Maroon-Snowmass Trail
~3 days · 8.2 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Maroon-Snowmass Trail is known for
A point-to-point route in Colorado's Elk Mountains connecting Maroon Lake near Aspen to the Snowmass area, passing Crater Lake beneath the Maroon Bells and continuing to Snowmass Lake below Snowmass Peak. It crosses Buckskin Pass within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, linking two of Colorado's most recognized alpine basins. It is known for high-alpine lake basins framed by the maroon-hued sedimentary Fourteeners of the Elk Range.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 9,636 ft to 12,484 ft over 8.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 4.8 mi · 60%
- Downhill 2.5 mi · 31%
- Flat 0.7 mi · 8%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Maroon-Snowmass Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail scores 38/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best hiked from July through September, after the high passes melt out and before early-fall snow returns.
Permits: Overnight use requires a permit in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness (White River National Forest), with a paid vehicle reservation for the Maroon Lake corridor in season.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Maroon-Snowmass Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Maroon-Snowmass Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 8.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Maroon-Snowmass Trail?
The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs roughly 3,583 ft total — about 437 ft per mile, topping out near 12,510 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Maroon-Snowmass Trail?
Best hiked from July through September, after the high passes melt out and before early-fall snow returns.
Do you need a permit for the Maroon-Snowmass Trail?
Overnight use requires a permit in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness (White River National Forest), with a paid vehicle reservation for the Maroon Lake corridor in season.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.