I'm leaving Chicago on the 18 of september got a great deal on air fare ($200 from ORD),so that should cover the bus schedule problem but I have to look into that more. Thanks for the tips.

Tomash wrote:I'm leaving Chicago on the 18 of september got a great deal on air fare ($200 from ORD),so that should cover the bus schedule problem but I have to look into that more. Thanks for the tips.

Ok just realized i'll be there after Labor Day so getting there via Bus its not a problem. But how do I get out?

Can I access the road after 5pm and have a very late start and camp around Crater Lake?

Tomash wrote:

Tomash wrote:I'm leaving Chicago on the 18 of september got a great deal on air fare ($200 from ORD),so that should cover the bus schedule problem but I have to look into that more. Thanks for the tips.

Ok just realized i'll be there after Labor Day so getting there via Bus its not a problem. But how do I get out?

Can I access the road after 5pm and have a very late start and camp around Crater Lake?

You should be able to get a bus from the airport to Aspen, then change busses to get up to Aspen Higlands along Maroon Creek Road. Last bus may be done by 5 so you may have to hitch hike the rest of the way up to Maroon Lake. There are many residences along the way so there will likely be some traffic from folks heading home from work in aspen. If you don't look like a serial killer you should easily get a ride. The hike from there is short to Crater so you should be able to make it before dark. You can see the bus schedule at www.rfta.com. Getting out may require a hitch hike from Maroon to Aspen Highlands but you should find a bus back to aspen/airport from there. You can get more help from the Aspen Ranger station. It would be wise to ask about over night temps and potential snowfall. Also, Ute Mountaineer was a great stop to get stove fuel that you can't bring on the plan. Oh, and remember to fill your water bottles in the afternoon or dinner time. The small streams can freeze/run dry over night and may not run again til mid-morning.

I'm flying to Denver, but I called the ranger station this morning and they said. I can acces the road after 5pm and the road is open to regular traffic on the weekdays after Labor Day. That solves my logistical issue. We arrive in the morning, that should give us enough time to get some TSA prohibited items at REI Denver or UTE in Aspen and have dinner before we get to the trailhead.

Crater Lake camping it is then.

just wanted to thank everyone for posting about this loop.. had never heard about it.. ran it yesterday and found it to be one of the most badass runs ever.. wow.. thanks again.

Hey Aspen ppl how's the weather up there I will be there in a week