Copyright: Robbie George-UteCityPhoto.com A beaver wades through Maroon Creek below the spectacular Maroon Bells

From the East Maroon Portal (8,709 ft), cross the bridge and bare right up the valley. At the trail junction with the East Maroon Trail, bear right and continue on to Maroon Lake (9,580 ft). An easy 3 1/2 miles one way. The trail receives moderate use.

From the west end of the Maroon Lake parking area pick up the trail by crossing the bridge. Bare left and follow the trail down valley. In about a mile, you will come to a bridge on the left. Continue straight ahead. At the junction with the East Maroon Creek Trail, keep left and continue down valley until you come to the bridge at the East Maroon Portal. To catch the bus back to Aspen, continue past the parking area to Maroon Creek road and flag down the bus.

Maroon Creek Trail is within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, so please educate yourself about Wilderness Ethics and Rules.

Directions from Aspen: Drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left onto Maroon Creek Road at the roundabout. Keep right and continue 6 1/2 miles to the East Maroon Portal (to hike up valley) or 9 1/2 miles to the Maroon Lake Parking Area (to hike down valley).From mid-June through September, the Maroon Creek Road is closed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and you will need to take a shuttle bus from Ruby Park in Aspen. The bus includes an informative guided tour of the valley. Contact the Roaring Fork Transit Agency at 925-8484 for more information.

Seasonal Information:
Normal Summer Season: Mid-June through September (NOTE: Due to the very heavy use of the area, Maroon Creek Road is closed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors must catch a shuttle bus from the Ruby Park Transit Center in Aspen.) . Best Fall Colors: Mid-September through Early October (NOTE: The Fall colors are spectacular during the month of September. Call ahead to determine when the colors are at their peak for the year.) .

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 Road - Maroon Creek Road leads to Maroon Lake and the Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in the country. This route is good for taking an all day trip with a picnic stop.

Maroon-Snowmass (Willow Lake) - This scenic trail is heavily used. Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing and camping are available. The trailhead is 9 1/2 miles up Maroon Creek Road. It's located within Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

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.