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.

Elevation: 8,709 feet

Ending Elevation: 11,800 feet

Elevation Gain: 3,091 feet

Distance: 11 miles

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Strenuous

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