Maroon-Snowmass Trail

Maroon-Snowmass Trail is a long-distance hiking route in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness that links the Maroon Lake area with the Snowmass Lake area over alpine terrain, including passes such as Buckskin Pass. The trail follows Snowmass Creek for long stretches on the way in, then climbs toward the high country and returns back the same way or continues to other destinations in the wilderness network.

From the Snowmass Creek Rd area trailhead, the route heads southwest along the Snowmass Creek corridor and settles into a long, steady climb. Expect a mix of aspen groves and dense pine forest, with multiple small creek crossings along the way and frequent water opportunities.

A common mid-route landmark is Snowmass Lake, reached after the climb through the upper valleys. From there, the route continues toward Buckskin Pass before descending toward Maroon Lake, so most hikers experience the biggest elevation work on the upper segments rather than in the first mile or two.

Past the earlier creek-and-forest sections, the character shifts to more rugged ground as the trail trends higher—eventually turning into steeper climbing through alpine meadows and rocky terrain on the way toward the passes and the connections to Crater Lake and Maroon Lake (depending on which segment you choose to finish).

This is an overnight-permit wilderness route. If you plan to camp, use only designated sites at Snowmass Lake and Crater Lake, and secure the required overnight authorization in advance.

In and around the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, access is managed during the busy season and recreation reservations may be required for vehicle/shuttle entry; dogs are allowed but must be leashed. The trail is heavily used, so weekend crowds are common at popular lake destinations like Snowmass Lake.

More information: Booking, Snowmass Lake - gjhikes.com, Maroon Snowmass Trail — The Colorado Mountain Club