The descent from East Maroon Pass to Copper Lake cuts across the valley headwall with great views down the entire drainage
Pyramid Peak (14,018') tops the west valley wall of East Maroon Creek, along with at least five peaks over 13,500'
White Rock Mountain stands prominently over the east valley wall and east branch of Copper Creek
Rolling meadows extend from 2/3 of Copper Lake into the trail-less upper basin and down Copper Creek
Short sections of trail below Triangle Pass (Crested Butte side) can be narrow, heavily eroded and difficult to cross
Stratified sedimentary rock of the Permian age distinguishes colorful peaks of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness
The descent from East Maroon Pass provides good views of the lake's origin in a small basin tucked away just west of the pass
Triangle Pass offers great views of Castle Peak (14,265') and Conundrum Peak (14,022'), two of six fourteeners in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness
After a steep drop from Triangle Pass, travel moderates across rolling tundra meadows and thick willow mats down to Conundrum Hot Springs
Mild grades and terrain along the first six miles of the Conundrum Creek Trail are ideal for runners and cross country skiing
The white powder found on aspen tree bark has a modicum of UV protection and can be used as an emergency sunscreen
Glaciers and running water sculpt the land in different ways; streams tend to cut winding curves and V-shaped valleys, while glaciers carve nearly straight valleys with broader U-shapes
The Conundrum Creek Trail is distinguished by long stretches of broad, rolling meadows
Copper Lake's light blue-green hue makes spotting trout (which are abundant) quite easy from a distance
East Maroon Pass spans a small saddle below Precarious Peak (13,360')
Camping is only permitted in 8 designated campsites at Copper Lake, and fires are not permitted within 1/4 mile of the lake
The final approach to East Maroon Pass follows the old wagon road on a ramp-like path etched in the west valley wall to East Maroon Pass
Stratified sedimentary rock of the Permian age distinguishes colorful peaks of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness
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