Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

Aspen, Colorado

4.6/5

based on 5 reviews

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Distance

3.77 miles

Elevation Gain

722 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Eric Schuette

Crater Lake is a beautiful and easy destination with much smaller crowds than the nearby Maroon Lake. 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.

The crater lake trail begins at Maroon Lake and quickly breaks off from the scenic trail at .3 miles. Be sure to follow the signs to crater lake, which will be heading higher into the valley. 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.

Just before you reach the lake you will descend a little bit from the crest of the trail at mile 1.7. Once you start dropping you will be very close to the lake, which will be on the left at 1.8 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. This is a great spot for a snack if this is you final destination or if you have higher aspirations.

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Reviews

Drew Thompson

Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

04/30/22

Great hike, fairly easy and much less crowds than the usual Maroon Bells area. This trail also brings you to some great backcountry options or trails that lead to the tops of the Bells themselves.

5.0

Explorer

Haley Baker

Explorer

Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

08/05/17

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. Make sure to look back towards Maroon Lake, though, as those were some of my favorite views the whole hike.

5.0

Kelley Dodge

Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

12/31/16

I started this trail immediately after sunrise at Maroon Bells and it was very crowded. Maybe sunrise at Crater Lake would have been a better alternative! Regardless, it's a beautiful, short hike.

4.0

Explorer

Johnathan Valdez

Explorer

Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

01/07/16

This is an easy hike, but there are some parts that are rocky, make sure you're wearing the appropriate shoes!

4.0

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

12/23/15

Skip the crowds at Maroon lake and hike here for a fall sunrise.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

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