Overview
Buckskin Benchmark rises just north of Buckskin Pass, one of the most scenic passes in the Maroon Bells area. Almost the whole way is on the Buckskin Pass Trail. From the pass, it is an easy 0.9 mile walk north on tundra and scree to the top.
It is Class 2 on crumbly red rock. The top has views of Pyramid Peak, the Maroon Bells, Snowmass Mountain and Capitol Peak.
The round trip is about 10 miles with 4,380 feet of gain when paired with UN 13,048 on the other side of the pass. Getting to Maroon Lake in summer takes a parking reservation or the shuttle bus.
Plan of the day
Catch the first shuttle, or be parked by 6 a.m. with a reservation.
Be at Buckskin Pass by 10:30 a.m.
Nothing hard; just the distance and altitude.
Easy. Trail to Buckskin Pass, then go around Point 12,733 on its west side and up the ridge.
Minnehaha Creek and small streams. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Maroon Lake
From the roundabout on Highway 82 just west of Aspen, take Maroon Creek Road (County Road 13) south toward Aspen Highlands and Maroon Lake. About 4.7 miles in is the entrance station, where you pay a fee.
In summer the road is limited: you need a parking reservation, often made months ahead, or you ride the shuttle bus from the Aspen Highlands lot. Check the White River National Forest website for this year's rules before you go. There is no camping at Maroon Lake. Silver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen campgrounds along the road are small, reservable and usually full.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Maroon Lake. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →