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    Hikes/United States/Colorado/Aspen

    Crater Lake

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    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
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    6.6 km
    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
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.8
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
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    Crater Lake hike near Aspen, Colorado

    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.

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    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 0.8 km. At the first traffic circle take the 2nd exit onto Maroon Creek Rd. Continue along Maroon Creek Rd for 15.1 km

    Route Information

    • 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

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    Crater Lake Reviews

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