Maroon Snowmass
Trailhead Buckskin Pass Trailhead #1975 Drive there
Buckskin Pass Trailhead #1975 the Forest Service's write-up
Reservations are required to visit Maroon Bells and associated trailheads by personal vehicle or shuttle; this includes overnight parking for those backpacking into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Fees are charged for shuttle services, parking and overnight permits in areas of high use.
ALERTS:
• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
Restrictions <h4>The following regulations apply to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and are in place to protect this special area:</h4><ul><li><strong>Overnight permit required </strong>for overnight stays within the <a href="http://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.usda.gov%2FInternet%2FFSE_DOCUMENTS%2Ffseprd1083862.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C7d1c148b617d420ee8cb08daf91dc92c%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638096203576998810%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kwU8ie72JuD4SazHVfhqzSL%2BLxv%2BIq72MQzrDaEEk%2Fs%3D&reserved=0">Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones</a>.</li><li><strong>Food, refuse and any scented items must be stored in an </strong><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1029220.pdf">IGBC approved bear resistant container</a><strong>. </strong>Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave. </li><li><strong>You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended</strong> and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpiX07wPKgE&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Learn more</a> about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails.</li><li><strong>Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group</strong>. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others.</li><li><strong>Dogs are prohibited</strong> in the Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, including the hot springs. Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed.</li><li><strong>Campfires are prohibited at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, within ¼ mile of Crater Lake and above 10,800 feet. </strong>Campfires consume wood, accumulate trash, kill fragile alpine vegetation, sterilize the soil and scar the land.</li><li><strong>Campers must camp in designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Copper Lake, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, and Capitol Lake.</strong> Everywhere else campers should set up more than 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails and use previously impacted campsites. Help provide a feeling of solitude, camp out of sight of others and fragile areas.</li><li><strong>As with all designated Wilderness, motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, ATVs, carts, drones, hang gliders and paragliders. </strong>This equipment is prohibited to provide visitors with a primitive recreational experience and to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude.</li></ul>
Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead, #1975 the Forest Service's write-up
ALERTS:
• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
Get Permits
Starting from the Snowmass Creek Trailhead, the trail climbs into the aspen trees. The trail climbs on the east side of Snowmass Creek for about 6 miles. It continues past a large beaver pond and soon crosses Snowmass Creek at a second beaver pond. Sandals are recommended for this stream crossing. The trail then continues south climbing several switchbacks before entering the forest. As the trail levels you will come to a wooden sign post. Continue straight ahead to get to Snowmass Lake. Take the left fork to remain on the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. The trail descends through forest and crosses Snowmass Creek. The trail ascends into the valley and begins a steep climb to Buckskin Pass. From the top of Buckskin Pass the trail drops steeply into a vast alpine meadow. The trail descends steeply through Minnehaha Gulch, which provides excellent camping, and then continues its steep descent to the junction at Crater Lake. You can camp in designated sites at Crater Lake or continue to the left towards Maroon Lake.
SAFETY: Remember climbing is dangerous, even deadly!
Check out Colorado Fourteeners Initiative YouTube Channel to learn more.
Restrictions <h4><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=81118">Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness</a> regulations protect this special place:</h4><ul><li><strong>Overnight permit required </strong>for overnight stays within the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.usda.gov%2FInternet%2FFSE_DOCUMENTS%2Ffseprd1083862.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C858b5b65c3e44f31eb4a08daf96f07b9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638096552521659688%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eRHf4%2Fc7xcXGal93pYbLdbtvvXA9N4hqlqiJzF%2FMbps%3D&reserved=0">Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones</a>.</li><li><strong>Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an </strong><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.usda.gov%2FInternet%2FFSE_DOCUMENTS%2Ffseprd1029220.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C858b5b65c3e44f31eb4a08daf96f07b9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638096552521659688%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ovvBLvxS%2BG%2BH0eqUr8rCPtx05BwOag4Ih6cdp4hfMcw%3D&reserved=0">IGBC approved bear resistant container</a><strong>. </strong>Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave. </li><li><strong>You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended</strong> and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DBpiX07wPKgE%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&data=05%7C01%7C%7C858b5b65c3e44f31eb4a08daf96f07b9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638096552521659688%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pxQ5Vr7wM7EA61DEY3UhzqG4o%2BUDYxC8G7IJUz4kUfM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Learn more</a> about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails.</li><li><strong>Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group</strong>. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others.</li><li><strong>Dogs are prohibited</strong> in the Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, including the hot springs. <strong> Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed.</strong></li><li><strong>Campfires are prohibited </strong>at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and above 10,800 feet including Snowmass Lake. Campfires consume wood, accumulate trash, kill fragile alpine vegetation, sterilize the soil and scar the land. Lightweight camp stoves are recommended.</li><li><strong>Campers must camp in designated sites</strong><strong> </strong>at Conundrum Hot Springs, Copper Lake, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, Capitol Lake and Thomas Lakes. Everywhere else campers should set up more than 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails and use previously impacted campsites. Camp out of sight of others and away from fragile areas.</li><li><strong>As with all designated Wilderness, motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited </strong>including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, ATVs, carts, drones, hang gliders and paragliders. This equipment is prohibited to provide visitors with a primitive recreational experience and to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude.</li></ul>
Maroon/Snowmass - Crater Lake TH #1975 the Forest Service's write-up
<strong>Fees are charged for high season</strong> overnight stays in permitted zones of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, and for parking and shuttle reservations at <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=82346">Maroon Bells Scenic Area</a>. · reservation required
ALERTS:
• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
Get Permits
The Maroon/Snowmass - Crater Lake trail is a short and very popular day hike over rocky trails, through aspen groves and around rock formations to a high mountain lake. This trail is often used as a starting point for extended backpacking trips into the wilderness. This trail is extremely rocky and dry. Good hiking shoes and plenty of water are a must. Camping is permitted only in designated areas and campfires are prohibited. Dogs are not permitted around the lake or at the campsites.
Restrictions <h4><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=81118">Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness</a> regulations protect this special place:</h4><ul><li><strong>Overnight permit required </strong>for overnight stays within the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.usda.gov%2FInternet%2FFSE_DOCUMENTS%2Ffseprd1083862.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C858b5b65c3e44f31eb4a08daf96f07b9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638096552521659688%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eRHf4%2Fc7xcXGal93pYbLdbtvvXA9N4hqlqiJzF%2FMbps%3D&reserved=0">Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones</a>.</li><li><strong>Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an </strong><a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.usda.gov%2FInternet%2FFSE_DOCUMENTS%2Ffseprd1029220.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C858b5b65c3e44f31eb4a08daf96f07b9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638096552521659688%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ovvBLvxS%2BG%2BH0eqUr8rCPtx05BwOag4Ih6cdp4hfMcw%3D&reserved=0">IGBC approved bear resistant container</a><strong>. </strong>Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave. </li><li><strong>You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended</strong> and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DBpiX07wPKgE%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&data=05%7C01%7C%7C858b5b65c3e44f31eb4a08daf96f07b9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638096552521659688%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=pxQ5Vr7wM7EA61DEY3UhzqG4o%2BUDYxC8G7IJUz4kUfM%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">Learn more</a> about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails.</li><li><strong>Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group</strong>. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others.</li><li><strong>Dogs are prohibited</strong> in the Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, including the hot springs. <strong> Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed.</strong></li><li><strong>Campfires are prohibited </strong>at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and above 10,800 feet including Snowmass Lake. Campfires consume wood, accumulate trash, kill fragile alpine vegetation, sterilize the soil and scar the land. Lightweight camp stoves are recommended.</li><li><strong>Campers must camp in designated sites</strong><strong> </strong>at Conundrum Hot Springs, Copper Lake, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, Capitol Lake and Thomas Lakes. Everywhere else campers should set up more than 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails and use previously impacted campsites. Camp out of sight of others and away from fragile areas.</li><li><strong>As with all designated Wilderness, motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited </strong>including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, ATVs, carts, drones, hang gliders and paragliders. This equipment is prohibited to provide visitors with a primitive recreational experience and to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude.</li></ul>