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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
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.
1,341 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
11.6 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.
5.5-8h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Pyramid Peak Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Pyramid Peak Trail is a challenging hiking route in the Elk Mountains of Colorado that will take you up to the summit of an ultra-scenic fourteener. While out hiking the trail, you will make your way across a rocky ravine and climb up a steep switchback trail to a cirque, before traversing boulder fields and scrambling up to the summit of Pyramid Peak for spectacular views. Hikers should take note that this is a very challenging route that should only be undertaken by those with plenty of experience. Additionally, you will need a vehicle permit if you are planning on driving into the trailhead.

Route Description for Pyramid Peak Trail

For those hardcore adventurers that are after a challenging and exhiliarating journey through the rugged terrain of the Elk Mountains, the Pyramid Peak Trail will take you up to the summit of one of the toughest fourteeners in Colorado for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Setting out from the car park at the Maroon Bells Recreation Area, you will head to the southwest along the Crater lake trail and skirt around the shoreline of Maroon Lake. After crossing over a small but rocky ravine, you will follow the trail to the left across West Maroon Creek and begin hiking up the steep switchback trail leading southeast up the mountainside.

After a tough uphill slog that features a large amount of elevation gain, you will arrive at the cirque just below Pyramid Peak. Here, the path will be tricky to follow, as you will need to traverse some large boulder fields that will certainly provide a bit of a leg burn. After traversing these, you will continue on towards the vertical north face of the peak, where you will climb up a steep gully to reach the top of the ridge.

Following along the cairns, you will carefully make the final push up to the summit of Pyramid Peak, where you will experience panoramic views across the mountainous terrain of Colorado. After taking in the views, carefully head back down the same way that you came on the return leg to the car park.

Getting to the Pyramid Peak Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for the Pyramid Peak Trail can be found at the car park for the MAroon Bells Recreation Area on Maroon Creek Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    May-September

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Pyramid Peak Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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