This trail serves as a short and very popular day hike, or starting point for extended backpacking trips into the wilderness. The trail starts at the Maroon Lake parking area traversing through a meadow to the far end of Maroon Lake to a Forest Service informational bulletin board. There are 2 ways to reach Crater Lake, to the right is the Maroon-Snowmass Trail and to the left is the Maroon Creek Trail. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs through the aspens to the lake. The left trail or Scenic Trail, follows the river (crosses 2 bridges) then climbs steeply to merge with the Maroon-Snowmass trail.

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. You can catch the shuttle from Rubey Park on Durant Street in Aspen. There is a fee for the Maroon Creek Shuttle.If you get an early start, drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left at the roundabout onto Maroon Creek Road. Keep right and continue 9-1/2 miles to the Maroon Lake parking area.

Elevation: 10,076 feet

Ending Elevation: 10,076 feet

Elevation Gain: 496 feet

Distance: 1.8 miles

Usage: Extremely Heavy

Difficulty: Moderate

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