Maroon Bells, Aspen CO — Hike to Crater Lake: Close to Aspen, CO, the jagged 14,000ft (4270 m) peaks of the Maroon Bells are fine examples of the majestic Rocky Mountains. From Maroon Lake, the hike to Crater Lake at 10,000 ft. climbs a steep and rocky trail of moderate difficulty, through aspen groves and over rockslides. While morning mountain weather can be dry and sunny, thundershowers often race through in the mid-afternoon.