West Maroon Pass from Crested Butte

The Maroon Bells and Pyramid massif from West Maroon Pass

Starting in Schofield Park near Crested Butte, this lovely hike ascends through the wildflower-filled meadows of the East Fork Valley to West Maroon Pass, with grand views of the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak and Treasure Mountain massifs.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

• Distance: 7.8 miles (round trip) to West Maroon Pass
  
• Elevation: 10,420-ft. at Trailhead
  12,500-ft. at West Maroon Pass
  
• Elevation Gain: 2,080-ft. to West Maroon Pass
  
• Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
• More Hikes in:
  Crested Butte / Central Colorado

Why Hike West Maroon Pass from Crested Butte

One of the great hikes in Crested Butte leads up the East Fork of Crystal River valley, renowned for its amazing display of wildflowers, to West Maroon Pass, a high saddle boasting stunning views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak massifs to the northeast. Treasure Mountain dominates the views to the west.

This trail, starting in Schofield Park near Crested Butte, is about half as long as the alternative route to West Maroon Pass starting at Maroon Lake near Aspen. Both hikes enjoy fabulous views. As an added bonus the day hike from the Crested Butte side of the Elk Mountains offers hikers the option to extend the walk by visiting scenic Frigid Air Pass, a 3.3 mile (RT) detour. Alternatively, with properly planning a point to point hike leads over the pass to the Maroon Lakes trailhead near Aspen.

Don’t expect solitude on the trail or at the pass. The hike to the pass, either from Schofield Park or Maroon Lake, is very popular. The pass is also part of the famous 26.6-mile Four Pass Loop, a 3-5 day backpacking trip climbing four 12,000-ft. mountain passes in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Elevation Profile

Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Crested Butte

Region Information:
Central Colorado

Other Hiking Regions in:
Colorado