Copper Lake (11,321') is located 10.65 miles from East Portal Trailhead (Aspen) and 4.8 miles from Copper Trailhead (Crested Butte) in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. This small but shapely lake is 503' below East Maroon Pass (11,824') on the Crested Butte side. Copper Lake is an ideal camping spot for thru-hikes between Aspen and Crested Butte (15.45 miles), or a 2-car shuttle loop formed by continuing on to Triangle Pass and descending Conundrum Creek (23.35 miles). 

The descent from East Maroon Pass to Copper Lake cuts across the valley headwall with great views down the entire drainage

Pyramid Peak (14,018') tops the west valley wall of East Maroon Creek, along with at least five peaks over 13,500'

White Rock Mountain stands prominently over the east valley wall and east branch of Copper Creek

Rolling meadows extend from 2/3 of Copper Lake into the trail-less upper basin and down Copper Creek

Short sections of trail below Triangle Pass (Crested Butte side) can be narrow, heavily eroded and difficult to cross

Stratified sedimentary rock of the Permian age distinguishes colorful peaks of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness

The descent from East Maroon Pass provides good views of the lake's origin in a small basin tucked away just west of the pass

Triangle Pass offers great views of Castle Peak (14,265') and Conundrum Peak (14,022'), two of six fourteeners in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness

After a steep drop from Triangle Pass, travel moderates across rolling tundra meadows and thick willow mats down to Conundrum Hot Springs

Mild grades and terrain along the first six miles of the Conundrum Creek Trail are ideal for runners and cross country skiing

The white powder found on aspen tree bark has a modicum of UV protection and can be used as an emergency sunscreen

Glaciers and running water sculpt the land in different ways; streams tend to cut winding curves and V-shaped valleys, while glaciers carve nearly straight valleys with broader U-shapes

The Conundrum Creek Trail is distinguished by long stretches of broad, rolling meadows

Copper Lake's light blue-green hue makes spotting trout (which are abundant) quite easy from a distance

East Maroon Pass spans a small saddle below Precarious Peak (13,360')

Camping is only permitted in 8 designated campsites at Copper Lake, and fires are not permitted within 1/4 mile of the lake

The final approach to East Maroon Pass follows the old wagon road on a ramp-like path etched in the west valley wall to East Maroon Pass

Stratified sedimentary rock of the Permian age distinguishes colorful peaks of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness