I never expected to be able to visit the beautiful Maroon Bells Wilderness Area, outside Aspen Colorado, for a third summer in a row. On my first visit in 2024, I enjoyed a spectacular hike to Maroon Lake and Crater Lake, enjoying the photographic opportunities as well as sightings of moose and coyote. On my prior visit in 2025, I was able to visit Maroon Lake and the scenic loops near there, but ran out of time to make the hike up to Crater Lake. Those visits were possible when I attended a conference in Aspen. This weekend, I’m back in Aspen for a wedding – and enjoyed the opportunity to share this beautiful hike with my two sons, neice, and nephew.
The weather was sunny and warm, and the skies clear. Because of poor snowfall this winter, both Maroon Lake and Crater Lake were astonishingly low, compared to 2024. No moose this time, but I did see a pika!
More photos in the gallery.
Hike stats: 43rd consecutive weekend hike
Distance: 5.0 miles (missing first 0.2 miles from trailhead)
Gain: 714 feet (218m)
Time: 3h23m
GaiaGPS track
David Kotz 
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