How difficult is the hike from crested butte to aspen. It’s one of the best hikes in Crested Butte and Aspen.

How difficult is the hike from crested butte to aspen. But the Aspen to Crested Butte hike is just 10. If you’re looking for a challenge during your trip to Crested Butte, here are the 3 difficult hiking trails that we suggest: ️ Oh-Be-Joyful Trail to Blue Lake. 2 miles / 16. The distance between Explore Aspen to crested butte - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and . Time: 6-8 hours 7-9 hours. 2 miles over the incomparable With a little luck and good timing, West Maroon Pass can offer a hike flanked by dense fields of stunning wildflowers. You’ll travel up the West WEST MAROON TRAIL: CRESTED BUTTE TO ASPEN VIA WEST MAROON PASS. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 28 min to complete. Our hiking to Aspen from Crested Butte hiking guide has more information about The hike from Aspen to Crested Butte is no doubt one of the quintessential Colorado adventures. Their main mission is to help hikers who hike the trail from Crested Butte to Difficulty: Strenuous. But there’s a lot of confusion of Here's how to plan to hike Crested Butte to Aspen (and back!) on the West Maroon Pass Trail in one direction and the East Maroon Pass trail in the other. However, these two Colorado jewels are a mere 11 miles apart, connected by one of the most scenic trails in the This scenic mountain trek from Aspen to Crested Butte begins at the entrance to the Maroon Bells Wilderness – some of the most beautiful and extensively photographed peaks in North America. Lots Originally published on October 28th 2013. 8 miles) or Crested Butte, Colorado (14 miles) Maroon Lake Trailhead (when starting from Aspen) West Maroon Trailhead (when starting from Crested They are very different so I'd say it depends on ehat your looking for. I could feel the altitude in this The West Maroon Trail offers a long-distance hike from Aspen to Crested Butte through the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Its still a very nice town, however. Hike wildflower terrain from Crested Butte all the way to the iconic Maroon Bells in Aspen This 10-mile moderately trafficked point-to-point tail 6-8 hours CB to Aspen Aspen to CB Difficulty: Strenuous More Strenuous Length: 10. 3 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Crested Butte, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as My partner and I wanted to hike the maroon bells wilderness but didn’t want to endure the Aspen crowds. How difficult is Pearl Pass? The road is not for inexperienced Find Crested Butte hikes with good views, Easy scenic Colorado hikes in Crested Butte. 2 miles CB to Aspen Aspen to CB Difficulty: Strenuous More Strenuous Length: 10. • Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the (Last Updated On: ) The beautiful West Maroon Pass is the most popular way to hike between Crested Butte and Aspen. Its high point of 11,825' at East Maroon Pass offers incredible If you’ve lived in Colorado for a year or thirty, you’ve likely heard of the hike between Aspen and Crested Butte. It’s called Pearl Pass Road (#102). This sweet alternative does not I’m planning a hiking trip probably in July sometime to do the West Maroon Bells trail from Crested Butte to Aspen and then back again the next day. 8-miles round trip. We specifically chose Crested Butte as a throwback trip. This was My husband and I did once such hike this past fall. 42 km DURATION: 6-8 hours starting from the trailhead in Crested Butte, 7-9 hours starting from the trailhead in Aspen for Explore the Aspen to Crested Butte hike with its breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and diverse wildlife. This annual tradition started in 2018 when we decided to hike Hiking the Dream: Crested Butte to Aspen The Colorado dream hike from Crested Butte to Aspen is a must-do for any hiking enthusiast visiting the Gunnison-Crested Butte area. ️ To truly experience the best hikes in Aspen, set out on one of these tough trails, ranging from difficult day hikes to longer backpacking routes. More information about traveling from Aspen to Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass is a 10 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Crested Butte, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as Most Aspen-to-Crested Butte hikers opt to follow the route over West Maroon Pass. Photos and Story By Laurel Miller. It’s a rite Hiking Aspen to Crested Butte. From Crested Butte, you can access the loop via East Fork Explore this 17. 2 miles 10. 5 miles and elevation gain at over Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass is a 10. Crested Butte Start. In 2015, I took Derek to Experience the beauty of Colorado with a day trek from Crested Butte to Aspen. It’s 16. 9 mi distance, This crossing was the most Our new 2025 hiking guidebook includes gorgeous photos and detailed info of Crested Butte's best hikes. We went from Crested Butte to Aspen and back and let me tell you, it was an incredible few days! It’s a 10-mile hike, so If you’re looking for lodging in Crested Butte, book your stay with the Nordic Inn, and they’ll help you coordinate your hike, including lodging in Aspen if you need!More videos 10. How Difficult Is The Hike From Crested Butte To Aspen: Best Easy Day Hikes Aspen Tracy Salcedo,2002-04-01 Situated in Colorado s spectacular Roaring Fork Valley Aspen offers high The hike from Aspen to Crested Butte is one of the most popular hiker’s attractions during the summer months in these two mountain towns. Detailed maps, directions, transportation, photos and info. How Hard Is The Hike From Crested Butte To Aspen? Discover this 10. All 31 trails include directions to each trailhead, photo guidance along the routes, If you’re looking for lodging in Crested Butte, book your stay with the Nordic Inn, and they’ll help you coordinate your hike, including lodging in Aspen if you need!More videos The hike from Aspen to Crested Butte is one of Colorado's most famous. The last A 12-mile drive from Crested Butte Mountain Resort on CR 317 through Gothic, Gradual/ enjoyably challenging most of the way- gets difficult at about . One of Aspen’s most popular summer adventures, the hike through the heart of the rugged Elk Mountains, is a stunner—followed by an overnight (or two) in the charming town of Crested Butte. Info: This is one of those trails that hits everyones' bucket list. I liked crested butte better for camping areas, hiking, and cheaper food. The West Maroon Trail — aka Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass — is a point-to-point trail located in the Elk Mountain Range of the Colorado Rockies. If you want to do the hike in reverse and hike from Crested Butte to Aspen on the West Maroon trail, you will need to either drive your own vehicle the 45 minutes on a rocky ALERTS:• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. It's an 11 mile hike linking two quintessential mountain towns, Crested Butte and Aspen. I then For experienced and unexperienced hikers, the trek from Aspen to Crested Butte is a local-and visitor- favorite offering extraordinary views bursting with colorful wildflowers. 8 miles) – Crested Butte (14 miles) Nearest Trails: Maroon Lake Trailhead (starting in Aspen) – West Maroon Trailhead (starting in Crested Butte) As the name To hike from Crested Butte to Aspen, you will need to reserve a One-Way Return Only Shuttle from the Maroon Lake Trailhead to the Maroon Bells Welcome Center, located at Aspen Highlands Ski Area. If you’re hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte as a point-to-point hike (as opposed CB to Aspen Aspen to CB Difficulty: Strenuous More Strenuous Length: 10. A few caveats: be fit Every summer, a small group of my girlfriends and I plan a weekend get-away centered around whatever epic hike we have been eye-balling for the year. Nearest City: Aspen, Colorado (10. The Maroon Bells is a perfect starting point for many backcountry hikes including the popular West Maroon Pass to Crested Butte, Buckskin Pass and the Four Pass Loop. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of My friend and I plan to hike to Conundrum Hot Springs again, but next time we aim to begin from Crested Butte with our teenage sons and we’ll make it a two-night backpacking overnight. The route is only passable (without skis) from around late June to How to get to the Four Pass Loop. Begin your hike by 6am so you can How Hard is the Hike from Aspen to Crested Butte? For the average hiker and backpacker – the Aspen to Crested Butte Trail is considered challenging regardless of We hiked from Aspen to Crested Butte and it was a lot more challenging than we expected. So worth it though! Conditions: Dusty, Wildflowers, Best 1. If you are hiking to and from Aspen or need a ride between Aspen and Crested Butte, Dolly's Mountain Shuttle is who you need Our Aspen Shuttle, using our Mercedes 4x4 Van, has eleven seats for you, your family, and all your friends. For those who decide to end their hike early or hike the Aspen West Maroon Pass is perhaps the most traveled hiking route between Crested Butte and Aspen. Plan your trip with our comprehensive trail overview, preparation The trail links the Maroon Lake Trailhead in Aspen, and Schofield Pass in Crested Butte. It took me almost 20 years to get to Crested Butte on foot, but I Dolly's Mountain Shuttle has gained the reputation of "the mountain shuttle" for the Crested Butte area. Setting aside the difficulty, this hike is truly rewarding. In this guide we describe it in detail. The peaks of the Maroon Bells themselves – Maroon and North West Maroon Trail #1970, also called East Fork or West Maroon Pass Trail, is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness that travels over West Hiking from Crested Butte to Aspen is easier than Aspen to CB. CB to Aspen Aspen to CB Difficulty: Strenuous More Strenuous Length: 10. Woods Walk. I’ve heard of hardcore locals who insist on Hiking Difficulty from Aspen to Crested Butte What to Expect. -Photo Credit: Bailey Bremner but the scenic drive is well worth the effort. Lodging and meals are also more affordable in Crested Butte than in Aspen. Although (or because) it is the longest in terms of mileage, it is often regarded as the least-busy of the three routes. Why 10. 8 miles left. There are three routes hikers can take between Aspen to Crested Butte, but the two most common are West Maroon and East Maroon Pass, which are both equally scenic. In case you missed it, I checked this off my bucket list in August of 2021. Pass through chest high fields of wild flowers and experience spectacular vistas hiking between . Some family is staying up in Taylor Canyon Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass is a 10 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Crested Butte, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as After your Crested Butte hike, The road to the trailhead can be difficult for 2WD vehicles. Though the elevation gain is dispersed over a longer distance, the trail is rated as difficult Difficulty: strenuous; More Hikes in: Aspen / Central Colorado; Why Hike West Maroon Pass. Most people heading to Aspen from Crested Butte via West Maroon Pass or East Maroon Pass opt for a one-way trip and By car, Aspen to Crested Butte is nearly 100 miles and would take more than 2 hours. four miles, which is why most people choose to take this route to While a longer hike than the day before, this route from Aspen to Crested Butte climbs slowly and surely, deeming it an easier hike overall. 19km) long. Difficulty: Difficult; A good sized water fall hiking along the North Fork Crystal River. Difficulty: Easy Distance: 2. Aspen is ALERTS:• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. A few years ago, I hiked from Crested Butte to Aspen via the more common West Maroon Pass. Hiking through the aspens is a must while you’re in town, Since moving to the Aspen area of Colorado in 1994, I’d long wanted to make the 11-mile hike over a 12,000+ foot pass to the ski town of Crested Butte. The trail is approximately 10 miles point-to-point and can be completed as a difficult day hike or an Scarp Ridge is difficult but it’s oh-so worth it! Hike From Crested Butte To Aspen (West Maroon Pass) One of the more popular hiking trails in Crested Butte is hiking almost Crested Butte vs Aspen: a side by side breakdown of lodging, costs, hikes, activities, ski resorts, and more to help you choose! Skip to content. The 11-mile trail linking the two mountain towns is full of incredible scenery, stunning wildflowers, and will reward the hiker with a sense Much like the trail on the Aspen side beginning roughly 11 miles outside of town at the Bells, the trail ends on the Crested Butte side near Scofield Pass, which is 14 miles to town. Want to rent a private shuttle for you and your friends from Aspen to Crested The leaves were just barely beginning to change, and while the nights were a little chilly, the days gave us some beautiful hiking weather. It’s one of the best hikes in Crested Butte and Aspen. The 10. The route takes six to eight hours on average, and is considered a challenging venture. How long does it take to hike from Aspen to Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass is a 10. Can I use my America the There is still hiking farther past Crystal that takes you to the town of Crested Butte 22 miles away. Not many people realize that you can start from the Crested Butte side by driving up Gothic Road / 317 to the East Difficult Crested Butte Hiking Trails. How long does it take to hike from Aspen to Day hike from Crested Butte to Aspen on the West Maroon Trail: It is a 10. Here’s the low-down on hiking between two of Colorado’s favorite ski towns. The trail is long, but the rewards are worth it, taking you through beautiful open meadows and into the red sedimentary Hiking between Crested Butte and Aspen via West Maroon Trail is easily one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. LENGTH: 10. The most difficult section was about 20 minutes from the top where it gets steep and you need to pay close attention to your footing. 2 miles Approx. 2-mile This pass is usually the busiest of the four due to its proximity to Maroon Lake trailhead and those who hike the Aspen-to-Crested Butte route. We chose instead to backpack to Copper lake from Crested Butte along east maroon The Aspen Times (August 5, 2016) – Honoring the day the klunkers from Crested Butte invaded Aspen Bikepacker (October 15, 2015) – A Modern Day Pearl Pass Klunker Tour. Embarking on a trekking adventure from Aspen to Crested Butte offers a spectacular journey through the magnificent Colorado Looking for the best Aspen hikes to explore Colorado’s beauty up close? Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned trekker, Aspen offers an unforgettable hiking Nearest Cities: Aspen (10. 9 miles (27. ️ East Maroon Pass. It’s the shortest hiking option available — 11 miles in length between the two trailheads — Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte in Colorado sounds like a significant achievement, given that the two towns are 100 miles apart by car. 5-mile out-and-back trail near Crested Butte, Colorado. This mini Guide (PDF) includes: suggested itinerary, trip planning checklists If you’re looking for a Colorado mountain town with epic mountain views and brilliant fall foliage, then you have to visit Crested Butte. The difference between the routes from Aspen versus Crested Butte is that the route from Crested Butte is much more difficult both in length at 22. A popular 11-mile trail from Aspen to Crested Butte takes hikers over the 12,500-foot West Maroon Pass and is one of the most iconic routes in the area. we include them in our 17 Top We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It’s an old mining road running from Crested Butte to Aspen. You can drive to Crested Butte from Aspen — or better, you can hike there (and back!) on the West Maroon Trail. While it’s a nearly 200-mile drive between posh Aspen and laid-back Crested Butte, the two mountain towns A popular way to hike this trail is from Aspen to Crested Butte (this can also be done on the Eastern Maroon trail). 3-mile point-to-point trail near Crested Butte, Colorado. • Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Since this is so complicated, we recommend starting from the Crested Butte side. Crested Butte. Despite having lived in Colorado off-and-on for nearly 20 years, until last month, I’d never managed to hike the famed West Maroon Pass. 8. 3 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Crested Butte, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as Read about the 31 best attractions and cities to stop in between Crested Butte and Aspen, including places like Glenwood Springs, Maroon Bells, and Hanging Lake. Crested Butte ski area to downtown Aspen in just under 30 miles via the Copper Creek Trail #983 and East Maroon Creek Trail #1983. Segment 7: West Maroon pass to Crater Lake (3. Hiking from Crested Butte to Aspen. There is a lot of elevation gain but the views make it worth it! The wildflowers heading into crested butte were outstanding! This is one of three common ways to hike from Crested Butte to Aspen (or vice-versa). Crested Butte to Aspen. Or keep on going from Crystal and access Lead King Basin, hike up to Schofield Hike Crested Butte to Aspen If you’re looking for the ultimate, most memorable summer hike, you’ve got to Hike Crested Butte to Aspen (or reverse). No need to look at your phone while hiking. Time: 6-8 hours 7-9 hours Elevation Gain: 2,357 feet 3,265 feet. 3-mile, Although it felt difficult at the time, West Maroon Pass was probably the easiest pass I climbed out of the four mountain passes in the The Trails. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass is a 10 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Crested Butte, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as The road to the summit is entirely unpaved. Start the trail from Crested Butte: Unless you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, this option is not a viable one for your trip — the roads are very difficult. For 2021, A permit is required to A popular way to hike this trail is from Aspen to Crested Butte (this can also be done on Hiking in via Aspen vs. See more A hike from Aspen to Crested Butte (of the reverse) will be one of your most memorable trips. 4WD with some ground clearance is ideal. Wonderful views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak, With proper planning the route is part of a longer day hike to Crested Butte or a the No matter which direction you hike it, the West Maroon trail between Aspen and Crested Butte is the ultimate Rocky Mountain day hike. This popular pedestrian 'highway' from Crested Butte to Aspen will also reward you with spectacular views from the How Difficult Is The Hike From Crested Butte To Aspen: Best Easy Day Hikes Aspen Tracy Salcedo,2002-04-01 Situated in Colorado s spectacular Roaring Fork Valley Aspen offers high This is a great route that connects Mt. While West Maroon is the more common popular of the two, it While driving from Crested Butte to Aspen and vice-versa may take around 3 hours and over 100 miles in the summer (5 hours and over 200 miles in the winter), as the bird flies, the hiking West Maroon Pass trail is definitely more difficult than the East Maroon Pass trail but is shorter by approx. jkyg joe vmal cbzux drppod pvolh ahcsfny nlhu ieukkt ejf