Colorado has so many beautiful hikes that it’s tough to repeat any of them. But there’s one I keep coming back to: the iconic Aspen to Crested Butte hike.
This past weekend, I enjoyed my third romp along this 11-mile hike in Colorado’s Elk Range. In the past, I’ve completed the adventure by hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte. But this year, we decided to change it up and hike from Crested Butte to Aspen. Does it really matter which way you go? Well, yes….kind of. Do I have a favorite direction? Yes….kind of. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely!
But regardless of which direction you do the hike, I can promise that it’s worth your time. There are some heavy logistics for this one, so I’ve outlined some insider tips below (I live in the Roaring Fork Valley and have learned the easiest way to tackle it!)
Ready? Let’s dive in.
Wildflowers are a highlight along this hike! (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
Trail Stats: Aspen to Crested Butte Hike
For a lot of locals here in the valley, this hike is a regular jaunt in the weekly routine. But don’t let that fool you; it’s a big one that crosses over the stunning West Maroon Pass. It’s 11 miles one way, but the elevation gain depends on the direction; you’re looking at roughly 3,000 feet of gain if you start in Aspen and 2,200 feet of gain if you start on the Crested Butte side (since that trailhead is higher).
| Trail Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 10.8–11 miles (one way) |
| Elevation Gain | 3,000 ft (Aspen → Crested Butte) 2,200 ft (Crested Butte → Aspen) |
| Elevation Loss | 2,200 ft (Aspen → Crested Butte) 3,000 ft (Crested Butte → Aspen) |
| Highest Elevation | West Maroon Pass (12,500 ft) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous |
| Hiking Time | 6–8 hours (experienced hikers may finish faster) |
| Trail Type | Point-to-point |
| Dogs | Allowed on leash |
| Best Season | Typically July–September (depending on snowpack) |
| Permits & Reservations | Starting from Aspen requires a Maroon Bells parking or shuttle reservation. No parking reservation is required on the Crested Butte side. If you finish in Crested Butte and need transportation back to Aspen, reserve a shuttle in advance. |
Aspen to Crested Butte Trail Map
Should You Hike Aspen to Crested Butte or Crested Butte to Aspen?
Short answer: There is no “right way” to do this hike!
Longer answer: It depends because there are pros and cons to starting on both sides.
The vast majority of hikers seem to start on the Aspen side, but that comes with a lot of red tape with parking permits and reservations. However, the Crested Butte side involves a 4×4 road on the approach. The condition of this road varies from year to year. In past seasons, a lingering snowfield blocks the road well into July or August, not to mention the massive ruts that can appear. When I did it a few days ago, this road was an easy drive (we did it in a Rav4), and the snow was nonexistent thanks to our drought conditions. But still, it’s a factor.
Physically, the hikes are different. If you begin on the Aspen side, you have about 3,000 feet of vertical gain before you reach West Maroon Pass, along with 6.5-ish miles of hiking. If you begin on the Crested Butte side, you only have 2,200 feet of climbing and 4 miles of hiking until you reach the pass. The CB side is punchier; the Aspen side is more crowded.
If you finish at the CB side, you need to arrange for a shuttle or have a car waiting for you because it is not that close to Crested Butte proper.
Wildflowers are better on the Crested Butte side; the dramatic scenery with the towering red rock is better on the Aspen side.
So, here’s your real-but-not-helpful answer: Pick your poison.
(And if you want to see what the hike looks like, check out my video below that details the route this summer, going from Crested Butte to Aspen.)
How Difficult is the Hike?
For the vast majority of hikers, I’d rate this hike as moderate-difficulty, but it’s nowhere near as tough as hiking the Knife Edge on Capitol Peak (for example). Of course, it’s going to depend on your background, where you live, and how experienced you are as a hiker.
If you’re coming from out of state or don’t hike a ton, I’d estimate that hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte will take you about 6-8 hours. 11 miles is no joke, and you’re climbing high into the sky. Also, the altitude is very real; you’re topping out at 12,500 feet when you hit West Maroon Pass. Coming from sea level, you’ll feel that!
That said, if you’re an experienced hiker, it’s not the most difficult. I did it last Friday in about 4.5 hours, and I’m not in the best hiking shape these days. It took me about 2 hours and 10 minutes to get from the Crested Butte side up to the pass. I saw other locals trail running it, and I’m sure they did it much faster than we did.
Also, bonus: This is not a technical hike. There is nothing scary or technical about this trail. You’ll only have to worry about putting one foot in front of the other.
Best Time to Hike
In general, I’d suggest hiking from July to September. However, it’s going to depend on the season (sound familiar?!)
Usually, Colorado’s wildflower season pops off in July, but the timing depends on the moisture from the previous ski season. This year, we had an apocalyptically bad snow year, so the wildflowers came earlier and were nowhere near as dramatic as they usually are.
Silver lining: The snowfields melted earlier than usual, so the trail was easily hikeable in June. In other years, snow covers large chunks of the trail well into June, so this will take a little research, depending on the season.
Regardless of the season, don’t forget to start early. Colorado is known for our absurd monsoon season (especially in July) that kicks up in the afternoon. These storms pass through quickly, but they can bring everything from lightning and thunder to golf ball-sized hail. Getting caught in that while above treeline can be life-threatening and absolutely terrifying; 10/10 do not recommend.
To avoid that mess, take your personal pace into consideration. I started at 9 am last week, but I knew I’d be on the pass by 11 am. And even then, we saw a small amount of rain. If you know you’re going to be a slower hiker, I’d start much earlier than that.
On my last hike between Aspen and Crested Butte, I did the last 7 miles solo….selfie mode! (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
Shuttle and Parking Logistics for the Aspen to Crested Butte Hike
I should rename this section, “The chaos you need to deal with in order to complete this hike.” But seriously.
The one major bummer to this hike is that logistics are always complicated. But at least you have a few options.
On the Aspen Side
If you start on the Aspen side, you have the most red tape to deal with. The only way you can park at the Maroon Bells proper (where the hike begins) is to get a parking permit. These open up in February or March and are highly coveted; they are usually snagged within seconds.
Assuming you don’t get one of those, the next most common way to start is by parking at Highlands Ski Area, just down Maroon Creek Road. From there, you can get a reservation on the shuttle that will take you up to the Bells to begin. The shuttle is easy to secure; I’ve never needed to get a permit more than 24-36 hours in advance. However, it doesn’t start running til 8 am. And, it’s not free. The shuttle costs $16 per person (round trip). You also have to pay to park at Highlands AND you can’t leave your car there overnight, so this really only works if someone is coming to grab your car for you.
If you have someone to drop you off at Highlands, that’s ideal. Then, you’ll only have to pay for the shuttle and you’re set.
If you don’t have any of those options and are coming from out of town, here’s my recommendation. Park at the Intercept Lot on Highway 82. Usually you can get away with leaving your car there overnight without any issues. From there, grab the new Flyer bus, just piloted this year. It is completely free and takes folks from Intercept to Highlands and then up to the hospital on Castle Creek Road. Once it drops you at Highlands, you can also get on the shuttle up to the Maroon Bells.
Pro tip: The Flyer is only approved for two years as of now (2026-2028, I think) as town officials want to gauge how much it gets used. So, go use it!
On the Crested Butte Side
Starting on the CB side is much easier. There is a large, free parking area at the West Maroon Trailhead, just over the summit of Schoefield Pass. It is a 4×4 road from town, though, and the conditions vary wildly.
Many years, a large chunk of snow lives on this one section, not ever melting out til July or even August. When that happens, you have to walk along the road. This year, the snow melted thankfully, and the road was in great condition. But, you still need 4×4 at the minimum. Definitely read up on trail conditions before you tackle the road (and I’d definitely not recommend it in a normal sedan).
The views from West Maroon Pass are unreal. (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
On the Return Trip
If you’re ending in Crested Butte, some folks will shuttle a car over in advance so that it is waiting there so they can head into town or enjoy some of the best dispersed camping in Colorado. Others will backpack the route, sleeping in the area and then hike back the next day.
If none of those sound appealing, you can also book a reservation with Dolly’s Mountain Shuttles, a seriously entrepreneurial company based in Crested Butte. They offer one-way or round-trip shuttles from the trailhead into Crested Butte, but they do book out. And while I remember when the shuttle used to cost like $10 or $15, the price has certainly gone up. Last I checked, it’ll cost you around $100 for this service.
If you end in Aspen, you’ll wrap your hike at Maroon Lake with all the day trippers eager to catch a glimpse of the Maroon Bells. From there, you can catch the shuttle back to Highlands (You still need a reservation!). From there, you’ll need a car to get you back to Crested Butte or you can catch a RFTA bus into downtown Aspen.
Reservations and Permits
Other than the parking permits and shuttle reservations I mentioned above, you don’t need any other type of permitting. Since this is just a day hike, you don’t need a wilderness permit.
However, if you decide to backpack the route and spend the night somewhere in the Maroon Bells Wilderness, you would need to get an overnight permit from recreation.gov.
Just 3,000 feet of descent til Aspen! (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
Tips from a Local Who Has Done This Hike a Few Times
As I mentioned above, there are so many good hikes in Colorado that it’s rare for me to repeat one — especially more than once (and especially with all the logistics!) But hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte is special.
Not only is it iconic in nature — how often do you get to hike between two famous mountain towns?! —but it’s an absolute stunner of a hike. Between the wildflowers, jagged peaks, and grassy meadows, I’d say it’s easily one of my favorite hikes in the state.
But, it’s also a big day! To make it easier on yourself, here are a few tips:
**Remember that it is not a technical trail. Ditch the heavy hiking boots in favor of lighter trail running shoes. You’ll still want traction, but the trail itself is very smooth and soft.
**Don’t forget your camera. You’ll never wish for fewer photos of the stunning scenery.
**Start early. You’ll want to be up and over West Maroon Pass by noon; earlier if you can.
**If you have the gumption, it’s fun to hike over West Maroon, camp or spend the night in Crested Butte, and then hike back over East Maroon on the next day. East Maroon Pass is far quieter, much less known, and an entirely different experience. Highly recommend.
**Don’t forget water, snacks, a rain shell, and a crisis puffy. Hopefully you don’t need them, but it’s always better to have ’em.
**Don’t forget the sun. There is virtually zero shade on this route, and that sun is hot. Sunscreen, hats, and sun shirts are all your best friends.
**If you have the time, do a little car camping on the Crested Butte or Aspen side. I know it’s easy to head straight home, but both of these beautiful mountain towns have amazing Colorado car camping with such beautiful scenery!
Nothing like friends on a summit day! (photo/Heather Balogh Rochfort)
Planning a Few Days in Aspen?
The Aspen to Crested Butte hike is easily one of my favorite hikes in the Aspen area — BUT. There are tons of other amazing hikes in the area! I recently started a brand new YouTube channel, and my first video is all of my favorite hikes around my hometown of Aspen (with the Aspen to CB trek in the mix!) If you have a few days in the area, check it out for additional hiking ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Aspen to Crested Butte hike?
It’s 11 miles, one way. If you start in Aspen, you’ll see about 3,000 feet of gain. If you begin in Crested Butte, you’ll climb around 2,200 feet. Both ways, the high point is West Maroon Pass at 12,500 feet.
How many miles is the hike?
The hike from Aspen to Crested Butte clocks in anywhere from 10.5 to 11 miles (GPS watches vary!)
Can beginners do it?
While it’s not technically difficult at all, this would be a tough hike for beginners. Not only is the mileage high (11 miles), but you’ll also tackle a couple thousand feet of vertical gain. Additionally, you’ll be above 9,000 feet in elevation the whole time, topping out at 12,500.
I’ll never tell someone they can’t do something, but I believe this hike is far more enjoyable and fun once you have some hiking experience under your belt.
Can you hike it in one day?
Yes! Absolutely. That’s how almost everyone does it. In fact, if you want to backpack it, it gets more complicated because then you’re tackling a portion of the Four Pass Loop and will have to deal with Maroon Bells Wilderness permits.
So yes, do it in a day and make it easy on yourself.
Is there cell service?
There is no cell service on this hike. Usually, I can eek out a lone bar at the summit of a peak, but I had zero service on West Maroon last week when I hiked the trail. That said, I was able to send off a text message to my husband using satellite messaging, so that is possible when you’re at the high point.
Can you backpack it?
Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte is designed as a day hike. However, if you want to go backpacking in the area, take a look at the famous Four Pass Loop. You do need (very coveted) overnight permits to hike the Four Pass Loop, but the section up and over West Maroon Pass is one of the four passes.
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