By car, Crested Butte and Aspen are 100-plus miles apart. But if you’re in search of adventure, the two mountain towns are within walking distance—sort of. A popular 11-mile trail from Aspen to Crested Butte takes hikers over the 12,500-foot West Maroon Pass and is one of the most iconic routes in the area. Here’s the low-down on hiking between two of Colorado’s favorite ski towns.
The trailhead starts at Maroon Lake and the entrance to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. Due to the recent surge in visitor numbers, reservations are now required to access the area, whether you arrive by car or bus.