Maroon Lake
- Physical DifficultyThis 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.
- Technical DifficultyThis 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.

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
Maroon Lake Elevation Graph
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