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3-Day: Copper Lake from Copper Creek TH

Beautiful, 3-day, out and back hike to a lovely lake in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass wilderness with good fishing, great wildflowers and possibly a day hike to any of several nearby scenic passes. 10 miles, 1,800ft elevation gain, high point is 11,500ft.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members

Day 1. Hike on the Copper Creek Trail, #983, past a viewpoint to Judd Falls, to Copper Lake and establish camp near the lake. (5 miles/+1800’). Recommend campsite 5 and 3 if you can get them. Final approach to camp is steep

Day 2. Fish, relax in camp, or day hike to East Maroon Pass, Copper Pass, and/or Triangle Pass. Hike to East Maroon Pass is a nice way to spend the morning and an afternoon chill by the lake (about 2 miles, +/-450 ft  RT to camp). More ambitious is an East Maroon Pass to Copper Pass Loop (about 6 miles, +/- 2000 ft RT to camp).  Hang out and fish.  Make sure you have a license as we have seen CPW officers there in the past.

Day 3. Return to trailhead (5 miles/-1800’).

Driving Directions: From Crested Butte, go north 6 miles on Gothic Road #317 to road #317.3A. Park two-wheel drive vehicles at the available parking near the intersection. Four-wheel drive vehicles can proceed up this road ½ mile to the Copper Creek Trailhead. 

General Requirements: A permit is required for entry into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. These are free and can be found at the trailhead register boxes. There are many creek crossings! Be prepared for cold, swift, and possibly deep water. Group size is limited to 10 persons. Fires are not allowed within ¼ mile of Copper Lake. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source, within ¼ mile of treeline or above treeline, or within ¼ mile of Copper Lake unless in a designated site.

Overall Route

   

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 10.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
  • 11,400 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Gunnison Ranger District (GMUG)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 128
  • Trails Illustrated 131
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