wildernet

Aspen Ranger District

Quick Facts

Maroon Creek Road

Average Time:	1 Days
Difficulty:	Easy
Elevation Gain:	1,900 Feet (592.3 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	9,800 Feet (3054.9 Meters)
Length:	11.0 Miles (17.7 Kilometers)
Usage:	Heavy

Outfitters and Guides

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Going up the valley, you will see one of the most prominent peaks in the area, the rugged 14,018 foot Pyramid Peak, directly ahead of you. Maroon Creek will be following the road on the left. As you ski up the road you may see some signs of avalanches that have come down from the steep valley walls; trees will be flattened and wide paths will be cleared by the tumbling snow. Some of these avalanches may even come across the road, forcing the trail to close. Most of the time, however, the road will be open. Farther on, where Pyramid Peak dominates the middle of the main valley, the side valley going off to the left will be East Maroon Valley. The road will take you to the right, in front of Pyramid Peak, following Maroon Creek to Maroon Lake. Immediately after rounding the corner at the cattle guard at kilometer marker 7, you will see the Maroon Bells directly ahead of you in all their beauty; this sight alone is worth the trip.

Directions from Aspen: Drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 to the roundabout where you turn onto Maroon Creek Road. From the roundabout, drive to the end of the plowed section on Maroon Creek Road located at the T-Lazy 7 Ranch, 3.3 miles.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Closed at T-Lazy 7 Ranch for Winter Season. Mandatory bus service at Highlands from 8AM-5PM daily will resume in June unless a visitor is backpacking or camping. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:43:00.0

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Camping	Silver Bell, Bar and Queen Family Camp Grounds.	Yes
	Cross-country Skiing	Maroon Creek Road #125 after winter closure.	Yes
	Cold Water Fishing	Maroon Lake and Creek. Willow and Crater Lakes.	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Maroon, East Maroon and West Maroon Creek Trails. Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake Trails.	No
	Horseback Riding	Maroon, East Maroon and West Maroon Creek Trails. Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake Trails.	No
	Mountain Climbing	Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Bells.	No
	Road Biking	Maroon Creek Road #125	Yes
	Scenic Driving	Maroon Creek Road #125	Yes
	Ice & Snowcraft Travel	Maroon Creek Road #125 after winter closure.	Yes
	Snowshoeing	Maroon Creek Road #125 after winter closure.	Yes

Related Activities

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.

Maroon Creek Area - The Maroon Creek area is located southwest of Aspen. The scenic Maroon Bells are the focal point of this area but not the only attraction.

Maroon Creek Trail - This trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Valley. There are good views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. This is a good day hike and is also a popular trail for horseback riding.

Maroon Peak - Maroon Peak is one of the peaks within the Maroon Bells grouping. It's elevation is 14,156'.

Pyramid Peak - Pyramid Peak is one of Colorado's most difficult and dangerous fourteen thousand foot summits. No one should attempt this climb without the proper equipment and without advanced mountain climbing skills.

West Maroon Portal Trailhead - The West Maroon Portal provides access to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The Maroon Creek and Maroon-Snowmass Trails start from here.

West Maroon Trail - This trail is one of the most heavily used trails in the Aspen area. Hikers, backpackers and horse travelers enjoy the wildflowers and access to the wilderness areas.