Maroon Creek Trail
806 West Hallam Street
About
If time and stamina are lacking, yet you still crave to wander into Aspen's famed backcountry, give this 4.5-mile hike some consideration. Rated moderate, the trail wanders through stands of shimmering aspens and towering lodgepole pines providing rare viewing access to mule deer and elk. Bring your pole and fish for cutthroat trout in Maroon Creek, or the many beaver ponds. The trail culminates by spilling out on Maroon Lake and its spectacular views of the famed Maroon Bells. Bus service at the lake spares you the time and energy of having to hike back. This trail offers a less crowded alternative for 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. The best views occur as you travel up the valley. For a more relaxing hike, start at Maroon Lake and hike down valley. During the summer, plan on taking the shuttle bus from Aspen which includes a very informative guided tour. 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, bare 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. Directions: 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 970-925-8484 for more information.
