Mt. Crested Butte to Aspen via East Maroon Pass

About

The Mt. Crested Butte to Aspen via East Maroon Pass route is a 29.9-mile difficult hike connecting the Mt. Crested Butte ski area to downtown Aspen. The trail follows Copper Creek Trail #983 and East Maroon Creek Trail #1983, reaching a high point of 11,825 feet at East Maroon Pass. The route typically takes about 20 hours to complete and is considered one of the least busy options for traveling between the two towns. Hikers traverse varied terrain, including alpine meadows and rugged mountain passes, with views of the Elk Range. Water sources are plentiful along both trails, though a filter or purifier is recommended. The best months for hiking are late June through mid-October, with July offering wildflower viewing and September providing fall foliage. Snow can persist into June and October. The trailhead near Gothic offers parking, and forest service toilets are available at both the Copper Creek Trail #983 and East Maroon Creek Trail #1983 trailheads. Backpackers require bear canisters and advance reservation permits for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The route is accessible year-round, though weather conditions fluctuate significantly with elevation changes.