
1. West Maroon Creek Trail, CO
Connecting Aspen and Crested Butte, this rewarding trek is best in July, when wildflowers are at their peak. Abundant larkspurs, violets, blue columbines and white thimbleberries spray color along the 10-mile route, which also has some of the most dramatic views in the Rockies. It starts with a bang at the trailhead: Maroon Lake reflecting the twin peaks of the Maroon Bells, one of the state’s most photographed sites. From there the trail winds through a glacial valley and aspen groves in the White River National Forest, then climbs 3,000ft over Maroon Pass before making an equally stunning descent.
Time: One day
Level: Easy to Moderate