Carbondale, Colorado

For beginner backpackers or just those who can't take off 3-4 days to do the Four Pass Loop, there's still options near the iconic Maroon Bells.  If you are planning to do an overnight at the Bells, you need to get there early or late - before 7:30 am or after 5 pm. The overnight lot fills quickl...

I do not want to encourage those who are not capable mentally or physically to go on this hike, that is how accidents happen. Confidence is a must. This route is loose, long, chossy and complicated. The exposure and shear milage covered make for a heck of a day! That being said, I suggest you do ...

The beautiful and iconic Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness is home to some of the most amazing scenery and adventures to be had in all of Colorado. It is world-famous for the Maroon Bells, two challenging 14ers just outside of Aspen, Colorado. The third 14er, Pyramid Peak is also considered a clas...

The Maroon Bells are known around the world for being some of the most iconic, beautiful mountains in all of the United States. Even if you haven't heard of them, there's a chance you've seen them. And if you've seen them in person, it's likely you were there with 800+ of your closest friends.If ...

Maybe you've seen the photos a million times before - it's for good reason. Maroon Bells is just stunning. Watching the first rays of sunlight scratch the very top of Maroon Bells and slowly crawl their way down the massive slabs of granite is simply a must for the checklist. Taking in the sunris...

Start your hike at the parking lot/trailhead at the end of Maroon Creek Rd. Keep in mind that the road is closed from about 9am-8pm to traffic and is only accessible by shuttle bus during that time. You'll be wanting to get a very early start anyways, so it shouldn't be an issue. Your path begin...

*The 4-Pass Loop likely won't be doable until July due to the heavy snowpack this year and wet slide danger on the steep pass approaches.Taking on the 4-pass Loop is no easy feat but completely worth the training and effort. The run starts at Maroon Lake and heads up to Crater Lake where the loo...

For the adventurous backpacker looking to get backcountry in central Colorado, the stunning beauty of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness cannot be beaten. While the Maroon Bells just outside of Aspen might be the most photographed mountains in North America, the beauty is definitely rivaled by ...

Depending where you choose to access the Hardscrabble area from, this can be a fairly easy day hike or an overnight camping trip. If looking for a shorter day hike, access the Hardscrabble area by way of Hardscrabble Mountain Rd. From the town of Eagle, head South on Sylvan Lake Rd. In 5 miles, t...

Ever wanted to pick a spot on the map and just GO for the weekend? That's exactly how we discovered Heart Lake. Our only recommendation is don't do it in October, when it might snow. A lot.As there's not much to do other than hike around up there, we combined the day with a morning mountain bike ...

This shady trail of switchbacks ascends steadily (over a thousand feet in under a mile) to a rock outcropping at 9,185 feet. Yes, you can expect your heart to be pounding and to be huffing and puffing as you climb Ute Trail. But the view of Aspen that rewards you is spectacular. The trail is pre...

After picking up your required overnight permit, start your morning with a coffee in Aspen, then drive out 15 min to the trailhead at the end of Conundrum Creek road. The trail is a straight shot 9 miles up the valley, through expansive meadows and an always incredible view of the mountains and ...

About 15 miles away from the ski resort town of Crested Butte lies the West Maroon Pass trailhead. This trailhead sees thousands of visitors every year as they make their trek over West Maroon Pass down into Aspen. While West Maroon Pass is beautiful, the heavy summer traffic can detract from the...

Starting at the Maroon Lake Trailhead, walk on the trail past the lake and turn onto the trail heading towards Crater Lake. Hike approximately 1.75 miles to reach another signed trail junction, then turn left and continue on the West Maroon Creek trail to Crater Lake. Eventually you will reach a ...

Drive north of Crested Butte to Schofield Pass until you come to the sticker-covered sign. Unless you have an ATV, park the car and descend along the infamous and deadly Schofield Pass Road. Follow this road past the first waterfall, which is about 500 feet from the initial sign. You will continu...

If you have stayed in other 10th Mountain Division Huts, Peter Estin is a quite similar and definitely one of my favorites. I made the trip in the winter because of the awesome skiing/snowboarding just right out side the front door.The trailhead begins at Yeoman Park and there are two routes that...