PT 13,631

From the parking area hike to Maroon Lake, at the end of the lake follow the Crater Lake trail, stay on the west side of the lake.  About 4 miles from the trailhead, at 10515’ leave the trail and cross Maroon Creek. There are cairns in the area. An obvious trail picks up on the other side.  Follow this trail for .25 miles, noting a cairn on the left from this point follow a very faint trail east through willows, towards the Len Shoemaker Basin. Making it to the basin required ascending a series of gullies, with the occasional grassy slope in between..  The route may be cairn'd.  The final gully, class 2, will lead to the upper basin where the saddle of Lightning Pyramid and PT 13631 is visible. There are a bunch of game trails in the area. Turn right at the saddle and head southwest up the ridge. Most of this was easy scrambling, after gaining the ridge. One route to the summit involves an easy class 3 chimney about 8 ft high. The route is reversed for the descent.  A permit is necessary to park or camp in the Maroon Bells. 

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling, Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 14.93 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,584 ft
• High Point: 13,631 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Aspen Ranger District (WRNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Maroon Bells Scenic Area
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 10
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 10