Crater Lake Trail - Aspen Attractions

Highlights: A short and very popular day hike over rocky trails, through aspen groves and around rock formations to a high mountain lake. This trail is often used as starting point for extended backpacking trips into the wilderness. This trail is extremely rocky and dry. Good hiking shoes and plenty of water are a must. Camping is permited only in designated areas and campfires are prohibited. Dogs are not permitted around the lake.

The trail starts at the Maroon Lake parking area. There are two ways to reach the lake. To the right, is the Maroon Snowmass Trail which traverses through a meadow to a Forest Service bulletin board at the far end of the lake. The trail climbs on rocky paths through the aspens to the top of a rocky rise before it descends to the lake. The second option, the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, skirts Maroon Lake to its far end. It then follows Maroon Creek, crossing two bridges, then climbs steeply to merge with the Maroon-Snowmass Trail shortly before the ascent to the top of the rocky rise.

Direction: From mid-June through September the Maroon Creek Road beyond the T-Lazy Seven Ranch is closed from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. You will need to take a shuttle. Ask Forest Service visitor information personnel for bus schedule info and September road closure hours. If you get an early start, drive 1/2 of a mile west on Highway 82 and turn left at the light onto Maroon Creek Road. Drive 9-1/2 miles on Maroon Creek Road to the Day Use parking area at Maroon Lake. Backpackers may enter at any time. Stop at the Forest Service Entrance Station for a parking pass for overnight use in the Overnight Parking lot at the lake. If the lot is full, you will need to return to town and enter by bus.