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Crested Butte, Colorado

Looking for the best photography in Crested Butte? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Crested Butte. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near Crested Butte

  • Aspen, Colorado

    Backpack Cathedral Lake

    4.7
    5.6 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Cathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plent...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

    4.6
    3.77 mi / 722 ft gain
    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 Maroo...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Backpack to Snowmass Creek in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

    13 mi
    For beginner backpackers or just those who can't take off 3-4 days to do the Four Pass Loop, there's still options near the iconic Maroon Bells.  If you are planning to do an overnight at the Bells, you need to get there early or late - before 7:30 am or after 5 pm. The overnight lot fills quickl...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Explore the Maroon Bells & Snowmass Wilderness

    5.0
    The beautiful and iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness is home to some of the most amazing scenery and adventures to be had in all of Colorado. It is world-famous for the Maroon Bells, two challenging 14ers just outside of Aspen, Colorado. The third 14er, Pyramid Peak is also considered a clas...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Relax at Maroon Lake

    4.9
    The Maroon Bells are known around the world for being some of the most iconic, beautiful mountains in all of the United States. Even if you haven't heard of them, there's a chance you've seen them. And if you've seen them in person, it's likely you were there with 800+ of your closest friends.If ...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Car Camp at Maroon Lake

    5.0
    0.3 mi / 0 ft gain
    Maybe you've seen the photos a million times before - it's for good reason. Maroon Bells is just stunning. Watching the first rays of sunlight scratch the very top of Maroon Bells and slowly crawl their way down the massive slabs of granite is simply a must for the checklist. Taking in the sunris...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Snowmass Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail

    4.3
    16.53 mi / 5023 ft gain
    For the adventurous backpacker looking to get backcountry in central Colorado, the stunning beauty of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness cannot be beaten. While the Maroon Bells just outside of Aspen might be the most photographed mountains in North America, the beauty is definitely rivaled by ...
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  • Pitkin County, Colorado

    Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells

    4.8
    25.99 mi / 7566 ft gain
    Updates will be posted here.  The Four Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake, famous for its iconic view of the Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak), deemed the “most-photographed spot in Colorado.” After taking in this majestic view, continue to walk down the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail unti...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Hike or Snowshoe Castle Creek

    6 mi
    At the round-a-bout that leads into the town of Aspen, take the Castle Creek Road exit. Follow this road for 12 miles until you get to the ghost town of Ashcroft. The road itself is very scenic, so be prepared to pull over and whip out your camera!During winter, the road ends at Ashcroft and a cr...
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  • Carbondale, Colorado

    Hike by Lizard Lake to Crystal Mill

    5.0
    10 mi
    Although the iconic Crystal Mill is the main attraction on this hike, the river that leads you there through the magnificent mountains of the White River National Forest is nothing short of extraordinary.Getting ThereThe hike is located in the small town of Marble, about 40 minutes east of Carbon...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Camp at Silver Queen Campground

    To start it off, head out from Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Once you get to the park, you will either have to pay the charge at the booth or if you get there after 5pm, you can self pay at the cash box, which is $10. You'll also want to get an overnight parking pass set up which doesn't cost extra...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Camp at Silver Bell Campground

    Escape the bustle of town and head out of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Follow the signs to Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area. There is a $10 entrance fee (unless you are a national parks pass cardholder) plus an additional fee to camp. Continue down the road to Silver Bell Campground. With a t...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Ski or Snowshoe to the Maroon Bells

    5.0
    12 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From Aspen drive down Maroon Creek Road until it comes to its winter closure located by T Lazy 7 Ranch. The Ranch offers snowmobile tours and keeps the six mile snow covered road to the Bells groomed. Most popular with cross country skiers, the snow road can also be hiked, fat biked, and skinned....
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  • Gunnison County, Colorado

    Winter Astrophotography at Taylor Reservoir

    20 miles outside the south central Colorado mountain town of Almont lies Taylor Park Reservoir. The location is secluded and not penetrated by light pollution, making it a perfect place to photograph winter stars.When you arrive to your desired location by the edge of the reservoir you can begin ...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Ski the Aspen Highland Bowl

    / 782 ft gain
    Being able to ski or snowboard the Highland Bowl requires a good set of lungs and legs. Accessing the 12,382-foot peak requires taking a couple of lifts from the base of Aspen Highlands Mountain (Exhibition then Loge Peak), then some serious leg work (expect a 30-60-minute hike). Some parts of th...
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  • Aspen, Colorado

    Devil's Punch Bowl

    4.7
    The Roaring Fork River has several little waterfalls that end up in a deep swimming hole called The Devil's Punch Bowl. This is a must-see if you are driving up to the Independence Pass. I have never seen such blue water before (outside of an amusement park).  While Driving from Aspen on CO82 to...
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