Avery popular, but steep day hike; often used as a starting point for extended backpacking trips into the wilderness. Great views of Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, and Snowmass Lake are abundant.

The trail starts at the Maroon Lake parking area traversing through a meadow to the far end of Maroon Lake to a Forest Service bulletin board. Keep right on the Maroon-Snowmass Trail to Crater Lake. At the Crater Lake bulletin board, take the right fork, which climbs steadily into Minnehaha Gulch. About 1/2 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass & Willow Lake Trail junction. Take the left fork continuing to follow the Maroon-Snowmass Trail, which leads to some switchbacks that ascend steeply to the top of Buckskin Pass.

Directions: From Aspen, From mid-June through September the Maroon Creek Road is closed from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., you will need to take a shuttle.If you get an early start, drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left at onto Maroon Creek Road at the roundabout. Bear right and continue 9-1/2 miles to the Maroon Lake parking area.

Elevation: 9,580 feet

Ending Elevation: 12,462 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,882 feet

Distance: 4.8 miles

Usage: Extremely Heavy

Difficulty: Strenuous

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