TR: Copper Lake Hike

(Last Updated On: July 10, 2017)

Copper Lake is another scenic and popular Crested Butte hike, and another hike in which my visiting parents and family friends joined me in early August. Eddy (borrowed dog) also came along, providing us with some ample entertainment for the entire day.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

The Copper Lake trail begins just outside of the town of Gothic and first passes by the popular Judd Falls area, with great views of Gothic Mountain along the way.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

After passing by Judd Falls, the trail continues on an old road, opening up into the scenic Copper Creek valley
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

The first stream crossing over the Copper Creek- now easy, but often treacherous in the spring.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Beautiful peaks rise high above the valley.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

The second stream crossing, about 3 miles into the hike.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

After the second stream crossing, the trail steepens and becomes narrower. But, it is still well-marked!
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Finally, about 5 miles from the trail head, we arrived to Copper Lake. My dad admiring the view.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

If you look closely, you can see a trail crossing through the talus. This trail heads up a mile further to the top of East Maroon pass, and continues down into Aspen.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

We contemplated heading toward the pass, but we could see the clouds swirling and stacking around us signaling storms in the near future. So, we opted to continue back down.

A view of Cassi, one of the more prominent peaks in the area.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Eventually, the thunder and rain did surround us. But, we were not far from the trail head.
Hike to Copper Lake by East Maroon Pass, near Crested Butte

Thanks to my folks and friends (and Eddy too!) for another fantastic hike in our lovely Elk Mountains!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Summary
Copper Lake Hike
Article Name
Copper Lake Hike
Description
Part way between Aspen and Crested Butte, beneath the slopes of East Maroon Pass, lies Copper Lake. Here's what it's like to hike to it!
Author

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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