The best walks and hikes in the Elk Mountains
4.8
(51)
1,916
hikers
136
hikes
Want to go hiking in the Elk Mountains? In this guide, we’ve reviewed our full collection of hikes and walking routes in the Elk Mountains to bring you the best hiking routes in the region. To see which of our walks in the Elk Mountains is the right one for you, browse real tips and photos uploaded by other hikers—and see what they had to say about each walk.
Last updated: October 3, 2025
4.8
(13)
291
hikers
1. Maroon-Snowmass Trail to Crater Lake — Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness
6.32km
02:19
210m
210m
Rocky Mountain hike through aspen groves to dramatic Crater Lake beneath towering 14,000-foot peaks.
Intermediate
5.0
(1)
66
hikers
2. Scenic Loop Trail — Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area
3.17km
00:56
40m
40m
Easy lakeside loop around Colorado's most photographed peaks with wildflowers and wildlife spotting.
Intermediate
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5.0
(3)
59
hikers
3. American Lake Trail — White River National Forest
9.31km
04:35
590m
590m
Alpine trail through aspen groves and meadows leading to a pristine mountain lake.
Expert
5.0
(1)
57
hikers
4. Spiral Point via Rim Trail South — Snowmass Village
5.67km
01:42
190m
190m
Peaceful ridgeline hike through aspens to a marble platform with 360-degree mountain views.
Easy
43
hikers
5. Three Lakes Trail loop — Gunnison National Forest
5.50km
01:34
130m
130m
Alpine lake hopping through massive aspen groves with hidden waterfalls and Ruby Range views.
Easy
4.7
(3)
41
hikers
6. Snodgrass Mountain via Snodgrass Trail (East) — Crested Butte
9.66km
03:29
460m
460m
Wildflower-lined trail through golden aspen groves with 360-degree views of Crested Butte peaks.
Intermediate
32
hikers
7. East River Trail — Gunnison National Forest
7.11km
01:54
80m
80m
Gentle riverside trail through wildflower meadows where the East River winds like silver ribbon.
Easy
30
hikers
8. Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Trail — Crested Butte
32.6km
11:08
1,530m
1,530m
Alpine traverse from Crystal River to iconic Maroon Bells with Swiss-style meadows and mirror lake reflections.
Expert
5.0
(1)
30
hikers
9. Rustler's Gulch Trail — Gunnison National Forest
16.8km
05:06
580m
580m
Mining road turned wildflower trail leading to a dramatic waterfall beneath towering 13,000-foot peaks.
Expert
5.0
(1)
30
hikers
10. Green Lake Trail — Gunnison National Forest
13.8km
04:45
510m
510m
Aspen-lined trail to a glowing alpine lake beneath towering peaks near Crested Butte.
Intermediate
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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