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Crater Lake Trail

Maroon Creek Road, Aspen, CO 81611
+1 970 925 3445 (Forest Service)
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Ranked #11 of 58 attractions in Aspen
Type: Hiking Trails, Bodies of Water
Activities: Hiking
Description: This easy, one-day hike from Maroon Lake is a great outing for the entire family.
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32 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Rochester, New York
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 18, 2013 NEW

Quick little hike, great for those coming from sea-level. If you're used to hiking to the top of 14ers, you'll want to keep going. If you go past the lake a little, you can get to some waterfalls for some fun pictures. Was nice to pack a snack and take a nap by the lake and just enjoy the view... More

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See 4 more reviews by Lauren K for Aspen
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 8, 2013

This was the best part of our trip hands down. The hike was easy as my 8 month pregnant wife (her idea) was able to do it with no problems. The views were amazing, weather was perfect, and best part there were no tourists. We got there at 6:30 and then hiked up the mountain to the lake. We came... More

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See 12 more reviews by brent j for Aspen
Wilmette, Illinois
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 1, 2013 via mobile

I am from the Midwest and am not used to the altitude. It took my family longer to walk this hike than most Colorado natives, but the hike was breathtaking. It is very rocky, wear good sturdy shoes. We had water and snacks with us which was a huge benefit. We took our time and loved every minute. Snow on... More

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See 14 more reviews by NancyGail for Aspen
Denver, Colorado
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2013

We had to trudge through a lot of knee deep snow to get to crater lake, but the views along the way and at the lake were awesome!

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See 7 more reviews by walkinwood for Aspen
Cincinatti, OH
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 26, 2012

Made the trail with my boys (5 and 7) and we all enjoyed it a lot. Path is easy to follow, most of it inside aspen forest. It is uphill most of the way, but there were not any streneous parts or anything, highly recommeded for everyone.

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See 3 more reviews by Ron N for Aspen
houston
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 6, 2012

Relatively easy trail. View is spectacular. The aspen inthe fall is breathtaking. Somewhat crowded during the weekend.

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See 4 more reviews by maturetraveler9 for Aspen
Warrenville, IL
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
35 attraction reviews
Reviews in 51 cities Reviews in 51 cities
69 helpful votes 69 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed September 25, 2012

We hiked this trail in September 2012; the aspens were at their peak. The trail was beautiful. However, Crater Lake was not much more than a puddle, which was a bit of a disappointment. But, the color in the aspens made up for the lack of water. We had initially looked at continuing on to the more strenous hike to... More

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See 2 more reviews by warrenville111 for Aspen
Denver, Colorado
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed September 20, 2012

We took this hike just as the aspens were starting to turn. It was a gorgeous warm day and though we hadn't intended to do this hike (we started from Maroon Lake Trail) and weren't properly provisioned we still had a wonderful time. Saw deer slipping down trails of their own, got chattered at by squirrels, and saw trout in... More

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See 6 more reviews by pleasedtobehere for Aspen
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 18, 2012

Just hiked here 9-17-12 and it was absolutely gorgeous with the golden aspen and light dusting of snow on the Maroon Bells! Great hike to the lake although it was nearly empty this time of the year.

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See 2 more reviews by Wizmizer for Aspen
Aurora, Colorado
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 13, 2012

We walked around Maroon Lake, then did the hike up to Crater Lake. It is mostly "up" and that being said you will get some good views of Maroon Lake, etc. Much of the hike is rock, little to medium size, and tree roots exposed. Be careful if hiking in damp weather like we did. Can be slippery when stepped... More

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