West Maroon Trail Head

About

The West Maroon Trailhead, located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Snowmass and Aspen, offers a moderate hike starting at Maroon Lake. The trail climbs through aspen groves to Crater Lake, where hikers take a left fork to follow a stream briefly before entering the forest. The route continues through willow and tundra, crossing a wide, potentially dangerous stream during high spring runoff, before climbing steeply via switchbacks to West Maroon Pass. Accessible from late summer through fall, the trailhead is reached by driving west on Highway 82 to the Maroon Creek Road roundabout, then following Maroon Creek Road for approximately 6.5 miles. During peak season (mid-June through September), the road may be closed to private vehicles between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., requiring use of the shuttle system from Ruby Park in Aspen. Parking is available at Maroon Lake. Bear canisters are mandatory for backpackers, and advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the wilderness zones. The trail is pet-friendly and generally dry in the fall, though snow and ice are possible at higher elevations.