherwise permitted in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, with potential seasonal restrictions. East Maroon Portal Picnic Site is situated next to Maroon Creek, offering spectacular views of towering red stone cliffs, lush wetlands and evergreen forests. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/crater-lake-trail It continues above the inlet area into thick aspens that break across an open rock field on the valley floor (1.2 miles : 10,070’). Visitors from 9am - 5pm must park at Aspen Highlands Village Parking Lot and take the Shuttle Bus to the trailhead. Once you start dropping you will be very close to the lake, which will be on the left at 1.8 miles. This short but scenic hike is ideal for families or those with limited time. This trail passes through aspen groves and rock formations to reach the Crater Lake. Have heard/read that Maroon Bells is a beautiful place especially during the fall season... while the timing of this visit isn't optimal yet (fall foliage hasn't turned yet) it is already breathtaking, I hiked to Crater lake in Maroon Bells yesterday The weather was gorgeous, but hike is rough and all rocks The lake is dried up and not so pretty. Please choose a different date. There's a $10 fee to access the Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead by car. Trail Photos (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You can contact ProTrails directly through our Facebook or Instagram accounts. Crater Lake Trail, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Crater Lake Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 Scenic Drives, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Lookouts. The Welcome Station is located 4.7 miles up Maroon Creek Road. Group size is limited to 10 individuals (or 15 with people +. The trail passes through a beautiful Aspen grove most of the way with wonderful views of 14ers, the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak that dominate the skyline. Call 970.925.3445 with specific questions about seasonal road access and shuttle schedules: Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness | Aspen Ranger District 806 West Hallam Aspen, CO 81611 970.925.3445, Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness | Sopris Ranger District 620 Main Street Carbondale, CO 81623 970.963.2266, White River National Forest 900 Grand Ave. P.O. Day hike or backpack to Crater lake & beyond - definitely worth it...every one we met along the trail was friendly & helpful...can't wait to experience again. Overview adventures and follow local regulations. The $10 access fee still applies. The trail originates near the Maroon Lake parking area. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Crater Lake Trail, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Crater Lake Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 Use the self-pay station just past the Welcome Station if no attendant is on duty. Snowshoes not necessary but good to have. This moderately difficult trek is a very popular spot for hikers visiting Aspen. I am 60 and in good shape, but just wasn't worth the pain, imho. Regardless, it's a beautiful, short hike. Only used to identify you to ProTrails. The trail originates near the Maroon Lake … After Labor Day, the road is open to all cars Mon-Thurs; restrictions only apply Friday-Sunday. This is an easy hike, but there are some parts that are rocky, make sure you're wearing the appropriate shoes! •Skiers and snowboarders will love this multi-level 4BR/4BA + den Snowmass h... • TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19. Will not show on comments list. This wide area is cut by lazy oxbows of West Maroon Creek, and is worth exploring. Even if you haven't heard of them, there's a chance you've seen them. Experience a thrill as you hear about the gruesome history that created these ghosts, and glance around, wondering where the wraiths will emerge from. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles (440 yards) of treeline, or within 100' of any lake or stream. Skip the crowds at Maroon lake and hike here for a fall sunrise. The crater lake trail begins at Maroon Lake and quickly breaks off from the scenic trail at .3 miles. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Please explore responsibly! Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. This parking area is located approximately 2 miles up Maroon Creek Road and is well-marked. Trip Reports While we thought it was great being at the base of the "Bells", the lake was low and not very pretty and the hike was fairly difficult given the rocks and altitude. +496' net elevation gain (+705' total roundtrip elevation gain), "Trail condition update: moderate - deep snow drifts about .75 miles from Crater Lake. Take in the scenery while enjoying scenic drives, hiking through forests, road biking, and exploring our IMBA Gold Level Ride Center recognized mountain bike trails. Rocky and rough trail with a tiny lake at the top, We did not think this challenging hike was worth it. The area is an excellent gath... • TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19. Dogs must be leashed at all times in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. Crater Lake Trail, Aspen: See 257 reviews, articles, and 162 photos of Crater Lake Trail, ranked No.11 on Tripadvisor among 75 attractions in Aspen. Fishing Information Fishing is permitted at Maroon Lake, Crater Lake, Willow Lake and along all related streams with a valid Colorado … One time just was in the front trail which most tourists visit, easy as breeze but the view was breathtaking; the other time, just two days later, we went on the crater trail, very rocky but walkable. We passed a deer while hiking, only about 4 feet away from us. The aspen, We and two young teens went there twice within a week. Both Maroon and Crater lakes contain notably high nutrient levels, which contributes to algae growth that creates a unique blue-green hue. If you are at the Maroon Bells, take this hike, only 3 miles round trip, as it is easy and less crowded. Hikers have improvised routes that favor drier, south facing slopes where possible. Crater Lake formed as glaciers retreated and left flat, open spaces where water collected in a process called glacial benching. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Beautiful scenary so take a minute. At 3.6 miles round trip its worth a bit of pain. The Maroon Bells are known around the world for being some of the most iconic, beautiful mountains in all of the United States. •This ground-level 3BR/3BA Aspenwood condo sits adjacent to all the action a... Maybe you've seen the photos a million times before - it's for good reason. Timed for nightfall according to season, experience a creepier Aspen as you slip through shadowed streets and into the dark haunts of the past. Maybe sunrise at Crater Lake would have been a better alternative! Contact the Aspen Ranger District (970.925.3445) for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when planning your trip. Bear left to Crater Lake (1.8 miles : 10,076'). I started this trail immediately after sunrise at Maroon Bells and it was very crowded.  - Out-and-Back Trail. •This spacious 4BR/4.5BA single-family house is the Snowmass Village rental ... • TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19.