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Activity Maroon Creek Valley, Aspen

Crater Lake Trail

An activity in Maroon Creek Valley, Aspen, free to visit and worth about 2.5 hours. Best time to go: Morning.

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Crater Lake Trail in Maroon Creek Valley, Aspen
Photo: Andre · Google

Why go

3.6-mile round trip from Maroon Lake to a quieter lake right under the Bells.

It is one of 18 curated places we feature in Aspen, alongside 4 activities, 4 places to eat and 4 outdoor spots. The closest of our other picks is Maroon Bells, 0.1 mi away as the crow flies.

Type
Activity · Adventure
Neighborhood
Maroon Creek Valley
Price
Free
Time needed
2.5 hr
Best time
Morning

Nearby

The 6 closest curated picks in Aspen, measured as straight-line distance.

  1. 1
    Maroon Bells

    Twin 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake; the Scenic Loop is easy.

    Outdoors · 0.1 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro

    Mountain hut on Aspen Highlands serving fondue and raclette, known for its lively afternoon lunch seating.

    Food · 5.2 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Aspen Highlands

    Ski area west of town known for Highland Bowl, a steep bowl reached by a hike along the ridge from the top lift.

    Activity · 5.6 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Snowmass

    The largest of the four Aspen Snowmass mountains, with long groomed cruisers and the Elk Camp Gondola.

    Activity · 6.7 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Aspen Mountain

    Ski mountain rising straight from downtown Aspen, reached by the Silver Queen Gondola, with no beginner runs.

    Activity · 8.9 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Silver Queen Gondola

    Ride from downtown to the 11,212-foot summit of Aspen Mountain in about 15 minutes.

    Activity · 8.9 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Crater Lake Trail is a stop on our Colorado Rockies route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More to do in Aspen

Crater Lake Trail is our only activity pick in Aspen; here is what else we recommend there. See the full Aspen guide.

When to go

Average daily highs in Aspen run from 30°F in January to 80°F in July; April is usually the wettest month. For Crater Lake Trail itself, we suggest: Morning.

Modelled monthly averages for Aspen from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Aspen weather by month.

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Crater Lake Trail, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Address
Aspen, CO 81611, USA
Coordinates
39.09862, -106.94066
Destination
Aspen, Colorado

Crater Lake Trail: quick answers

How much time do you need at Crater Lake Trail?

Plan on about 2.5 hours at Crater Lake Trail. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Crater Lake Trail?

Our pick: Morning.

Is Crater Lake Trail free?

Yes, we list Crater Lake Trail as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Where is Crater Lake Trail?

Crater Lake Trail is at Aspen, CO 81611, USA, in Maroon Creek Valley. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.

Which TripsCircle routes include Crater Lake Trail?

Crater Lake Trail appears on Colorado Rockies, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add Crater Lake Trail to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Aspen.

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Also in Aspen

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.