Hiking from Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass: Colorado’s Most Beautiful and Underrated Alpine Trail
If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado — wildflowers, alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain passes — look no further than the Crested Butte to Aspen hike via West Maroon Pass. This bucket-list trek connects two iconic mountain towns and rewards hikers with jaw-dropping views of the Maroon Bells, wildflower meadows, and peaceful solitude that’s hard to find on the Aspen side.
The best part? Starting from Crested Butte means skipping the shuttle system and heavy crowds required to reach the Maroon Lake trailhead in Aspen. Here’s everything you need to know about how to hike from Crested Butte to Aspen, including how to get to the trailhead, what to expect on the trail, and why this direction is the best-kept secret in the Rockies.
How to Get to the Crested Butte Trailhead
Most people think of the Maroon Bells trail from Aspen, but starting from the Crested Butte trailhead offers a more relaxed and scenic beginning. We were debating between the two and realized that starting in Crested Butte offered us more flexibility.
Directions:
From the town of Crested Butte, drive north on Gothic Road (County Road 317) for about 14 miles toward Schofield Pass. You’ll pass through the ghost town of Gothic and continue until you reach the West Maroon Trailhead. The road is gravel and becomes rougher near the end, so a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD is recommended, especially in late summer when ruts form.
** You’ll want to make sure you download a google offline map and your All Trails maps for your time in Crested Butte as many of the trailheads and roads have little to no service**
Parking:
There’s a designated lot near the trailhead, and parking is free — unlike Aspen’s side, which requires permits, timed entry, and shuttle coordination.
Why start from Crested Butte?
The Aspen side (Maroon Bells Scenic Area) requires a reservation or shuttle ride from mid-May through October. Starting from Crested Butte allows you to drive directly to the trailhead without any permit or timed entry — and you’ll share the trail with far fewer people.
The Crested Butte to Aspen Hike Overview
- Trail name: West Maroon Pass Trail
- Distance: ~10.5 miles one-way
- Elevation gain: ~2,900 feet up / ~2,800 feet down
- Highest point: West Maroon Pass at 12,500 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous but doable for fit hikers
- Time: 7–8 hours one-way
- Season: Late June – early October
The Crested Butte to Aspen hike via West Maroon Pass is often called one of the most beautiful single-day hikes in the United States. The trail connects two valleys — the East River Valley near Crested Butte and the Maroon Creek Valley outside Aspen — crossing the rugged Elk Mountains in between.
Trail Description: What to Expect on the West Maroon Pass Trail
1. Wildflower Meadows and Alpine Valleys
The first few miles leaving the Crested Butte trailhead are gentle and wind through alpine meadows bursting with Colorado wildflowers — especially in July and early August. Crested Butte is known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” and this section proves why.
2. The Climb to West Maroon Pass
As you continue, the forest opens up into high alpine tundra with sweeping views of Belleview Mountain and Gothic Mountain. The climb to the 12,500-foot West Maroon Pass is the toughest part, gaining nearly 2,000 feet in under three miles. But the panoramic views at the top are absolutely worth it — 360° vistas of the Elk Mountains and the dramatic Maroon Bells towering ahead.
3. Descending Toward Aspen
From the pass, the trail drops into the Maroon Creek Valley toward Crater Lake and Maroon Lake, famous for being one of the most photographed spots in Colorado. Expect several stream crossings, rocky terrain, and sections of loose scree. Once you reach Maroon Lake, you’ll enter the official Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness Area.
Once you start reaching the lakes on the Aspen side, there will be infinite more crowds and people so something to prepare for.
Why Start in Crested Butte Instead of Aspen
Many hikers start this trail in Aspen and hike to Crested Butte, but there are big advantages to going in the opposite direction:
- Fewer Crowds
Starting from Crested Butte means you’ll encounter far fewer people. The Aspen side is heavily regulated, with thousands of tourists visiting Maroon Bells daily. The Crested Butte trailhead feels peaceful and remote — you’ll likely share it with only a handful of other hikers. - Easier Logistics
The Aspen side requires advance reservations and shuttle rides from the Highlands parking area to Maroon Lake. The Crested Butte side? You just drive, park, and go. No shuttle, no reservation, no stress. - Better Scenery Going This Way
Hiking from Crested Butte to Aspen means you’re walking toward the Maroon Bells, so the most iconic peaks are in front of you for most of the hike. The views keep getting better the closer you get. - Transportation Options
You can hike one-way and book a shuttle service or private car from Aspen back to Crested Butte (about 3.5 hours by road), or spend the night in Aspen and enjoy the mountain-town vibe before heading back.
When to Hike from Crested Butte to Aspen
The best time to hike West Maroon Pass is late June through early October, when snow has melted from the pass and wildflowers are in full bloom. Early October can be spectacular for fall colors, but weather becomes less predictable.
Pro Tip:
Start early — around 6:00–7:00 AM — to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in Colorado’s high country during summer.
What to Pack for the Crested Butte to Aspen Hike
Since this is a full-day alpine hike, preparation matters. Bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners (you’ll cross creeks and rocky terrain)
- Plenty of water (3L) or a filter system
- Snacks and lunch for energy (we packed lunch wraps and ate them at the peak of the mountain!)
- Rain jacket and layers — weather changes quickly at 12,000 feet
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Trekking poles (especially for the descent into Aspen)
- Downloaded offline map via AllTrails or Gaia GPS
Optional: pack sandals or extra socks for the multiple stream crossings near the Aspen side.
Bonus Tip: Turn It Into a Weekend Adventure
If you want to take your time, consider turning the Crested Butte to Aspen hike into an overnight backpacking trip. There are camping zones near the top of West Maroon Pass and by Crater Lake (permits required for overnight camping on the Aspen side). Watching sunrise or sunset from the high alpine basin is an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts: Why the Crested Butte to Aspen Hike Belongs on Your Colorado Bucket List
Hiking from Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass is the ultimate Colorado adventure — one that combines wild beauty, physical challenge, and peaceful solitude. Starting on the Crested Butte side lets you experience the trail the way it’s meant to be: uncrowded, unhurried, and entirely yours.
From vibrant meadows and high mountain passes to the iconic Maroon Bells, this trail captures everything special about Colorado’s backcountry. So skip the shuttle lines, hit the Gothic Road early, and take the road less crowded — because the Crested Butte to Aspen hike is where adventure truly begins.
