Crater Lake and Maroon Lake

The short trail to the foot of Maroon Lake leaves from the day use parking area along the north side of the lake to enter the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, and then it starts to climb. Parts of this first half of the trail are a bit steep and rocky. At the top of the switchbacks there is a tremendous view of Maroon Lake below. The trail levels out somewhat and begins a very scenic rolling climb with fantastic views on all sides. In the fall, this section of West Maroon Creek has fabulous color from the aspen trees. Just before Crater Lake there is a nice overlook above the lake on the left side of the trail. From here it is a five-minute walk to the lake. Crater Lake is shallow and can look more brown than blue in some light, but the reflected views of the Maroon Bells, the lower reaches of Pyramid Peak, and the aspen/conifer forest all around are spectacular. The immense scale of the setting is humbling with 14,000-foot peaks towering above. After Crater Lake the West Maroon Trail splits off and continues up to West Maroon Pass (6.5 miles) and on to Crested Butte (12 miles) or around the 24-mile Four Pass Loop. This hike is a sort of rite of passage for Colorado locals, and there are shuttle services to return to Aspen at a (somewhat) reasonable price.