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Hikes/United States/Colorado/Aspen
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
177 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.6 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2.5h
Directions to Trailhead
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Crater Lake Route Guide

Crater Lake hike near Aspen, Colorado
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Measurement:

Table of contents

A classic hike through the Maroon Bells Wilderness, the trek out to Crater Lake leaves the intense crowds of Maroon Lake and yields a more intimate view of the North Maroon Peak.

Route Description for Crater Lake

From the parking area, or the shuttle drop off point, head down to Maroon Lake. The view across Maroon Lake with Maroon Peak in the background is stunning. It’s one of the most photographed shots in the Colorado Rockies, so enjoy this absolutely stunning vista before starting the work ahead of you.

Continue around the north side of the lake. The trail will begin to climb gently at the end of the lake. For another 1.6 km or so you will gain elevation through sparse trees before you arrive at a junction. Turn left here along the West Maroon Creek Trail. After a few hundred feet you will arrive at the east side of Crater Lake.

You will have a fantastic view of North Maroon Peak, with all its intense and craggy features. If you walk around the lake to the other side and look back, Pyramid Peak will be on your right and Sievers Mountain on your left. Sit and appreciate these vistas before making your way back on the trail you came in on.

Insider Hints for Crater Lake

  • There are numerous campsites around Crater Lake. This makes for a fantastic and easy one-night backpack trip.
  • A fee is required to enter this section of the park, or a National Parks Pass. Note that for most of the summer, Maroon Creek Rd is closed from around 8a.m.-5p.m. If that is the case, you will have to take the Shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area. Contact the National Forest Service for more information on the shuttle.

Getting to the Crater Lake Trailhead

Head west from Aspen along Colorado 82 for 0.5mi. At the first traffic circle take the 2nd exit onto Maroon Creek Rd. Continue along Maroon Creek Rd for 9.4mi

Route Information for Crater Lake

  • When to do:

    June through October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    Yes, at Crater Lake

  • Toilets:

    Yes, at trailhead

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Crater Lake Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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