Near Maroon Snowmass Trail #1975
Starting the Four Pass journey. Dawn light on North Maroon Peak. Photo: Michelle Smith
Near Maroon Snowmass Trail #1975
Maroon Bells and Crater Lake.
Near Maroon Snowmass Trail #1975
West side of Buckskin Pass. Photo: Michelle Smith
Near Maroon Snowmass Trail #1975
Cruising over the top of Bucksin Pass. Snowmass Mountain in the background. Photo: Michelle Smith
Near Maroon Snowmass Trail #1975
Camping off buckskin and enjoying the view.

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Hike Trail

Maroon Snowmass Trail #1975

4.8 (11 Ratings)
A very popular but steep day hike often used as a starting point for extended backpacking trips.
6.8
mi
Distance
2,844
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
From mid-June through September, Maroon Creek Road is restricted to vehicles from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beyond the T-Lazy 7 Ranch. Take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area, which leaves every 20 minutes; dogs are allowed on the bus. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. The Interagency, Senior & Golden Access Passes are honored.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
6.83mi
Distance
2,844ft
Elevation Gain
1,819ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
12,563ft
High Point
10,126ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
At the Crater Lake bulletin board, the trail forks to the right and climbs steeply through aspen and spruce forest for 1 mile to Minnehaha Gulch. A stream divides the nearly one mile long gulch in half with campsites available before and after the stream crossing. The trail continues its steep ascent exiting the gulch into an alpine meadow with Buckskin Pass looming ahead. A trail sign for the Maroon-Snowmass /Willow Lake junction appears in another 1/2 mile. Take the left fork which continues to follow the Maroon-Snowmass Trail through the meadow to a series of switchbacks that climb steeply to Buckskin Pass. If hiking beyond the pass, the next available campsites are 2 miles ahead.

Route Conditions

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Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Tom Robson