Trail Information and Road Conditions | Maroon Creek Valley

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WEST MAROON #1970

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Trail: West Maroon #1970

Region: Maroon Creek Valley

Difficulty: difficult

Description: The trail starts at the Maroon Lake parking area traversing through a meadow to the far end of the Lake and a Forest Service bulletin board. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail is to the right. It climbs 1.8 miles through aspen trees to Crater Lake. Take the left fork at the Crater Lake bulletin board. The West Maroon Trail skirts the right side of Crater Lake. After the lake the trail follows the stream for a short distance and then enters the forest. Upon emerging from the forest you will cross a rocky scree field. The first stream crossing is in a little over three miles. This crossing is fairly wide and can be extremely dangerous during high spring runoffs. The trail on the other side is not always visible before crossing. The trail climbs through forest and willow before reaching another stream crossing in an open area. After crossing, the trail angles to the right and climbs steadily through willow and then tundra. This area is very open and the pass can be seen in the distance. The trail continues to climb steeply through switchbacks followed by a long traverse that ends at the top of the Pass. The views are spectacular on a clear day. From the top of the pass the trail descends on the other side to the East Fork Creek Trail and Schofield Park into Crested Butte or Frigid Air Pass.

Directions: From roundabout, drive 9.5 miles to Maroon Lake day use lot. Follow Crater Lake trail - the West Maroon Trail skirts the right side of Crater Lake.

Map: USGS Maroon Bells

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