Crested Butte, Colorado
Looking for the best hiking in Crested Butte? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Crested Butte. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Crested Butte
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Carbondale, Colorado
Hike and Swim at Devil's Punchbowl
2.5 miDrive 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...Read more -
Carbondale, Colorado
Hike to Frigid Air Pass
8.5 mi / 1400 ft gainAbout 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...Read more -
Carbondale, Colorado
Climb South Maroon Peak
5.011.5 mi / 4800 ft gainStarting 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 ...Read more -
Somerset, Colorado
Hike the Three Lakes Trail
5.04.5 mi / 580 ft gainThe Three Lakes trail near Crested Butte is a great loop if you're looking to hit up a couple mountain lakes. At 4.5 miles with moderate incline, this trail can easily be knocked out in under 2 hours. It also is a great hike to admire fall colors as you'll get great views of the Ruby Range and th...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak
5.012.71 mi / 5125 ft gainThere are many different places to start the trek up to Castle and Conundrum. The first step, however, is always go to the end of Castle Creek Road just outside of Aspen, CO. When the paved road ends, there is parking available right off the road for those who don't wish to drive further. Howe...Read more -
Carbondale, Colorado
Backpack the Lead King Basin Trail
4.5 mi / 2000 ft gainWe began our hike at the beginning of the afternoon after about two-three hours driving up the 14 mile road. The first mile of the trail was mild, turning into an uphill adventure. Lots of switchbacks, winding paths, and some tree coverage. By mile 2, we were on a steep grade the rest of the way....Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack Cathedral Lake
4.75.6 mi / 2000 ft gainCathedral Lake offers an excellent alternative to escape the crowds that swarm the Maroon Bells area, especially in the peak autumn season. The drive along Castle Creek Rd towards the abandoned ski town Ashcroft is lined with aspens showing off their golden hues. Parking at the trailhead is plent...Read more -
Carbondale, Colorado
Hike to Geneva Lake
5.03 mi / 1256 ft gainThis is an intermediate hike with scenic views, even before reaching the lake and waterfall. Note that access to the trailhead does require 4WD, as the final section of road is difficult and steep in sections.Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Crater Lake via Maroon-Snowmass Trail
4.63.77 mi / 722 ft gainThe crater lake trail begins at Maroon Lake and quickly breaks off from the scenic trail at .3 miles. Be sure to follow the signs to crater lake, which will be heading higher into the valley. The trail passes through a beautiful Aspen grove most of the way with wonderful views of 14ers, the Maroo...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
The Maroon Bells Traverse
14 mi / 5000 ft gainI 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 ...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack to Snowmass Creek in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
13 miFor 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...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Explore the Maroon Bells & Snowmass Wilderness
5.0The 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...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Relax at Maroon Lake
4.9The 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 ...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Car Camp at Maroon Lake
5.00.3 mi / 0 ft gainMaybe 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...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
North Maroon Peak
8.08 mi / 4298 ft gainStart 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...Read more -
Pitkin County, Colorado
Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells
4.825.99 mi / 7566 ft gainUpdates will be posted here. The Four Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake, famous for its iconic view of the Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak), deemed the “most-photographed spot in Colorado.” After taking in this majestic view, continue to walk down the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail unti...Read more