Crested Butte, Colorado
Top Spots in and near Crested Butte
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Carbondale, Colorado
Camp at Paradise Divide
At a literally breathtaking 11,250 feet, Paradise Divide offers seclusion and scenery that can't be beat. Just fifteen miles outside of the world renowned ski resort Crested Butte, this area boasts wildflowers, wildlife, stunning peaks, and opportunities to watch amazing sunrises and sunsets pain...Read more -
Somerset, Colorado
Hike the Dyke to Dark Canyon Loop
4.06.5 mi / 1700 ft gainKebler Pass near Crested Butte is a leaf peepers paradise considering that one of the largest groves of aspens in Colorado makes its home here. If you want those postcard views of rugged mountain peaks and vibrant aspens, then I recommend hiking the Dyke Trail to Dark Canyon loop. Put this on you...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack to Copper Lake
10 miLooking for a wildflower hike, we decided on Copper Lake in the Maroon Bells Wilderness as a place to base camp for 4 nights. It is 5 miles from the Trailhead, which is off Gothic Road above Crested Butte (2WD Accessible).Copper Lake is this beautiful alpine lake, situated right at treeline, with...Read more -
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
Camp at Lost Lake Slough
5.0Lost Lake Slough offers camping, hiking, photography, kayaking, and more in a remote and beautiful part of Colorado. At an elevation of over 9,600 ft., the lake typically opens in mid-June after the snow is melted, and closes in October after the first significant snowfall. The campground is on...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