wildernet

Aspen Ranger District

Quick Facts

East Maroon Trail

Average Time:	8 - 9 Hours one way
Beginning Elevation:	8,709 Feet (2714.8 Meters)
Difficulty:	Difficult
Elevation Gain:	3,091 Feet (963.5 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,800 Feet (3678.3 Meters)
Length:	11 Miles (18.33 Kilometers)
Other Maps:	Trails Illustrated 128 Maroon Bells, Redstone, Marble
Recommended Season:	Summer to Fall
Trail Number:	1983 to East Maroon Pass
Usage:	Heavy
USGS Maps:	Maroon Bells, Highland Peak

Outfitters and Guides

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Copyright: USDA Forest Service
During July and August wildflowers of many types grow in lush groves throughout the Colorado Rocky Mountians

This wilderness trail provides good backpacking opportunities and is also a good horseback trail. From East Maroon Portal, cross the bridge and bear right. In about 1.3 miles the trail branches, continue left for the East Maroon Trail (Maroon Creek Trail goes to the right), which soon crosses into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. At 4.2 miles the trail again branches, keep straight and at the 5.7 mile mark two old cabins can be seen. At seven miles the trail forks, take the right fork to East Maroon Pass (the left goes to Copper Pass, Triangle Pass and Conundrum). At the top of East Maroon Pass there is access to Copper Lake and Gothic for further hiking and backpacking. There are no trail bridges beyond the first 1/2 mile so, hikers are expected to use back country primitive skills for river crossings.

Directions from Aspen: From mid-June through September, Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicle traffic from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., you will need to take a shuttle. The shuttle leaves from the Rubey Park bus station in Aspen. If you get an early start, drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left onto Maroon Creek Road at the roundabout. Drive 6.4 miles on Maroon Creek Road to East Maroon Portal, turning left into the parking area and the trailhead.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: June through September (NOTE: Due to snow at high elevations access to the trail may be limited.) .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Winter Conditions. Beware of avalanche danger and hypothermia. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:36:00.0

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Difficulty: Moderate
Number of People Encountered: 11-25 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: this was a great trek, but beware the last mile going to snowmass lake is a bear. I will be back this year to do it again

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Backpacking	This trail links to several other trails.	Yes
	Cold Water Fishing		Yes
	Hiking & Walking	East Maroon Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	East Maroon Trail	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness	Yes

Related Activities

Conundrum Creek Trail - Although the trail is moderate in terrain, it is a long day hike or 2 day backpacking trip. The trail generally parallels Conundrum Creek up the valley, following an old jeep trail which then turns into a trail.

East Maroon Portal Trailhead - The East Maroon Portal provides access to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The Maroon Creek and East Maroon Trails start from here. Popular destinations include Maroon, and Copper Lakes, as well as East Maroon Pass.