Maroon Snowmass Trailhead

About

The Maroon Snowmass Trailhead serves as the access point for a moderate 16-mile trail in the White River National Forest, located approximately 10 miles southwest of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. The trail begins at the Maroon Lake parking area, traverses a meadow to a Forest Service bulletin board, and climbs through aspen groves and scree fields. It crosses Snowmass Creek at two beaver ponds, passes a rock garden, and ascends to Buckskin Pass before descending into Minnehaha Gulch. The trail offers access to designated camping sites at Snowmass Lake and Crater Lake. Fall hiking is viable from September through November, with peak aspen coloration occurring during this period. The trailhead provides parking and is pet-friendly, though dogs must be leashed. A mandatory recreation fee applies to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, with shuttle access available from Aspen Highlands. Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays within the Wilderness zones, and bear canisters are mandatory for backpackers. The trail is heavily used, particularly on weekends when camping at Snowmass Lake can be crowded.