East Maroon Trail
East Maroon Trail
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
9 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
caroleweller
Breckenridge, CO105 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Just back from this trail, it is fabulous but definitely some caveats....Firstly it is long, my GPS said 17 miles from Trailhead to Trailhead, it took us 9 hours with very few stops so you need to start early; in July that means ideally 6am. Secondly there are water crossings, we had 6 that we need to take our boots off, don water sandals and cross. The water was running strongly and I needed poles to keep my balance and I am nearly 6ft tall and a regular hiker. You need shoes of some sort to cross, the rocks are both slippy and sharp. Next the trail map does not account for the diversions, on the map it looks as if the majority of the Aspen side is all on the south side of the river, but we had to cross the creek twice due to scree falls, we were following the trail made by the horses and there were a couple of 'you have to be kidding me' moments where it is easier for horses than people... The views are very different from West Maroon trail, it seems more mountainous, there are much less wild flower meadows and the majority of the time you are walking thru forest or on rock slopes. On the upside the gradient is a lot easier than West Maroon, it is a lot less used, we saw a total of 7 people all day, and only 2 others were doing the while pass from Crested Butte to Aspen.
The trailhead on the Aspen side is halfway up the Maroon Bells Rd so you will need to arrange a lift or hitch back to your car. The last bus going up is 4.30 from Aspen Highlands.
Recommended only for experienced hikers, and definitely not for kids.
The trailhead on the Aspen side is halfway up the Maroon Bells Rd so you will need to arrange a lift or hitch back to your car. The last bus going up is 4.30 from Aspen Highlands.
Recommended only for experienced hikers, and definitely not for kids.
Written July 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
g g
Delray Beach, FL82 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
This trail is great and mostly down hill. You can start at Maroon Lake, walk down the trail and meet the bus when running or you can turn around and walk back to your car if driving for a longer hike. In the fall the Aspen groves are beautiful to walk through.
Written October 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shelly P
Firestone, CO7 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
One of the most beautiful hikes we've been on. The trail is along Maroon Creek. There are an abundance of wild flowers. Most of the hike is through dense alpine forest and offers a tremendous amount of shade. Come prepared for abrupt weather changes. We experienced rain and mud. The trail can become very slick in some spots. ..so wear proper shoes. Bring your best camera....tons of photo ops. There is no cell service, so make sure that you are hiking with others.
Written July 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alwaysready2
Little Rock, AR24 contributions
Jul 2016 • Friends
E. Maroon was great until mile 7 of 16. We crossed some streams easily, but then we heard the roar from the next crossing. We had water shoes and made it across but with numb feet. But the next water crossing was a monster. We turned back. Later I was told by a Ranger that there were two helicopter rescues there last season. West Maroon over and back will be our plan next year.
Written July 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dissapointed106
Pambula Beach, Australia145 contributions
Oct 2019
By adding this to the main view of the lake gives a beautiful walk through Aspen groves (we were there in stunning Fall) and gives you a more expansive view.
Written October 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coastman3
Palo Alto, CA1,071 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
You can cutoff about 1.2 miles if you get dropped off early in the morning in a left pullout around a large bend in the road before Maroon Lake (see the map). You then ford the river (ankle deep in August/September) and walk up a spectacular wide valley behind Pyramid Peak. Truly beautiful with a gradual assent to the 11,800 foot pass. Total vertical, about 2,800 but it doesn't feel like it. The last 500 vertical feet are switchbacks above treelike, but not challenging. See photos. The Crested Butte side of the pass is mostly skree down to Copper Lake, then the pack horse trains have destroyed Copper Trail for much of the next three miles, so poles are valuable to navigate around the many, many grapefruit sized rocks. There is a wonderful beaver bond, with several dams and a huge hutch as you get down to flatter ground (see photos). Overall it is a spectacular and long (14 mile) hike. Takes 8-9 hrs.
Written September 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ssmthbggy
Jefferson City, MO80 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Be sure to bring your camera as this is a very beautiful trail and worth taking if you love the beautiy of nature at its best. A must do.
Written May 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aspeneyesurgeon
Aspen, CO116 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
Trail begins with gentle upward grade, getting into a pine forest, than has areas of a more concentrated up, eventually getting to the top of the mountains, large grassy fields usually filled with millions of wild flowers...view spectacular...this is not a one day hike, as it takes a day to get to Crested Butte, necessitating being met at the Crested Butte side of the trail head for an almost 20 mile ride into town....the next day one has to figure out how to return to Aspen, private plane an option, but most people either have friends, with a car, meet them, and drive them home, or we walk back via a different, or the same, trail. Hate to harp on this, but the high mountains are unforgiving of stupidity, so have the proper gear with you, including rain gear and some cold weather warming clothing, as weather can change in a matter of minutes....also always remember to carry much more water than you thinnk you might need, just in case of an emergency, and if well prepared, this will be a sensational hike. Town of Crested Butte is rustic, almost like being transportee back to the late 1800's with some fine restaurants and nice places to sleep overnight, to refcoup strength. Enjoy.
Written October 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ronabelle
Chattanooga, TN222 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
It was misty and rainy the day that we visited the Bells. Be sure to prepare for any type of weather. It came and went throughout the day. This is a pretty easy walk but there are some portions that are rocky. They aren't really steep, but in the wet weather can be slippery. Bring some water - especially if you are not used to the higher elevations.
Written October 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
