Copper Lake Loop - 23.35 Miles Round-Trip

Copper Lake (11,321') is located 10.65 miles from East Maroon Creek Trailhead on the Crested Butte side of East Maroon Pass (11,824'). This small but shapely lake sits at treeline .95 miles and 503' below the pass, and 4.8 miles from the Copper Trailhead in Gothic where thru-hikers can arrange pick up.

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Those looking for a more interesting return from Copper Lake to Aspen can follow a connector trail to Triangle Pass (12,911') and drop down Conundrum Creek to form a 2-car shuttle loop (it's a relatively short drive between trailheads).

This longer and more challenging route features a stunning traverse across the Copper Valley headwall and a stop at Conundrum Hot Springs on the 10.5 mile descent from Triangle Pass.

Camping is only permitted in 8 designated campsites at Copper Lake (6 + 2 for stock). Fires are not permitted at these sites and within 1/4 mile of the lake. See below for more information on camping, fees, permits, bear canisters and trailhead directions and access: 

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 mild grades past a riparian restoration area (2.7 miles : 9470’) to an unmarked spur for a horse camp (4.2 miles : 9,725’). 

Traces of an old road are periodically evident past cabin remains (4.9 miles) to the first of two creek fords (5.6 miles : 9,880’), which can be swift at peak runoff. Once over it rises sharply to an avalanche-cleared slope and the second ford back to the east side (6.45 miles : 10,235’).

It climbs steeply to a long, arcing talus slope (7.0 miles : 10,605') and steadies on sections of the old road. Stay vigilant, as the trail veers right at a potentially unmarked point (7.7 miles : 10,935’). 

Though maps indicate a clear split, it’s very easy to miss. Staying left keeps you on a clear path that fades above treeline on the east side of the valley heading toward Copper Pass - east Maroon Pass is located on the NW side of the valley. 

Timber thins as you turn NW across the top of East Maroon Creek (8.5 miles) to a large basin under the pass (8.8 miles). The trail curls up the west valley wall on a ramp-like path to East Maroon Pass (9.7 miles : 11,824’).

It drops from the pass and makes a sharp hairpin turn with your first look at Copper Lake, then takes a long arcing descent into the basin. The trail drops to a 3-way split for Triangle Pass, the lake and campsite access (10.55 miles : 11,405'). Take the unmarked spur down to Copper Lake (10.65 miles : 11,321').

Distances noted here omit the .2 mile roundtrip spur to Copper Lake:

To continue on the loop, follow signs for Triangle Pass which lead up and undulate to the Copper Creek Trail split (10.9 miles : 11,420'). The trail bends east and steepens across the talus-strewn headwall with long views down Copper Creek valley.

At 11.95 miles the trail curls across the headwall's highest, steepest slopes toward Triangle. You'll encounter a few narrow sections that may be unsafe to cross with snow cover. Travel gradually moderates across broad slopes up to Triangle Pass (12.85 miles : 12,911').

The trail drops from Triangle Pass into the Conundrum Creek drainage on a steep, winding path that moderates across attractive alpine meadows to a spur for Conundrum Hot Springs (14.85 miles : 11,190'). The springs are a quick detour across the creek.

The main trail continues back through treeline on a steady descent in varied terrain to a wide creek crossing, which can be swift at peak runoff (16.8 miles : 10,320'). Find the shallowest way across and resume variously rugged travel down to a long bridge back over the creek at Silver Pond (17.35 miles : 10,240').

Once across travel gradually moderates in the mid-lower valley across expansive meadows separated by aspen groves and mixed timber to the Conundrum Creek Trailhead to complete the loop (23.35 miles : 8,765').