We decided to take an afternoon drive to visit Maroon Bells while staying in Aspen. Upon your arrival at the Maroon Bells Visitors Center* you’ll be greeted by incredible views of North and South Maroon (collectively, the Maroon Bells). For more info click here. This fall I did the Scenic Trail and wow - I've been missing out! Starting June 14, Maroon Creek Road restrictions will start and visitors will be directed to RFTA bus service. No fee is required to backpack in the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness or hike the Four Pass Loop, which most people start from the Maroon Lake. The trees and mountain views were lovely. 82 south toward Aspen until you reach the roundabout (about 40 miles). During the summer season, access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is restricted during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Maroon Lake Trailhead Approach the Maroon Bells from the Maroon Lake TH (9,590-ft.) From Aspen, locate a round-about a half mile north on Hwy 82 and drive west on Maroon Lake Road for 9.4 miles to the parking area. Access to the Maroon Creek Trail is available nearby as well as excellent trout fishing in Maroon Creek. The trail leads hikers through gorgeous wildflower valleys. The trail’s segments are labeled different names on maps and trailheads such as: Maroon Lake Trail, Falls Loop … 82 to the roundabout on the west edge of town, choose the exit for Maroon Creek Road and keep going about 4.7 miles until you reach a welcome station. There is no fee charged for the registration and no limit to the number of permits issued. Get more information about Maroon Bells and the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District. Start at the Deadly Bells Kiosk from Maroon Lake Trail and be prepared for a steep and rocky ascent, cooler temperatures and spontaneous thunderstorms. We got up to Aspen the afternoon before, realized camping in the park is reserved, bought our parking permit, then drove … Maroon Creek Road to Maroon Bells is closed for the winter season Anyway, be watching for a sign on your right that says: Crater Lake. As you follow the trail around Maroon Lake, it ascends roughly 1.5 miles up to Crater Lake. Hike approximately 1.75 miles to reach another signed trail junction . Nestled on the banks of Maroon Creek at 8,460 feet, Silver Bell Campground has 14 tent sites and boasts gorgeous panoramas of aspen groves, wildflower meadows and towering spruce and fir forests in the White River National Forest. Ruidoso, NM 88345 With excellent trail options to suit novice and advanced hikers alike, the Maroon Bells mountain range and surrounding area is a veritable playground for anyone with a love for the outdoors. Turn left and continue on the West Maroon Creek trail to Crater Lake where you can see The Bells and West Maroon Creek to the southwest - 2. We were surprised to find the lake smaller than we expected. When the snow melts in Colorado, the beauty that lies beneath is brilliantly exposed. No trip to Aspen would be complete without visiting the Maroon Bells. 575-257-4095, Sacramento District Maroon Bells Hike. … This is a 17 mile dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness with trailheads near both Aspen and Snowmass Village, CO. This trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Valley. … Known as "the most photographed peaks in North America", the iconic image of the Maroon Bells will stick with you forever. We even saw him on the trail! 99 Gorgeous Places in Colorado: The Postcard Places, 9 Awesome Places to Take Colorado Photos, ‹ Explore Colorado’s Incredible Wilderness Areas, Fall Festivals & Fall Drives: Perfect Colorado Pair ›. To access the trailhead at Maroon Lake, you must enter the Maroon Bells Scenic Area before 8am or after 5pm to access with a vehicle, which a $10 entrance fee is required. Directions to Trailhead. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the mountains received their distinctive maroon coloring from the weathering of hematite, an iron-bearing mineral, while Maroon Lake occupies a basin that was sculpted by Ice-Age glaciers. This is also a popular trail for horseback riding. Autumn is an especially dreamy time to visit, when the Maroon Bells are cradled by cloud-speckled blue skies and golden-hued aspen groves. The Summit Trail starts at the top of the Elk Camp gondola. The Maroon Bells Scenic Trail #2197, also called the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, is an easy hiking trail. It features the Elk Mountains, Conundrum Hot Springs, Maroon Lake, and many other popular outdoor destinations. Located just 10 miles west of Aspen or 16 from Snowmass up Maroon Creek Road off Hwy. Be sure to hang the permit from your backpack while hiking. This is a good day hike with several bus stops for getting a ride along the way. For bus information, call RFTA at 970-925-8484. If you’re coming from Glenwood Springs, take Hwy. The Wilderness area surrounds the extremely popular Maroon Bells Scenic Area, which is a major access point for Wilderness travel. Map Information, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, 9,580 feet (2920 m) - 8,709 feet (2655 m), https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=40519&ttype=recarea&pname=Maroon%20Creek%20Trail%20. about Volunteer Tourism in Colorado: Trail Repair Organizations, about Hiking in Alamosa: 11 Locals’ Favorite Trails, about Soak Up History & Natural Beauty in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Here you’ll find 11 first-come-first-serve campsites that make a great base camp for those looking to tackle North Maroon Peak. The best way to see the Maroon Bells is to take the public bus operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and visit mid-week when there are fewer crowds. Join us while we hike through the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. email us, Smokey Bear District The fare will be $15.95 for all reservations. While the Maroon Bells are touted as the most photographed place in Colorado, pictures simply don’t do the peaks justice. Maroon Creek Road is open to vehicles before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. for a $10.00 fee* - Visitors wanting to visit the Bells during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. will need to take the Bus from Aspen Highlands (few exceptions apply**). You'll have plenty of human company in Colorado's fourth largest Wilderness. From the top of this hike, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views the highlight of which looking down the valley at the Maroon Bells. Shortly after the pass there is a large parking lot and the trailhead is on the right side. Volunteer Tourism in Colorado: Trail Repair Organizations, Hiking in Alamosa: 11 Locals’ Favorite Trails, Soak Up History & Natural Beauty in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. The easiest hike is more o… Dogs are welcome on the trails (and are allowed on the RFTA bus from the Aspen Highlands to the to the Marroon Bells), but they must be kept on a leash. There are good views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. As you follow the trail around Maroon Lake the trail ascends roughly up 1.5 miles up to Crater Lake. Maroon Bells Shuttles gets two thumbs up from us! Map (continue past the marker on the map on rte 317 toward the trailhead/parking lot) Maroon Bells hike A reflective lake and two giant snow-striped mountaintops, named Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, anchor a blissful panorama exemplified by a symphony of color that changes with the seasons. Trailheads in & around the Maroon Bells Maroon Lake Scenic Trail - The trail follows the lake to the far side and meanders along the creek flowing into the lake. Totally worth doing, even if you've already gone up and back from Crater Lake. Read more, This small town began as a work camp for the Chicago and Rock Island rail line in 1888.Read more, Colorado’s mountain towns are known worldwide as an incredible wintertime paradise for skiers and snowboarders, but in summer, the same high-...Read more, Voluntourism or volunteer tourism is a growing vacation trend nationwide, and Colorado voluntourism opportunities in particular have a distinct...Read more, Positioned at the heart of southern Colorado’s expansive San Luis Valley and ringed by the majestic Sangre de Cristo Range’s 13,000- and 14,000-...Read more, Built on tradition and sheer grit, Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area continues to flourish centuries after its first founders settled the...Read more. The view is incredible though and it’s easy to see why people flock there for a photo opportunity. Otherwise, shuttle buses run for all visitors arriving between 8am-5pm. Overview. If the day is clear, and the wind is calm, you should be able to see a reflection of the Maroon Bells in Maroon Lake. From mid-May to mid-November, access via Maroon Creek Road is open but restricted between the hours of 8am and 5pm, and is also weather dependent. The views of the Maroon Creek Valley and the Maroon Bells … Each party overnighting in the MaroonBells-Snowmass Wilderness is required to self-register at the trailhead and to carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. For this trip, you’ll keep hiking past these campsites, up towards West Maroon Pass. Crater Lake TrailThis 3.6-mile round-trip trail rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of bushy Aspen woodlands and Crater Lake. Maroon Creek Road is open to vehicles before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. for a $10.00 fee* - Visitors wanting to visit the Bells during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. will need to take the Bus from Aspen Highlands (few exceptions apply**). 901 Mechem Dr. More Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is a 1.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Snowmass Village, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. 3463 Las Palomas Whether you’re planning your first or fiftieth Maroon Bells hike, five hiking trails stand out as some of the area’s very best. We recommend doing this hike … The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. 82 in a glacial valley, the 14,000-foot peaks (fourteeners) truly epitomize the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. This trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Valley. 99 Gorgeous Places in Colorado: The Postcard PlacesHidden Colorado Gem: Island LakeHiking to Hanging Lake ColoradoColorado Mountains: 6 Famous Peaks9 Awesome Places to Take Colorado Photos, Photo credits: Heather Rousseau/Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Matt Inden/Miles, Matt Inden/Miles, Jeremy Swanson/Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Summertime means hiking time. ** Exceptions to the motorized vehicle restriction * Vehicles with people with disabilities or with a valid Handicap placard or license plate * Vehicles with 11 people or more * Vehicles with infants that require a restraining child seat (not a booster seat) * Campers at Silver Bar, Silver Bell & Silver Queen Campgrounds * Holders with Special Use Permits issued by the Forest Service * Overnight Backpackers * Horse trailers. This is a great place for pictures and picnics. A reflective lake and two giant snow-striped mountaintops, named Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, anchor a blissful panorama exemplified by a symphony of color that changes with the seasons. SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north 14 miles over Schofield Pass. It is located in the remote Maroon Bells – Snowmass wilderness of the White River National Forest. You may park your vehicle at Aspen Highlands Village Parking Lot and travel via RFTA bus up the Maroon Valley. This is a 1.5 mile roundtrip dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, CO. Evan and Maroon Bells Shuttles made our hike from Crested Butte to Aspen flawless. This is a good day hike with several bus stops for getting a ride along the way. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. I've been to Maroon Bells two previous times and only ever did the Crater Lake Trail. While not part of the platform groomed by Pitkin County and the City of Aspen, Maroon Creek road offers a beautiful nordic skiing experience. The Official Site of Colorado Tourism © 2020 Colorado Tourism Office. Such a simple little trail with such beautiful views and access to the lovely river/creek. Experience the beauty of Colorado with a day trek from Crested Butte to Aspen. Mornings are usually the best time for this. General Trail Information: Maroon Bells Traverse Video Hike Review: Maroon Bells Traverse Maroon Bells Traverse Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 Stars) Distance: 12 Miles RT (From Maroon Lake) – Distance is approximate Elevation Start: 9,400 ft Highest Point: 14,163 – Maroon Peak, 14,014 North Maroon Peak Total Elevation … T-Lazy-7 Ranch offers a snowmobile tour of the snow-dusted Maroon Bells, which includes the opportunity to cruise miles of groomed trails amid wintery meadows and dense aspen groves. There are good views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. 575-434-7200 We found the park to be quaint. Don't let the crowds deter or the fact that you have to take a bus from Aspen Highlands Village mid-June through Labor Day (and on the weekends throughout September) you, the views and photo opportunities are beyond worth the effort. This area exemplifies Rocky Mountain splendor with over 175 miles of trail … From Aspen, take Hwy. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964. Follow the Maroon Bells Rd. Here you’ll find 11 first-come-first-serve campsites that make a great base camp for those looking to tackle North Maroon Peak. He met us at the trailhead, then drove our vehicle to Aspen so it would be there for us and he hiked back. The Maroon Bells Trailhead–officially titled the Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead–has limited parking and no facilities, except for restrooms. 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