{"id":2449185,"date":"2019-09-26T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2019-09-26T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/?p=313407"},"modified":"2019-09-26T09:30:00","modified_gmt":"2019-09-26T15:30:00","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-hiking-from-aspen-to-crested-butte","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/local-news\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hiking-from-aspen-to-crested-butte\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"swift-gallery p402_hide\" readability=\"6.7986725663717\">\n<ul id=\"imageGallery-313407-910\" class=\"gallery list-unstyled\">\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Allison Pattillo | Making the approach to West Maroon Pass.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-2\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"7\">\n<p><strong>Making the approach to West Maroon Pass.<\/strong><br \/>Allison Pattillo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Making the approach to West Maroon Pass.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-1-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-1.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Allison Pattillo | The scene atop West Maroon Pass, Aspen to the right and Crested Butte to the left.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>The scene atop West Maroon Pass, Aspen to the right and Crested Butte to the left.<\/strong><br \/>Allison Pattillo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-1.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"The scene atop West Maroon Pass, Aspen to the right and Crested Butte to the left.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-2-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-2.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Allison Pattillo | There was nothing but blue skies and big views as we made our way from the Pass to Crested Butte.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>There was nothing but blue skies and big views as we made our way from the Pass to Crested Butte.<\/strong><br \/>Allison Pattillo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-2.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"There was nothing but blue skies and big views as we made our way from the Pass to Crested Butte.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-3-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-3.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Allison Pattillo | A cooler of cold beer is a welcome sight after a long hike.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-2\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"7\">\n<p><strong>A cooler of cold beer is a welcome sight after a long hike.<\/strong><br \/>Allison Pattillo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-3.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"A cooler of cold beer is a welcome sight after a long hike.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-4-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-4.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Allison Pattillo | Breakfast or brunch at Coal Creek Grill hits the spot before heading back to Aspen.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Breakfast or brunch at Coal Creek Grill hits the spot before heading back to Aspen.<\/strong><br \/>Allison Pattillo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-4.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Breakfast or brunch at Coal Creek Grill hits the spot before heading back to Aspen.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-5-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-5.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Allison Pattillo | Don\u2019t go to Montanya for beer or wine because they don\u2019t have any. Instead they have a multi-page menu of creative rum cocktails and tasty eats.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t go to Montanya for beer or wine because they don\u2019t have any. Instead they have a multi-page menu of creative rum cocktails and tasty eats.<\/strong><br \/>Allison Pattillo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-5.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Don\u2019t go to Montanya for beer or wine because they don\u2019t have any. Instead they have a multi-page menu of creative rum cocktails and tasty eats.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-6-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-6.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Allison Pattillo | Sunrise at the Maroon Bells, as our trek to Crested Butte began.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Sunrise at the Maroon Bells, as our trek to Crested Butte began.<\/strong><br \/>Allison Pattillo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-6.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Sunrise at the Maroon Bells, as our trek to Crested Butte began.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-7-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-7.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Allison Pattillo | Request the Rainbow Room at Sopris House for French doors that open onto a beautiful lawn as well as your very own shortcut to the hot tub, sauna, and cold pool.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-0.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><strong>Request the Rainbow Room at Sopris House for French doors that open onto a beautiful lawn as well as your very own shortcut to the hot tub, sauna, and cold pool.<\/strong><br \/>Allison Pattillo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/09\/cover-atw-092619-2-7.jpg\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" alt=\"Request the Rainbow Room at Sopris House for French doors that open onto a beautiful lawn as well as your very own shortcut to the hot tub, sauna, and cold pool.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"caption-toggle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/magazines\/aspen-times-weekly\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hiking-from-aspen-to-crested-butte\/#\" class=\"show-captions\">Show Captions<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/magazines\/aspen-times-weekly\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hiking-from-aspen-to-crested-butte\/#\" class=\"hide-captions\">Hide Captions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">After the to-be-expected last-minute shuffling of our group, debates about bringing dogs, shuttling of cars and passing off forgotten keys to a High Mountain Taxi driver to take back to Aspen (completely saving the day), our band of five humans and no canines was on the way to Crested Butte from the Maroon Bells. And all only 30 minutes behind schedule. Luckily that extra half-hour gave us time to catch a glimpse of the rising sun hitting the Maroon Bells and for the chilly morning temperatures to wane.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Last year my husband and I hiked to Crested Butte via East Maroon Pass and saw five people the entire day. That\u2019s definitely the route to take for those seeking a more solitary, one-with-nature experience. It\u2019s not like West Maroon Pass is hiking-the-Bowl-on-a-powder-day crowded, however it is more popular (and shorter at 11 miles versus 14 miles for East Maroon Pass), giving it an enjoyably social vibe. With the promise of clear skies and pleasant temperatures, there was a steady flow of foot traffic heading toward Crater Lake, most groups excitedly discussing routes, making last-minute pack or gear adjustments and settling in for the day. Once past the lake, numbers dwindled to other groups like ours, runners tackling the Four Pass Loop and backpackers, with plenty of awe-inspiring wilderness to go around.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Setting forth on an adventure with a group was new to me \u2014 despite knowing better, I\u2019m often alone or with one other person on such pursuits. And I had a blast, we all did, with nary a blister or a scrape and smiles across the board. Sure, the final push to the red, rocky saddle of West Maroon Pass at 12,500 feet was burly. But once you make it and realize you and anyone else there earned it, you appreciate how incredible it is to live in a place where athletes of all abilities are willing to put in sweat effort for magical views and a rewarding experience. Not only did the company and conversation make the miles fly by, the array of snacks was outstanding! From my trail running days, I tend to keep to a \u201cfood is fuel\u201d mindset. Hell, I thought I splurged for this trip with a mix of cashews, candy corn and jerky. So it was a treat when cheese and crackers, cured meats, fresh fruit, potato chips, chocolate bars and more appeared from my friends\u2019 packs. I even heard whispers of sushi rolls, but, alas, those were left in the fridge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">As we started encountering Crested Butte-to-Aspen trekkers, both sides shared beta and local tips to keep in mind for next time. Plus, we hit the jackpot by experiencing the splendor of three seasons in one day with frost above Crater Lake and a surprising abundance of wildflowers, as well as changing underbrush on the Crested Butte side of the Pass. Much like the trail on the Aspen side beginning roughly 11 miles outside of town at the Bells, the trail ends on the Crested Butte side near Scofield Pass, which is 14 miles to town. I\u2019ve heard of hardcore locals who insist on hiking those remaining miles through the town of Gothic and into CB. Good on you. Other, more popular options include arranging a shuttle, having a friend meet you at the trailhead or some other slightly convoluted plan of passing keys back and forth on the trail. Sporting a shiny new knee that isn\u2019t quite ready for the downhill, my husband volunteered to be our driver. We had walkie-talkies to communicate but neglected to turn them on, and despite that and a flat tire, he still managed to meet us at the trailhead on time and with a cooler of cold beer. Talk about a successful day!<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Later, in the hotel hot tubs, which were filled with other, like-minded Aspenites, we began to plan for next year. We\u2019re leaning toward hiking to and from, hitting both East and West Maroon Passes, and spending an extra day in Crested Butte to relax and enjoy the laid back vibes of our mountain town neighbor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">OUR DETAILS<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Elevation Hotel and Spa<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">500 Gothic Road, Mt. Crested Butte<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">This property located just out of town on the ski mountain seems to be a hot spot with Aspen hikers. Be sure to book a massage at the spa before you go. They\u2019re also running a promotion so if you book at <a id=\"N0x2a63d80N0x2d42b90:N0x2a63d80N0x2a088f0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elevationresort.com\/\">elevationresort.com<\/a> and enter the code \u201cHIKE\u201d you\u2019ll get 15% off your stay through Oct. 31. A free bus makes regularly scheduled loops through town, so no car is needed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Montanya<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">212 Elk Avenue<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">We stopped in this award-winning rum tasting room and distillery in the heart of town for cocktails and snacks, only to discover the varied menu is perfect for dinner as well. Don\u2019t miss their signature Maharaja cocktail (in the name of hydration and recovery I had mine on the rocks) with fresh ginger, asparagus and yucca fries or ramen bowls. Also grab a bottle of their Exclusiva rum before you head home.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Sunflower<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">214 Elk Ave.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">With two seatings a night, reservations are a must at this cozy restaurant that uses local purveyors to make creative dishes to satisfy vegetarians, meat-eaters and everyone in between.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Coal Creek Grill<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">129 Elk Ave.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">After perusing the Sunday farmer\u2019s market, we snagged a creekside table for our alfresco brunch, complete with bloody marys, smoked corned beef hash and a mascarpone French toast special served with Palisade peaches.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Tips from Crested Butte locals and experienced town-to-town travelers<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">CBGTrails<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">This website (<a id=\"N0x2a63d80N0x2d43970:N0x2a63d80N0x2a09478\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbgtrails.com\/\">cbgtrails.com<\/a>) and app have mapped more than 750 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in Gunnison County, where Crested Butte is located, with more in the works. Additionally, they\u2019ve worked with the White River National Forest to update Aspen-area trails on their crowd-sourced mapping program. Download the app and maps needed for your trip in order to access the information, even when you have no cell or Wi-Fi, and never wonder about a turn again.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Maroon Bells Shuttles<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\"><a id=\"N0x2a63d80N0x2d43cd0:N0x2a63d80N0x2a096b8\" href=\"https:\/\/maroonbellsshuttles.com\/\">Maroonbellsshuttles.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">You do the hiking and they\u2019ll shuttle your car or extra keys from Crested Butte to Aspen and vice versa. As a bonus, check out their Facebook page for up-to-date reports about trail conditions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Dolly\u2019s Mountain Shuttle and Alpine Express Shuttle<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">With advance reservations both of these services will take you from West and East Maroon portals into Crested Butte and back, if needed, for the return hike.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/magazines\/aspen-times-weekly\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hiking-from-aspen-to-crested-butte\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">via:: The Aspen Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Making the approach to West Maroon Pass.Allison Pattillo The scene atop West Maroon Pass, Aspen to the right and Crested Butte to the left.Allison Pattillo There was nothing but blue skies and big views as we made our way from the Pass to Crested Butte.Allison Pattillo A cooler of cold beer is a welcome sight [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2449185","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-local-news"},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-27 09:33:01","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"KSPN The Valley&#039;s Quality Rock","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2449185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2449185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2449185\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2449185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2449185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2449185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}