Crater Lake Trail, Aspen

This hike is one of the best hikes I have ever been on. If you go about a mile past crater lake the views keep getting better. I highly suggest this hike. It is a very good intermediate hike.

The scenery along the trail is excellent at the end of September when the leaves are fantastic with multiple variety of colors in the mountains. However, you must park your car at the Maroon Bells Parking Lot and take a bus tour into the White River National Forest System. The bus fare is $6/adult. The scenery at Crater Lake is not as good as Maroon Lake, but the trail itself is quite rewarding. You get good elevation and exercise. It's less than 2 miles one way, reminding us of part of Longs Peak Trail.

My first impression of Crater Lake was WOW. I felt like saying than ks to god right away for letting me be there. I loved it, the day was perfect and the colors in the water were amazing.I loved it and it's number one in my list.

The scenery in September/October is beyond words. Not only do the changing colors of the Aspen make this the perfect time of year, there are also fewer tourist and access is free. This is NOT an easy hike. At an altitude 10200 the oxygen is very thin, even for those of us who live and work in Aspen. This is not a smooth walking trail! The terrain is very rocky, and it is easy to twist an ankle or trip. There are no conveniences along the way, so bring and drink plenty of water, take advantage of the restrooms before starting up, and an energy snack isn't a bad idea. If anyone in your hiking group becomes lightheaded, develops a headache, nausea or cramps, you may want to consider ending the hike. These are signs of altitude sickness and can become severe.