An Aspen to Crested Butte hike is a popular trek in a town that’s beloved for its multitude of hiking trails. You can enjoy peaceful introspection and some physical challenge (depending on your experience level) by planning this hike.
How long will it take you to do it?
A hike from Aspen to Crested Butte is approximately 10.45 miles and takes six to 10 hours to complete if you walk the trail at a moderate pace. The best time to plan a trek is between late June and mid-October for manageable temperatures and breathtaking sights.
This guide to hiking between Aspen and Crested Butte will provide all the information you need to plan your trip.
You’ll learn more about how long it takes to complete the trail, how to get there, and where to stay when you finish your trek.
HOW TO GET THERE
Planning an Aspen to Crested Butte trek requires having transportation to and from the trailheads start and finish. Here are some options to consider so you can get hiking.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
The trailhead in Crested Butte ends about 15 miles from the town, so you should arrange to have a shuttle pick you up and take you to your lodging from the B. Schofield Park trailhead on the Crested Butte side.
If you wish to get to and from the trail on the Crested Butte side, Alpine and Dolly’s are two great shuttle services in the area.
CAR
You can drive yourself to the trailhead, but from May 15th to October 31st, you must have a parking reservation. The reservations can be up to two nights, so if you wish to stay and explore Crested Butte, you don’t have to rush through your hike.
You’ll pay $10 to reserve your vehicle. Parking reservations are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., so plan to arrive very early to begin your trek. The reservations usually sell out fast, often months in advance!
DROP-OFF
You can always have someone drop you off so you can bypass the parking reservation. We recommend arriving early. You can arrange a private drop off at East Maroon Pass for an early 6am – 8am start. If you’re planning to come back down the mountain between 8am – 5pm, then you’ll need to reserve a one-way ticket for the shuttle. Commercial drop offs are simply not allowed.
Some guides are permitted to access the trailhead for drop off. If you’re uncertain of your ability to make this trek and would like some assurance in the logistics as well as safety, hiring a guide such as Blazing Adventures or Aspen Expeditions is highly recommended.
BUS
You can also take a bus from the Aspen Highlands at Paepcke to the trailhead. The bus service begins at 8 a.m. and drops off passengers until 3 p.m. You’ll pay $10 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. Adults pay $16.
ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE HIKE: ROUND-TRIP LENGTH, APPROXIMATE TIME, AND MORE
An Aspen to Crested Butte hike takes six to 10 hours round-trip. Some hikers may complete the route faster, in about eight hours, if they’re seasoned. If you stop and snap photos or take breaks, you will stretch out the round-trip time even further.
The entirety of the route is about 11 miles, so while it’s not a tremendously long hike, it’s not a quick one-mile walk, either. You will need strong physical prowess and backcountry experience to complete the trek. If you’re uncomfortable hiking alone, you can hire a guide.
Here is more information to remember as you plan to hike from Aspen to Crested Butte and back again.
FROM ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE
An Aspen hike to Crested Butte will take you across the West Maroon Creek Trail to the West Maroon Pass Trail as you venture from east to west. While you can also reach Crested Butte from the East Maroon Pass, the West Maroon Pass is the more popular of the two.
Maroon Lake is just outside of Aspen. As you hike from the lake northward from the lake, you’ll see aspens first, then a rocky field. That indicates you’ve reached the West Maroon Creek – Maroon Snowmass Trail, which is approximately 1.7 miles.
As you begin to trek, stick left to Crater Lake, which will guide you to West Maroon Creek. Crater Lake is a notable part of your walk because it features campsites for staying overnight.
The lake has a southwest bend over an inlet and connects to Maroon Bells via the rockslides near the trail’s base. If you continue to follow Crater Lake, you’ll approach West Maroon Creek from the east. Don’t enter the waters here if you can help it, as they move fast.
As you follow along, you’ll enter a thin forested area and then go through a patch of willow trees. The trail gets increasingly steeper as you go, but if you keep climbing the 940 feet, you’ll get to West Maroon Pass. At this point, you’re more than six-and-a-half miles into your hike.
On the West Maroon Pass, look for a notch in the headwall on the southwestern corner. From there, you can see the East Fork from Crested Butte and the West Maroon Creek.
The trail now begins to descend, sometimes quite steeply, from West Maroon Pass to Frigid Air Pass near the East Fork drainage. You’re now 7.25 miles into the Aspen to Crested Butte hike.
The West Maroon Pass Trail will take you left, then west to southwest along alpine meadows and southern slopes. This is where you will see amazing wildflowers if they’re in season. The majestic display extends for almost three miles.
When you reach the 8.45-mile mark, you’ll head north to reach Hasley Basin, which opens up to the North Fork drainage. This area connects to the 4 Pass Loop.
You’ll continue descending until the 9.5-mile mark along the valley when you reach the Wilderness Boundary at 10.12 miles. The Wilderness Boundary gives way to the East Fork of Maroon Trailhead at 10.45 miles.
The trail ends at the Schofield Park Trailhead, which you can reach from Gothic Road.
RETURN HIKE (CRESTED BUTTE TO ASPEN)
Once you’ve experienced the wonders of Crested Butte, it’s time to plan a return hike so you can get back.
Fortunately, the trek won’t pose nearly as much of a physical challenge as the original route. A hike from Crested Butte to Aspen doesn’t gain as much elevation, and the path back is smoother.
The most difficult part of the route is descending Maroon Lake. Take heed, as the area is quite rocky and sometimes muddy due to the stream crossings.
Otherwise, to hike Crested Butte to Aspen, you’ll follow the trail back approximately 6.45 miles to Maroon Lake and reverse your route from there.
Alternatively, you can always arrange a car or use our services to arrange a helicopter or plane to take you back to Aspen. Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is about 37 minutes away from Crested Butte by car.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Along your route, plan to see a bevy of magnificent sights. Here’s an overview of what you can expect. Keep in mind that some of these points of interest are only available seasonally.
- Maroon BellsThe dual peaks that are the Maroon Bells are utterly iconic. They make a fantastic backdrop for taking photos. The top of the Bells is 14,000 feet!
- WildflowersA highlight of the hike for many is seeing the wildflowers between Aspen and Crested Butte. Wildflower season begins in July and lasts until August.
- Alpine LakesMaroon Lake and Crater Lake provide a tranquil backdrop for taking a breather during your hike and fueling up with a snack.
- WildlifeKeep an eye out for deer, elk, and marmots, among other wildlife.
WHERE TO STAY
You’ve completed your Aspen to Crested Butte hike. Naturally, you’ll be exhausted. Let’s explore some lodging options in the Crested Butte area for resting your weary head.
SCARPS RIDGE LODGE
Eleven Experience Lodges provide a full-service experience with high-class amenities. You can completely buy out the hotel or rent an individual room.
Their property, the Scarps Ridge Lodge, is a quaint, appealing building located in the heart of downtown Crested Butte that was once a Croatian saloon. If looking at the lodge is reminiscent of the Wild West, that’s why!
Your stay at the lodge includes Peloton access, an oxygen-enriched air system, a media room, a gym with a Pilates reformer and an elliptical machine, and outdoor and indoor hot tubs.
Relax and unwind further in the sauna and steam room, treat your skin to the indoor saltwater pool, and sleep like royalty in a king room.
These rooms boast a connecting nanny room and a children’s bunkroom if you’re traveling as a family. The en suite bathroom will allow you to enjoy the gift of privacy.
SOPRIS HOUSE
Also in the Eleven collection of properties is the Sopris House in the heart of downtown Crested Butte. The building that this lodge occupies was built in 1882 and also used to be a saloon, although a far more intimate space.
The buffalo head in the dining room is a piece of history you’ll spot on your way to your room. The high-class amenities include a sauna, a cold plunge pool, an outdoor copper hot tub, and a media room.
Stroll through the private saloon replete with a jukebox and pool table. Relax in a private villa rental twin suite with two twin trundle beds, two full beds, and an en suite bathroom. You can also opt for a king room with en suite bathrooms.
The Sopris House is great for groups and comes fully equipped with luxury accommodations.
TAYLOR RIVER LODGE
In nearby Almont is another Eleven property known as the Taylor River Lodge about 25 minutes from Crested Butte. This rustic cabin is surrounded by cliffs and stately pines. It’s a converted general store with eight cabins on the river that will surely be the capper on your amazing Aspen to Crested Butte hike.
That general store once sold tackle, so you can connect to the historical roots of Aspen by fishing in the casting pond full of rainbow trout. Also outdoors, you’ll find a teepee lounge, BBQ space, marksmen’s range, and a private climbing wall.
The media and game cabin will keep you entertained with a dartboard, foosball, and a pool table. Treat yourself to the onsite spa, exercise at the gym, or lounge in the bathhouse with a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and saltwater pool.
The main lodge offers riverfront seating in the lounge and gorgeous, woodsy views, including a fireplace. The single-family lodges include two king-sized suites and bunkrooms. One lodge even has a full-sized kitchen.
You can also opt for the private queen cabin with a steam shower and en suite bathrooms.
WHY YOU SHOULD STAY IN CRESTED BUTTE
Crested Butt has many attractions and amenities that make it worth staying for a while. Here’s an overview.
- Luxury accommodations: Crested Butte is the home of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Crested Butte Nordic ski resort, Kebler Pass, and galleries aplenty. You can drink in a unique culture here like no other.
- Farmers market: Picking up fresh produce and unique wares at a farmers market is always fun. The Crested Butte Farmers Market runs from late May until the beginning of October.
- Breweries: Montanya Distillers is a favorite of the locals here for its rich selection of brews and live music.
- Relax!: Hiking to Crested Butte is no easy feat, even with a guide. Treat yourself to an Eleven Experiences rental or hotel and unwind. You’ve earned it!
USEFUL HIKING TIPS
A successful Aspen to Crested Butte hike requires good know-how. Here are some pertinent tips to aid you as you hike Aspen.
- Wake up early so you can park or get dropped off before 8 a.m.
- Wear the right hiking gear depending on the time of year you plan your trek. Layers are appropriate even in the summer (albeit fewer and lighter layers), and a comfortable pair of hiking boots will make your walk much more enjoyable.
- Allocate enough water. You need at least a liter of water for two hours spent hiking. Multiply that according to how many hours you’ll be on the trailhead.
- Bring enough food to consume between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds. That’s between 2,500 and 4,500 calories per day. You need the extra calories to fuel you for a long trek.
- There is no cell service between Aspen and Crested Butte. Buy a satellite phone for your travels if you need to stay in touch.
- Take as many safety precautions as you can. Be aware of wildlife encounters, the possibility of altitude sickness, and unpredictable weather.
TOP 5 RELATED TRAILS
Your trek from Aspen to Crested Butte can take you on many related trails. Let’s explore 5 of them.
1. 4 PASS LOOP
The 4 Pass Loop is 25.7 miles and gains 7,752 feet of elevation. This looped route regularly attracts hikers, campers, and backpackers. Even if the wildflowers in the vicinity are no longer in season, you can witness the stream that converges into a waterfall.
2. CAPITOL CREEK TRAIL
An out-and-back trail worth exploring, the Capitol Creek Trail is 16.8 miles with an elevation of 5,187 feet. If you explore this trail to the fullest, it will take you approximately 10 hours and 19 minutes if you keep up a moderate pace.
3. CONUNDRUM CREEK TRAIL
On the way from Aspen to Crested Butte, you might wish to make a beeline to the Conundrum Creek Trail. This trail stretches on for 18 miles. You’ll gain 2,791 feet of elevation as you explore the out-and-back trail for about eight-and-a-half hours.
Although it’s a difficult trail, you can relax at the Conundrum Hot Springs when you’re finished, which makes it worth it!
4. MAROON BELLS SCENIC LOOP TRAIL
Witness the majesty of Maroon Bells on the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail, a short, 1.9-mile loop trail in the Snowmass Village area. You’ll hike for less than an hour on a route that’s quite easy to complete.
5. PYRAMID PEAK TRAIL
The last trail between Aspen and Crested Butte we’ll spotlight is the Pyramid Peak Trail. An out-and-back trail nearer to Aspen, the Pyramid Peak Trail is 7.4 miles and difficult. Runners, hikers, and birders often visit the trail, but it does have less busy periods.
FAQ
Q: DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO HIKE FROM ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE?
A: You don’t need a permit for an Aspen to Crested Butte hike, but you must have a permit if you’ll stay overnight on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trailhead. You also need parking registrations on both the Aspen and Crested Butte sides.
Q: IS CRESTED BUTTE BEGINNER-FRIENDLY?
A: Crested Butte and Aspen have their respective beginner-friendly trails so hikers of all experience levels can enjoy.
However, when hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte, you won’t be on one of them. This trail is difficult to traverse.
Q: ARE THERE BEARS IN CRESTED BUTTE?
A: You will have to be on the lookout for bears when trekking to Crested Butte. It’s right in the middle of Colorado’s bear territory.
Here are some bear safety and survival tips:
- Stay away from bears, as the closer you get, the more you could provoke the bear.
- Do not approach bears.
- If a bear nears you, make a lot of noise to scare it away.
Q: ARE DOGS AND HORSES ALLOWED IN CRESTED BUTTE?
A: You can bring your dog as you hike from Aspen to Crested Butte, but they must remain on their leash the entire time. Horses can cross Crested Butte trails only in areas permitting horse and foot traffic.
Q: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE FROM ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE?
If planning a hike from Aspen to Crested Butte, do it between late June and the middle of October. The temperatures should be warm but not sweltering.
A summertime trek will lend you the opportunity to witness the wildflowers on the path, while an autumn hike showcases the beauty of Colorado’s falling leaves.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ASPEN TO CRESTED BUTTE HIKE
On your Aspen to Crested Butte hike, preparation is key. This non-beginner-friendly trail expands over nearly 11 miles and can take at least six hours to complete, sometimes double that.
Fortunately, with so many great lodging options in Crested Butte, you’re free to take your time and smell the wildflowers.
Contact ALC today to plan your Aspen getaway!
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