Looking for one of the most stunning hikes in Colorado and a boujee little backpacking-style weekend? This Maroon Bells hike and weekend itinerary takes you from Aspen to Crested Butte (and back again!) on the legendary West Maroon Pass — no tent required.
This two-day, 22-mile trek gives you the best of both worlds — full days on the trail, and hotel beds at night. Here’s how to plan the perfect weekend on the iconic Maroon Bells hike.
How Long Should You Spend Hiking the West Maroon Pass?
This isn’t your typical out-and-back trail. The West Maroon Trail connects two iconic mountain towns — Aspen and Crested Butte — with 11 miles of wildflower-filled goodness, alpine passes, and panoramic views that will ruin you for every other trail.
To hike from Aspen to Crested Butte and back, you’ll want a full weekend. Plan for:
- Day 1: Hike from Aspen to Crested Butte
- Day 2: Hike back from Crested Butte to Aspen
You’ll spend one night in each town — no camping necessary.
Best Time to Hike from Aspen to Crested Butte
The West Maroon Trail is only open during the warmer months, typically from late May through October, depending on snow conditions. The sweet spot, in my opinion, is mid-July to early August. By then, the snow has usually melted and the wildflowers will likely be at their peak. Just keep in mind that this is also peak season, so be sure to book your shuttles and hotels well in advance — they fill up fast!
Where to Stay in Aspen and Crested Butte for Maroon Bells Hike
Friday Night – Aspen
Spend the night in Aspen before your hike so you can catch the first shuttle to the trailhead without rushing. There’s no shortage of hotels and vacation rentals here, but book early — this town fills up fast in the summer. Looking for something more budget-friendly? Snowmass or Basalt are solid options nearby. We stayed at Viceroy Snowmass and spent the day lounging by the pool and relaxing before our weekend on the trail — highly recommend.
Saturday Night – Crested Butte
After 11 miles of hiking, you’ll definitely want a hot shower and a real bed — and Crested Butte is the most perfect little mountain town to stay the night. It’s about a 40-minute drive from the trailhead but the views on the way make it fly by.
There are plenty of boutique hotels, cozy lodges, and great places to eat in town. We ended up staying in Mt. Crested Butte (we were a little late on booking downtown spots lol), but it worked out perfectly — the free shuttle into town was quick and easy. If you want to be downtown, definitely book early.
Getting to and from the West Maroon Trailheads
Aspen to West Maroon Trailhead
The most affordable way to reach the trailhead is to reserve a parking pass at the Maroon Lake lot — just $10. The catch? These spots go fast, and even if you do snag one, you can only drive up before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. We didn’t get a reservation in time, but luckily, the shuttle system made it super easy (just a bit pricier).
The Aspen Highlands Shuttle is $16 per person round trip, but where they really get you is parking. Leaving your car at the Maroon Bells Welcome Center cost us about $100 for two days — not terrible if you’re splitting with a group, but steep if you’re solo or on a budget.
If you’re looking to save, you can park somewhere cheaper in town and hop on the RFTA shuttle to the Welcome Center for just a few bucks. It adds an extra step, but it’s a solid budget-friendly option.
West Maroon Trailhead to Crested Butte
Once you make it over the pass, you’ll need a ride into town. There are two main shuttle companies: Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle and Alpine Express, both of which pick up at the trailhead.
Pro tip: Book your ride ahead of time and choose a pickup time that’s later than you think you’ll need — better to chill at the trailhead for a bit than miss your shuttle.
From the trailhead, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Crested Butte. The road isn’t long, but it’s narrow, unpaved, and full of potholes, so it’s slow going. On the bright side, the views are amazing the entire way. Expect to pay around $55 per person each way with either company.
Crested Butte to West Maroon Trailhead
Getting back is easy — just arrange a return trip with the same shuttle company you used the day before. We booked a 6 a.m. pickup to get an early start, but 8 a.m. is another popular option if you want to sleep in a bit.
West Maroon Trailhead to Aspen
If you were lucky enough to reserve a parking spot at Maroon Lake, congrats — just hike down and you’re done! But if you used the shuttle to get there, you’ll use the same Aspen Highlands Shuttle ticket for your ride back to the Welcome Center.
The shuttle runs every 15 minutes until 1 p.m., and then every 20 minutes until 5 p.m. Make sure you’re off the trail in time so you don’t miss the last one!
Maroon Bells Itinerary: The West Maroon Trail in 2 Days
Day 1: Hike from Aspen to Crested Butte
- Trail: West Maroon Trail
- Distance: ~11 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~3,000 feet
- Time: 6-8 hours depending on pace and stops
Start your day early and ride the shuttle to the West Maroon Pass trailhead. This is the harder direction because you’re gaining more elevation — but trust me, it’s worth doing the difficult leg first. Your legs will thank you on day 2.
The immediate views of Maroon Lake are iconic, and the climb to West Maroon Pass is challenging but absolutely stunning the entire way. In July, the trail turns into a wildflower wonderland.
Take your time, bring plenty of water, snacks, and the classic turkey and cheese sandwich, and prepare for a long but rewarding hike.
Once you arrive in Crested Butte, check into your hotel, grab dinner and a celebratory drink, and sleep like a baby.
Day 2: Hike from Crested Butte to Aspen
- Trail: West Maroon Trail
- Distance: ~11 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~2,400 feet
- Time: 6-8 hours depending on pace and stops
The hike back from Crested Butte to Aspen is a bit easier — there’s less elevation gain and more descent. That said, your legs will definitely be feeling yesterday’s mileage. But I was so ready to get back to the views that getting started didn’t feel too bad, and going the opposite direction gives you a fresh take on the trail.
Once you make it back to Maroon Lake, hop in your car or on the shuttle to the Maroon Bells Welcome Center to grab your car.
Before driving back to Denver (or wherever you’re headed next), we made a quick stop at Home Team BBQ, about 8 minutes down the road. Wings and mac & cheese never hit harder.
Final Thoughts
This Maroon Bells itinerary is the definition of boujee backpacking — you get two days of world-class hiking without sleeping in the dirt. Win-win.
You’ll need to carry a daypack with the basics (water, layers, snacks, maybe some ibuprofen), but that’s it. No tent. No stove. No figuring out how to poop in the woods.
Instead, it’s hiking all day and hotel beds all night. It’s a hard hike with a soft landing. And honestly, it might be the best way to hike Maroon Bells.
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