Snowmass Lake - 17.0 Miles Round-Trip

Snowmass Lake is located 8.5 miles from Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. It lies at treeline in a massive cirque framed by Snowmass Peak (13,619’), Hagerman Peak (13,841’) and Snowmass Mountain (14,092’). It’s among the largest alpine lakes in the Wilderness, and one of many highlights on the 4-Pass Loop.

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Snowmass Lake is accessible from either end of the 16.8-mile Maroon Snowmass Trail; the following description begins at Maroon Lake and scales Buckskin Pass (12,462’), the more popular and arguably most scenic route.

This travel corridor sees heavy traffic so expect crowds, honor campfire restrictions and reduce impact by staying on trails, using established sites and leaving no trace of your visit:

The trail begins on the north side of Maroon Lake to the Scenic Loop split (.3 miles). It rises away into thick aspens that break across an open rock field on the valley floor (1.2 miles : 10,070’).

Pick your way through talus to a crest and drop to the Maroon Snowmass – West Maroon Creek Trail split (1.7 miles : 10,110’). Crater Lake is a quick and worthwhile excursion from the split.

The Maroon Snowmass Trail steepens over Crater Lake and bends NW up Minnehaha Gulch. Enjoy great morning light on the Bells and Sleeping Sexton on this rapid and rugged climb.

The trail crosses a rocky stream channel (2.95 miles : 11,030’) to a meadow, then funnels up a shallow gulch that opens over treeline (3.45 miles : 11,480). Note camping is not permitted in these meadows. Buckskin Pass is now in sight, and Willow Pass is concealed in the upper valley.

The trail resumes a steep, sinuous course to the Willow Lake Trail split (3.8 miles : 11,745’), where it breaks NW on a twisting path up flower-covered slopes to Buckskin Pass (4.6 miles : 12,462’).

Buckskin Pass spans a divisive ridge between Minnehaha Gulch (east) and the Snowmass Creek drainage (west). Views are terrific with room to maneuver and examine distinct rock types of the Elk Range. Scan nearby ridges for mountain goat, which are common in this area. Snowmass Lake is now visible with a bird’s eye view of the long route leading to it.

The trail drops NW from the pass on more moderate grades back into treeline (5.9 miles : 11,575’). Scenery enjoyed from the pass is now lost on a business-like descent to a wide, marshy section of Snowmass Creek. It reaches the far-end of this oxbow-cut space and turns sharply left on a bridge over the creek (7.25 miles : 10,860’).

It skirts the opening and rises on switchbacks into thick timber, undulating to consecutive splits for Geneva Lake (8.28 and 8.38 miles). A map is useful here, as you now have options for reaching the lake or skipping it altogether. Follow signs in each case to Snowmass Lake (8.5 miles : 10,980’).

The lake is nearly .75 miles long and several hundred yards wide, with iconic peaks and vertical walls framing the west side. The east side is ringed by patchy forest and easier to explore. Backpackers seeking privacy should consider backtracking, or continuing north on the Maroon Snowmass Trail to nice sites just below the basin.

ONE-WAY ELEVATION PROFILE | TRAIL MAP