[Multi-Day] Crested Butte → Aspen via West Maroon Trail → and back

Traverse the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness in a spectacular bucket list hike from Crested Butte to Aspen, and then back the next day. You'll climb from dense forests through wildflower-speckled meadows, crest the panoramic West Maroon Pass at ~12,465 ft, then descend past Crater Lake and into the iconic Maroon Bells Basin. Then hike back the next day!

Note: This is a multi-day trip that requires booking appropriate shuttle transportation and lodging (if you wish) in advance.

The details:
July 15-16
7/15: West Maroon Trail (Crested Butte side) to Maroon Lake Trailhead (shuttle into Aspen)
7/16: Maroon Lake Trailhead back to Crested Butte
West Maroon Trail
Mileage: 20.6 (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 4,288 (roundtrip)
Difficulty: Strenuous

What you'll need:

1. Appropriate fitness level and hiking gear
2. One-Way Return Shuttle Pass: 7/15 (to get into Aspen via Maroon Lake Trailhead)
3. Round Trip Shuttle Pass: 7/16 8:00am (Maroon Bells Welcome Center to Maroon Lake Trailhead)
4. [Optional] Lodging (Aspen). (Ben is staying at Independence Square Lodge by Frias). If camping, a permit is required in the Snowmass Wilderness.
   Note: Free shuttle from Maroon Bells Welcome Center to Aspen is available
5. [Optional] Shuttle to/from CB to Trailhead if you don't have a 4x4 vehicle

Bonus: Ben has an extra pair of shuttle passes for 7/15 and 7/16 to the first person who RSVPs and who also attends.

Due to the complexities of logistics on this hike, Ben will also host a short zoom meeting to provide an overview of the hike in-advance.