Recreation area

East Snowmass #1977

Colorado — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

ALERT: Due to recent bear activity, bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The trail begins ascending steeply and forks to the right in about one mile. The trailcontinues through spruce, aspen and pine forests for approximately 3 miles. It then breaks out into a meadow before continuing a moderately steep climb. There are some steeper sections that require caution. Once on East Snowmass Pass, the descent to Willow Lake is via switchbacks through a steep boulder field. The last mile meanders through rolling tundra to Willow Lake.

Getting there

Drive 6 miles west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left onto Brush Creek Road. Continue on Brush Creek Road 5.4 miles and turn right onto Divide Road. Divide Road turns into a gravel road and passes the Krabloonik Restaurant and Kennels. The road descends steeply to the valley bottom where the road forks. Take the left fork, the trailhead will be just beyond the wooden bridge, on the left side of the road. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail to Snowmass Lake is at the end of the gravel road.

Activities

  • HIKING
  • HORSEBACK RIDING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Colorado camping

East Snowmass #1977 doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.