East Maroon Pass - 19.4 Miles Round-Trip

East Maroon Pass is located 9.7 miles from East Maroon Portal in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This long but moderate trail follows East Maroon Creek to its origin just below the pass, and continues down the west side into Copper Basin and on to Gothic near Crested Butte. 

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

East Maroon Pass is arguably the easiest thru-hike route to Crested Butte, though it lacks the high alpine charisma of West Maroon Pass (12,465’). Much of the trail follows an old wagon route chosen for milder grades and lower elevations. Accordingly East Maroon sees heavier horse traffic than any other stemming from Maroon Bells.

It also joins Triangle Pass (via Copper Basin) and the Conundrum Creek valley to form a compelling backpacking loop.

This is a great option if seeking solitude apart from the busy 4 Pass Loop network. Highlights include long stretches of open valley, great views of Pyramid Peak and some of the finest aspen groves and autumn colors in the area:

The trail begins on level intervals of meadow and aspen to a connector for Maroon Lake (1.3 miles : 9,070’). Here it bends SW into the East Maroon Creek drainage with views of Pyramid Peak (14,018’).

Travel is quick on level grades before rising above a riparian restoration area (2.7 miles : 9470’). Look for moose in beaver-dammed oxbows below. It drops back on a fast pace to an unmarked spur for a horse camp at 4.2 miles (9,725’).

Traces of the old road are periodically evident past cabin remains (4.9 miles) to the first of two major creek fords (5.6 miles : 9,880’).

Volume can be swift across each at peak runoff – anticipate knee high+ water. Once through it rises sharply into a coniferous forest that breaks across an avalanche-cleared slope to the second ford back to the east side (6.45 miles : 10,235’).

It climbs steeply to a long, open arc across a talus slope (7.0 miles : 10,605'). Find raspberries tucked in the rocks, and good views of Pyramid Peak and adjacent ridges that form the west valley wall.

The trail continues steadily in a pleasant but nondescript subalpine forest on sections of the old road. Stay vigilant, as the trail braids in several places and makes a key right turn at a potentially unmarked point (7.7 miles : 10,935’). 

Though maps indicate a clear split, it’s very easy to miss. Veering left keeps you on a clear path that fades above treeline on the east side of the valley, heading toward Copper Pass.  Keep right at all braids and forks that lead NW across the valley.

Timber thins as you turn NW and cross the top of East Maroon Creek (8.5 miles) to a large basin under the pass (8.8 miles). There’s some great camping terrain in this area. The trail curls up the west valley wall on a ramp-like path to East Maroon Pass (9.7 miles : 11,824’).

Continue down the far side for views of Copper Lake, or take a social trail to more central points in the valley with excellent views down the entire drainage. Elk and mountain goat are active in this rich and lightly traveled part of the valley.