The trail starts at the Maroon Lake parking area traversing through a meadow to the far end of Maroon Lake and a Forest Service bulletin board. The trail skirts around an active beaver pond and loops back to Maroon Lake. Last bus leaves at 5 pm and they don’t wait. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including cutthroat trout and others here. Sandals doesn't get it folks. We locals just have to laugh when we see you in your flip flops. On day 2 from Snowmass lake , we turn east continuing on the Maroon – Snowmass trail to 12,462 foot Buckskin Pass. Take the trail to the left. You’ll want to give yourself some time for round trip. Resting at just about 11,000 ft, this sapphire lake reflects the surrounding peaks of Snowmass Peak (13,619 ft), Hagerman Peak (13,841 ft), and Snowmass Mountain (14,092 ft). About Crater Lake (the Maroon Bells) This is quite possibly one of the most iconic hikes in the nation and certainly in the Aspen Snowmass area, this is a can’t miss hike. Continue on the Maroon-Snowmass trail to another signed junction. Stay left (going right will put you on the Geneva Lake trail and will also return you to Snowmass Lake). Maroon Lake Hotels Flights to Aspen Things to do in Aspen Car Rentals in Maroon Lake Aspen Vacation Packages Colorado may have travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19. Be sure to bring water, rain gear (pants & jacket), something to eat (just in case) and wear good shoes. The trail descends through forest and crosses Snowmass Creek. It lies just above treeline in a stunning alpine basin east of Willow Pass (12,572').. While the lake is exceptional, the hike itself is equally compelling. Without a doubt, it is among the most scenic protected areas in the United States, and the best way to see it is on foot. Numerous hiking trails depart the Maroon Lake area, penetrating … There are several bridges crossing the creek. Backcountry camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is free, but expect to pay a per-car fee or per-passenger shuttle fare to access the trailhead at Maroon Lake. Maroon Lake is a lake located just 8 miles from Snowmass Village, in Pitkin County, in the state of Colorado, United States. This is a great trail to take after watching the sunrise from the bottom of Maroon Lake. The trail Several campsites near the lake are prime real estate for base camps below Snowmass Mountain or overnight respites before the 1,400-foot climb back to Buckskin Pass. The portion of the trail between Snowmass Lake and Buckskin Pass is extremely scenic with views of Snowmass Peak and Snowmass Lake below. Dismiss close travel advisory One of the most spectacular and accessible hikes in the Colorado's Maroon Bells Recreation Area is the hike up the Maroon-Snomass Trail from Maroon Lake to Crater Lake. 8.5 miles into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness lies Snowmass Lake. Willow Lake - 12.4 Miles Round-Trip Willow Lake is located 6.2 miles from Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. Take the left fork to remain on the Maroon-Snowmass Trail or to find the large group and campfire sites. Upon your arrival at the Maroon Bells Visitors Center* you’ll be greeted by incredible views of North and South Maroon (collectively, the Maroon Bells). Maroon Lake Scenic Trail: Tickets & Tours‎ ... You'll see the Maroon Snowmass Trail on your left. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area offers hiking trails for all abilities. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. We booked 12:45 bus ride & managed to walk around Maroon Lake & Crater Lake & got back by 4. Starting on the Maroon Snowmass Trail south up the valley along the creek until it meets with the Buckskin Pass Trail near Snowmass Lake and hang a left - it starts out gently sloping up until you reach the pass where the trail gets steep for the first time. 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