East Maroon Portal Picnic Site

About

The East Maroon Portal Picnic Site is a moderate hiking destination in Aspen, located at 9,460 feet elevation. It serves as the starting point for the Maroon Creek Trail and East Maroon Trail within the White River National Forest. The site is accessible from September through November, with a typical hiking duration of about 2 hours for casual exploration. Parking is available on-site, and public restrooms are provided. The area allows pets and features picnic tables suitable for gatherings. Hikers begin by crossing a bridge near Maroon Creek, entering an environment characterized aspen groves, boulder fields, and red stone cliffs. The trail leads into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, offering access to alpine terrain and high mountain lakes. Vehicle traffic on Maroon Creek Road is restricted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., requiring shuttle use or vehicle passes for those not utilizing the five included passes at the portal. Trail conditions are generally dry in the fall, though early snowfall is possible.