Hiking the Dream: Crested Butte to Aspen
The Colorado dream hike from Crested Butte to Aspen is a must-do for any hiking enthusiast visiting the Gunnison-Crested Butte area. Why undertake this 11-mile strenuous foot journey over a high mountain pass? By car, it will take you 3.5 hours and over 100 miles of mountain driving to get there. By foot, it will be an immersive experience into one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Colorado filled with abundant colorful wildflower fields of your dreams!
East vs. West
There are two main routes to choose from and it’s a choice between East and West. The East Maroon Pass route is long; closer to 20 miles so doing this as a backpacking trip is ideal. It is a much less crowded route and passes by stunning Copper Lake. Because of the social media posts, blogs and bucket lists that now include this hike, the most common route over West Maroon Pass can be incredibly crowded. At times, you may find yourself in a single file line of (sometimes impatient) hikers. This one-way route is just 11 miles and very doable for those who are in good hiking condition.
One-Way or Round Trip?
The next major decision is whether you will hike one way and try to run a shuttle in advance (3 one-way trips of 3.5 hrs each!), hire an expensive shuttle to get you home or have a non-hiking friend meet you there and then drive you home. To me, the best way to do this is by hiking one way, staying a night or two in Aspen and then hiking back. Just keep in mind that hiking from the Aspen side is more rigorous in terms of your elevation gain because you’re starting over 800 feet lower on that side. From Crested Butte to Aspen, you will gain 2357 ft. in elevation while coming back, you will gain 3265 ft.
Timing
When the snow melts, and it’s possible to cross West Maroon Pass, you can begin hiking to Aspen. The timing of this varies depending on the winter snowfall. It can be clear enough by mid-June or it may not be passable until mid-July. Another factor is getting to the West Maroon trailhead. There have been some big snow years where the road from Gothic never opens because of the snow plug by Emerald Lake. In this case, you will have to plan on adding some miles to walk over the snow, up Schofield Pass and down to the trailhead. OR, it is usually possible to get to Schofield Pass by going up and over Paradise Divide. Just make sure your vehicle can handle the rough road. The trail can be hiked until the snow flies again in the high country, likely later in October.
Regarding timing of the hike itself, get started as early as you can stand it. Layer up because it will be cold! This will help you get ahead of the crowds and ahead of the potential storms. As with all high elevation hiking, it is best to be down from the highest point and back into the trees by noon.
Logistics
Transportation is the main trip planning piece to work out in advance of your hike. If you can drive to the trailhead and leave a car there, that offers the most flexibility, especially on the return trip. You won’t be rushing to meet up with your shuttle driver! But if driving is not an option for you, check out the local transportation companies:
Dolly’s Mountain Shuttles: https://www.crestedbutteshuttle.com/rates
As of this date, they charge $55 pp with a $220 minimum – one way to or from TH
For transportation to/from Aspen, it’s $90 pp with a $540 minimum – one way
plus gratuity
Alpine Express: https://letsride.co/services/trailhead-shuttle/
These folks also operate the local RTA bus. Their website requests a phone call or a form submission to receive a quote for transportation.
Black Canyon Limo: https://blackcanyonlimo.com/crested-butte-to-aspen/
They cannot provide service to or from the West Maroon trailhead but they can provide services to shuttle to/from Aspen. Call for a quote.
Once you arrive in Aspen, be sure you have made your bus reservation in advance because it is the only option to get picked up at the trailhead.
Maroon Bells Shuttles and Parking: https://www.visitmaroonbells.com/
You will need to reserve your shuttle from/to the trailhead on the Aspen side, unless you are going before 7 am or after 5 pm. You can also reserve parking here at the Aspen Highlands Ski Area if you are running a vehicle over in advance.
Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA): https://www.rfta.com/
If you are in need of transportation from the Aspen Highlands Ski Area (where the Maroon Bells shuttle starts/ends), then you will have to transfer to a town bus to get into the town of Aspen. There are a number of stops right in town and along Main Street.
Lodging is hard to come by in the summer, especially for just one night. Most places will have a 2-night minimum and it is not unusual to see nightly rates at more than $400 per night for a room (hey, it’s Aspen!). If you’re staying, call on the phone to ask if they can accommodate one night stays for hikers. I found a great, friendly place willing to accommodate 6 of us for 1 night and it was right on Main St. by the bus stop: https://www.tyroleanlodge.com/. They were so friendly and privately owned. If you have transportation and you don’t care about staying in the expensive town, look at lodging in Snowmass, Basalt or even down valley in Carbondale. If you do stay, plan a big budget for food, drinks and any entertainment. Our group of ladies celebrated with a martini at a local bar and the total was $30 for a drink, including a $5 “mixing fee!”
For some, this hike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For us lucky locals, it can be an annual treat. Either way, the beauty of this classic Colorado high country hike is worthwhile. Just be organized and prepared for crowds, ALL weather possibilities, shuttle logistics and sticker shock on the Aspen side!
Jen Bickford has lived in Almont, Colorado for over 20 years and is an avid hiker and peak climber. She is a 21 year manager at Three Rivers Resort and wildflower enthusiast.
