https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/oregon/crater-lake-national-park This trail passes through aspen groves and rock formations to reach the Crater Lake. Everyone will make this joke. Whether it’s the multi-night trek across the Four Pass Loop for experts or a paved path for beginners, the scenery through fields of wildflowers, across rushing streams, or deep into a … The road will open on June 8, 2020 and reservations can be made for personal vehicles until June 27 for $10/vehicle fee. 17.97% of people who visit Aspen include Crater Lake Trail in their plan, 52.38% of people start their Crater Lake Trail visit around 3 PM - 4 PM, People usually take around 4 Hrs to see Crater Lake Trail, 92.31% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Crater Lake Trail. Though short, the trail is rugged and rocky. Crater Lake is not stocked or fishable as it is a dead lake. Miles one way: 1.3 Elevation: 9,500 – 10,000 ft. Crater Lake (moderate) The trail begins at Maroon Lake, 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations or changes in reservations must be received 7 days prior to reservation arrival date to assure refund of deposit. Be careful when navigating the rocky areas. Join a popular ranger-guided snowshoe walk, or ski in solitude along a designated route. Crater Lake itself may be dried up depending on the time of year (and the amount of snow the previous winter), but it's really the Be, I went to Crater Lake on 4 Oct...knowing it was dried up. This easy hike to Crater Lake is one of the best trails in Aspen Colorado. At this point, Crater Lake is not far away. But don’t feel the need to go all the way to crater lake if you’re tired. Payment Policy: First night's room, taxes and fees are due at time of booking. Explore the entire list of places to visit in Aspen before you plan your trip. Once you cross the groves and the scree fields, you will come across the rock garden. We passed a deer while hiking, only about 4 feet away from us. Really worth it to get up early and go! Crater Lake – This 4.2 round trip hike starts at Maroon Lake and follows the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to start. Scenic Drives, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Lookouts, Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com. Not horribly bad but it's definitely a steady incline. From here the trail drops down to Crater Lake. Maroon Bells: Crater Lake Trail - See 2,535 traveler reviews, 1,657 candid photos, and great deals for Aspen, CO, at Tripadvisor. And no, Crater Laker isn't much of a lake. I’m kind of out of shape so it was pretty. Starting June 28, visitors will be required to use the RFTA shuttle service between the hours of 8am–5pm. You will have to catch the shuttle from Rubey Park in Aspen. Crater Lake continues to inspire visitors from all around the world. Maroon Bells tip: If you can’t get a reservation for your car and you want to get there for sunrise before the shuttle starts, you can have a taxi drop you off. 7,700 years ago, a violent eruption collapsed an ancient volcano forming what we know as of today; Crater Lake. It’s pretty but Maroon Lake is way better. Hiking around Aspen Aspen is the epitome of a hiker’s paradise with a system of trails for all abilities. Timed for nightfall according to season, experience a creepier Aspen as you slip through shadowed streets and into the dark haunts of the past. This area is renowned for wildflower displays in the month of July. Was about $25. Parking & Shuttle reservations are required June-October. You’ll want to give yourself some time for round trip. The Crater Lake Hike near Aspen is a popular family-friendly hike in Colorado. The 1.8-mile dirt and rock section from Maroon Lake to the Crater Lake is the known as the Crater Lake Trail. Tips: Highly recommend hiking poles or a walking stick. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Hotels near Aspen Music Festival and School, The John Denver Sanctuary: Tickets & Tours‎, Maroon Lake Scenic Trail: Tickets & Tours‎. The highlight was the water fall off the beaten track. Mazama Campground has 214 sites for tents and RVs. It is decently steep. Colorado 81611, USA, Aspen, United States. The trail originates near the Maroon Lake parking area. It lies just northeast of the Maroon Bells and just northwest of Pyramid Peak, near the town of Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley. To the right of the Lake, the Maroon Snowmass Trail traverses through a meadow to a Forest Service bulletin board at the far end of the lake. The trail begins along the shore of Maroon Lake, which is a beautiful destination for those not looking to hike. Nice lake at the top but. You can hire a car or take a bus to get here. Remaining balance must be paid upon check-in. The 3.9-mile out-and-back trail to the lakes begins at the Maroon Lake parking area. TIP: bring water, layered weather wear, sunblock, sturdy shoes, and snacks. People normally club together Aschroft Ghost Town and Maroon Bells while planning their visit to Crater Lake Trail. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. not as pretty as Maroon Bells view at the base. We had the trail to ourselves most of the time. This hotel is 14.8 mi (23.7 km) from Crater Lake National Park and 14.6 mi (23.5 km) from Umpqua National Forest. It was somewhat busy during our visit- which makes me wonder how much busier it would have been if the park hadn’t been limiting visitors! Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Aspen Performance Ski Rental Including... Aspen Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery. Check-In: 4:00 pm Check-Out: 11:00 am. I think this trail can be challenging, especially when cold and icy in spots. Steep at times, the trail will meander through aspen groves and scree fields, affording breath-taking views of both The Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake. Check out where to stay in Aspen and book an accommodation of your choice. The fare will be $15.95 for all reservations. We booked 12:45 bus ride & managed to walk around Maroon Lake & Crater Lake & got back by 4. Crater Lake Trail, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Crater Lake Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 Dogs must be kept on leash on this trail. This trail passes through aspen groves and rock formations to reach the Crater Lake. This trail through the aspen groves is a pretty consistent, yet gentle, uphill grade with plenty of width for a group to conversationally hike together. You can camp overnight at the lake in summer. When you stay at Crater Lake Lodge - Inside the Park in Crater Lake, you'll be on a lake, within a 5-minute walk of Crater Lake and Cascade Range. Is this a must-do if you are travelling with a, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity. Well worth the uphill climb. A bit difficult to, get to it. The interesting thing is this stream flows under the dry lake bed.i. Almost everyone was wearing masks. The lake is so picturesque and just gorgeous with the Maroon Bells as a … The 1.8-mile dirt and rock section from Maroon Lake to the Crater Lake is the known as the Crater Lake Trail. Wow! Around Maroon Bells From meadows of vibrant wildflowers to airy groves of Aspen trees to summit-based alpine tundra, the Maroon Bells promise a variety of natural habitats and a diverse, vivid representation of the wild Elk Mountain range. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. The Maroon Lake trailhead is located 6 1/2 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. Walk towards camp site 6 and you will hear the water. Shortly before Crater Lake, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail forks. Connects: Express Creek Road (FSR #122) Ashcroft, CO – Hut Markley Hut is part of the Alfred A. Braun Hut System available for reservations through the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association. This moderately difficult trek is a very popular spot for hikers visiting Aspen. The trail continues to climb through scree fields and aspen groves before a beautiful "rock garden". The trail will split at about 1.7 miles where the correct trail to follow is the West Maroon/Crater Lake Trail. Crater Lake Trail, Aspen: Address, Phone Number, Crater Lake Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 This hut is open Thanksgiving through the end of … As you near Crater Lake, the trail splits at the main junction for the popular backpacking route, the Four Pass Loop. Please choose a different date. Hike to Crater Lake takes about 1 hour & 20 min for people like us. The trail originates near the Maroon Lake parking area. You can make reservations online or by calling 866-292-6720. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail (easy) The trail follows the lake to the far side and meanders along the creek that flows into the lake. If you make the journey to the Maroon Bells, you also have to do this hike. Experience a thrill as you hear about the gruesome history that created these ghosts, and glance around, wondering where the wraiths will emerge from. Today, visitors marvel at the panoramic views and natural formations of Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. The colors were awesome. Advance reservations can be made for the park's hotels, one of the park's campgrounds, and boat tours on Crater Lake. Crater Lake Trail Address: Colorado 81611, USA, Aspen, United States, Best time to visit Crater Lake Trail(preferred time): 08:00 am - 10:00 am, Time required to visit Crater Lake Trail: 04:00 Hrs. This trail passes through aspen groves and rock formations to reach the Crater Lake. Taxis are allowed before 7am and after 7pm. Crater Lake Trail is an intermediate/moderate trail you can hike and run that is dog friendly. hard for me. However, I have also seen hikers from age 5 to probably 75, and dogs, doing the trail so - you can do it :), Good: Beautiful views in the forest and looking down on Maroon Lake. Barely anyone there. Some gaps in the vegetation along this trail will allow you to glimpse the West Maroon Creek and the valley floor. But it's still a nice spot to rest and have a snack before hiking back down. An extremely popular 1.8-mile trail leads to Crater Lake, at the base of these majestic peaks. Above Maroon Lake, the trail enters a grove of the tallest, skinniest aspen trees I’ve ever seen in my life. This moderately difficult trek is a very popular spot for hikers visiting Aspen. Crater Lake Trail, Aspen: See 258 reviews, articles, and 163 photos of Crater Lake Trail, ranked No.11 on Tripadvisor among 75 attractions in Aspen. It's challenging in spots, very very rocky and decent elevation gain. In June, all sites are first-come, first-served. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. The view on the hinge is really pretty with Aspens everywhere. Get spooky in Aspen with this ghost tour! Love this? When you arrive at Crater Lake, the water fall is at 1 o’clock. From here begins the descent to the Crater Lake. Not much of a trail and rugged terrain. I hooked with my three teenagers and hubby. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Crater Lake Trail, Aspen: See 256 reviews, articles, and 162 photos of Crater Lake Trail, ranked No.11 on Tripadvisor among 75 attractions in Aspen. 2021 reservations will be available in spring. Overnight campers need prior registration at the Trailhead. The park has two developed campgrounds, Mazama Campground and Lost Creek Campground.They are open only in the summer. Crater Lake is a high-altitude lake in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. This is a 1.8 mile dirt/rocky section of the Maroon-Snowmass Trail from Maroon Lake (9,585 ft) to Crater Lake (10,076 ft) in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, CO. Distances: Maroon Lake (9,585 ft) to Crater Lake (10,076 ft) – 1.8 Miles. Advance reservations can also be made for trolley tours around Crater Lake. more, Recommended experiences in and around Aspen. Bad: On the way out, it’s all uphill and rocky. What a beautiful lake! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the trail. Trail is very rocky so you have to watch your footing- wear hiking shoes/boots! When the trail forks, follow the signs to Crater Lake. We parked our car at the parking lot at the Highlands bus stop and a taxi picked us up from there. No cell service or order Uber per bus drivers. This is a great place for pictures and picnics. Go before sunrise to Maroon Bells to see the sunrise and avoid lots of people on the trail. If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, you’ve seen the photo: the Maroon Bells, the Aspen area’s famous twin peaks, towering over a lake. Fishing Information Fishing is permitted at Maroon Lake, Crater Lake, Willow Lake and along all related streams with a valid Colorado fishing license. Contact the Aspen Ranger District (970.925.3445) for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when planning your trip. The hike to Crater Lake is 1.4 miles. Contact the Aspen Ranger District (970.925.3445) for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when planning your trip. If you are at the Maroon Bells, take this hike, only 3 miles round trip, as it is easy and less crowded. You can choose various trails to explore the area, designing the hike for your own desires and abilities—we chose the Crater Lake trail, a rocky, medium hike route to another beautiful lake with great views of the Bells. The trail parallels the shore of Maroon Lake before beginning the 500 foot (150 m) climb to Crater Lake. The trail will eventually dip down into a beautiful basin that holds Crater lake and incredible views of the Maroon Bells. Most days in November through May, opportunities are abundant for winter recreation or simply playing in the snow at Crater Lake National Park. NARRATIVE: The trail starts at the Maroon Lake parking area. Popular Hotel Amenities and Features This is a great hike if you want to see the Maroon Bells up close. These services are operated by a private company called Crater Lake Hospitality. Private vehicles are not allowed access on the Maroon Creek Road from 8.30am to 5pm. People also prefer to end their day with Crater Lake Trail. 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