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    Hikes/United States/Colorado/Aspen

    Maroon Lake

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very 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.
    0.5-1h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    2.4 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.
    58 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.
    9.6
    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.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    Panorama from the Maroon Lake hike in Aspen, Colorado

    Although crowded, the quick hike along Maroon Lake is definitely a must for anyone spending time in Aspen. It is said that the view across Maroon Lake with North Maroon Peak in the background is the most photographed scene in the Colorado Rockies.

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    Route Description for Maroon Lake

    From the parking area, 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.

    Walk along the north side of the lake. You will reach a junction after about 400 m; take the path on your right. This path will steer you away from the lake and through a nice wooded path. It will eventually veer left, down towards the lakeshore again.

    At the junction you can stop at appreciate the scenery! From here you will look up across Maroon Lake and up to Pyramid Peak. Looking back to the north you will see Sievers Mountain looming over the lake and parking area.

    Then you will begin your trip back towards the parking lot. Take the path on your left that walks you back along the shoreline. It will meet up with the path you came out on. From there you can return the short distance to the parking lot.

    Insider Hints for Maroon Lake

    • There are several picnic opportunities at the trailhead.
    • 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 Maroon Lake Trailhead

    Head west out of Aspen along Colorado 82. At the first traffic circle take the second exit onto Maroon Creek Rd. Continue along Maroon Creek Rd for 15.1 km

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June through September

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Yes, deeper in the Maroon Bells Wilderness

    • Toilets

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Maroon Lake Elevation Graph

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    Maroon Lake Reviews

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