By car, Aspen to Crested Butte is nearly 100 miles and would take more than 2 hours. However, these two Colorado jewels are a mere 11 miles apart, connected by one of the most scenic trails in the world.
If you love to hike, then add West Maroon Pass to your bucket list. The scenic 11-mile trail spans the magnificent Elk Mountains and winds its way through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. Here, you’ll find some of the most famous and photographed peaks in the world.
Many people are familiar with the iconic image of the striking Maroon Bells, but seeing them in person, especially in the fall, is unparalleled. These scenic 14,000-foot peaks are the pristine backdrop for much of this hike.
If you opt to hike from Aspen to Crested Butte, you can go from either direction. Whether you thru-hike, camp, loop, or trail run this pass, it offers fantastic views and trails for those looking to ditch the car for trekking poles.
![West Maroon Pass sign West Maroon Pass sign](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/10/West-Maroon-Pass-sign.jpg)
West Maroon Pass: The Hike
- Location: Aspen to Crested Butte, Colo.
- Distance: 11 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation gain: ~3,000 feet
How to Get There
Depending on which direction you decide to hike West Maroon Pass, you can begin in Aspen at the Maroon Bells or in Crested Butte near Schofield Pass. There’s no wrong direction, but having a ride or shuttle ready on either end is helpful.
For Aspen, either take a Roaring Forks Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus from town or drive to Aspen Highlands Village. You can park in the village for a fee. From the village, you will need a shuttle reservation to get up to the trailhead from May through October due to the high number of visitors to the area.
![Maroon Lake Maroon Lake](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/10/Maroon-Lake.jpg)
The Hike of a Lifetime
![Crater Lake Crater Lake](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/10/Crater-Lake.jpg)
![Hiking down the pass hiking down west maroon pass](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/10/Hiking-down-the-pass.jpg)
![West Maroon Pass West Maroon Pass](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/10/West-Maroon-Pass.jpg)
Various Maroon Pass Trail Options
![Maroon Bells Maroon Bells](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/10/Maroon-Bells.jpeg)
Recommended Gear List: The Gear We Used
- Backpack: Deuter Trail Pro 36
- Boots: Salomon Outpulse
- Insoles: Superfeet Adapt Hike Max Insoles
- Insulating layer: ORTOVOX Fleece Light Jacket
- Rain jacket: Yuba Ultralight L6 Rain Anorak
- First aid: Mountain Series Adventure Medical Kit