Name: West Maroon Trail
Rating: 5.0

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. The Interagency, Senior & Golden Access Passes are honored.

From mid-June through September, Maroon Creek Road is restricted to vehicles from 8:00 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. rfta.com/routes/maroon-bells/

Description

If using this trail as part of the Four Pass Loop, the West Maroon Trail starts from an intersection with Fravert Basin Trail in Scholfield Park where you'll head east, away from Schofield Park to West Maroon Pass.

After gaining the pass, the trail angles to the left and descends steadily through willow and then tundra. This area is very open and Crater Lake can be seen in the distance. Cross a stream at a very wide and sometimes washed-out section - be careful here! The trail on the opposite side can be difficult to find after heavy rainfall or during spring runoffs.

After more tundra traveling, the trail reaches a massive scree field. After this rock field, the trail enters a dense forest and eventually pops out next to a beautiful stream. Follow the stream to its source, Crater Lake. The trail eventually diverges from the water and works its way around the eastern side of Crater Lake to the information bulletin board. After a few more meters, West Maroon Trail terminates at Maroon Snowmass Trail.