Maroon Bells

Located 10 miles from Aspen up Maroon Creek Road, the Maroon Bells are not to be missed during a visit to Aspen and are sure to be a highlight of your trip. The most popular viewpoint is from the shores of Maroon Lake, a pristine alpine lake enveloped by fields of wildflowers. There are several ways to enjoy beyond this scenic area.

Reservations are required for shuttle and car access May - October.

From meadows of vibrant wildflowers to airy groves of Aspen trees to summit-based alpine tundra, the Maroon Bells promise a variety of natural habitats and a diverse, vivid representation of the wild Elk Mountain Range. With six scenic hiking trails, various camping sites, and biking paths, visitors can enjoy multiple ways to access Aspen’s natural marvels and endless mountain adventure any time of year.

Be sure to review these tips on trail etiquette.

Travel by shuttle bus, car, or bike to the Maroon Bells with ease using these tips.

The county typically closes the road on November 15th. Once the road is closed, visitors can walk, bike, cross-country ski, and snowmobile from T Lazy 7 Ranch. Maroon Lake is approximately 7 miles from T Lazy 7 Ranch.

To protect the resource and ensure a quality experience, reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. The area is accessible via Maroon Creek Road from May 15th to early November.

Trailhead Parking Reservations

Limited spaces are available at the Maroon Lake Trailhead. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is closed to inbound private vehicles from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM between May 23rd and October 19th. During this time, visitors with parking reservations must arrive either before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM. However, you can still depart the area during this time.

Trailhead Parking Reservations are ideal for those who need to start their adventure early before the shuttle bus begins at 7:00 AM, or those who wish to visit in the evening after 5:00 PM.

Starting October 20th, you may arrive at anytime during your parking reservation, there is no requirement to arrive before 8:00 AM.

Very limited spaces available.

Dates: May 15th – October 31st Per Vehicle: $10

Shuttle Reservations

Shuttle Reservations are the most common and convenient way to visit Maroon Bells. The shuttle bus departs from the Maroon Bells Welcome Center, located at Aspen Highlands Ski Area.

If you have a shuttle reservation, you do not need a Trailhead Parking Reservation. There is a paid parking garage at the Maroon Bells Welcome Center, where you can park to access the shuttle. No reservation is needed for this parking garage, you will pay to park on arrival.

Maroon Bells Welcome Center at Aspen Highlands Ski Area 75 Boomerang Rd, Aspen, CO 81601

Dates: May 23rd – October 19th

Adult: $16 Children: $10 (12 & Younger) Seniors: $10 (65+)

Backpacking

Approved bear food storage containers are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Advance reservation overnight permits are required if you plan to stay overnight in the the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness including: Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake, and the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). Permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. For more information, see here.

Overnight Permits for the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area are available on Recreation.gov.