These are the 2023 logistics. There may be small updates for the 2024 logistics.
These logistics are for your vehicle to be picked up in Aspen and dropped off near the Town of Crested Butte at locations you have given us. If we agree to pick up or drop off your vehicle from locations outside these town boundaries there may be additional fees.
In summary, this is a simple process. We pick up and drive your vehicle from point to point while you are typically hiking or biking between two locations. In some cases, we can have your vehicle waiting for you at your destination before you arrive. There are several things we need to dial in so that this process is smooth. Please take your time to read through and complete the information below.
For the West Maroon and East Maroon hikes, we can pick up your vehicle from downtown Aspen at your hotel for example, or at the Aspen Highlands Parking lot. Please note, the Aspen Highlands Parking lot will include a parking fee that ranges between $20 and $40.
To get to the Maroon Bells Trailhead you will have 3 options:
- Have someone other than a taxi drop you off before 8am, some commercial services such as a taxi are not allowed through the Forest Service gate.
- Or ride the RFTA Bus from Aspen Highlands to the Maroon Bells, You can make a bus reservation here. Those bus tickets are in high demand and I would purchase them as early as you can.
- Hire Blazing Adventures to drive you up early. You will have to contact them for their specifics and pricing.
When you park your vehicle, you will either need to leave the keys on the vehicle or mail us a spare key ahead of time. We are based in Crested Butte and the timing doesn’t allow us to meet you in person.
- Most people leave the keys in the gas cover, or on a ledge in the wheel well for example. Some folks just leave them inside in a cup holder. We can help you if you need additional ideas.
- Or if you have a spare key and enough time, then you are welcome to mail us the key too.
- If we are picking up your vehicle from a hotel, you could also leave the keys at the front desk. You simply need to communicate with us ahead of time what your plan is. We are based in Crested Butte, so our timing doesn’t allow us to meet you in person.
At this point, you are ready to start your hike or bike!
After you have started your hike or bike to Crested Butte, your driver will pick up your vehicle from the location you gave, and drive it to Crested Butte. Your vehicle arrives in Crested Butte between about 2pm and 5pm. Once we get your reservation we can give you a more specific drop-off time if you like. Typically we drop your vehicle off at your hotel or where ever you are staying in Crested Butte. If you are not spending the night we can recommend a location to park your vehicle in Crested Butte.
Getting to the town of CB from the trailhead:
The Aspen to Crested Butte hike over either West Maroon Pass or East Maroon Pass doesn’t finish in Crested Butte, and you will need to reserve a ride into town from those respective trailheads. Those trailheads are around 45min outside of the town of Crested Butte up a slow and narrow backcountry road. We can’t initially help you out here, and you are supposed to try and get a reservation with either Dolly Mountain Shuttle or Alpine Express. (Alpine Express has been unreliable and they are not recommended). They both offer a high-demand service that books up early, so you must make these reservations as soon as possible. If you are unable to get a reservation with these companies, then simply contact us and we’ll help work out the next steps for you.
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