Located just 10 miles west of Aspen or 16 from Snowmass in a glacial valley, the 14,000-foot bell-shaped peaks (fourteeners) truly capture the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Overnight parking is not very expensive. Most permits allow up to 4 people per group. We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Photos (6,791) Directions Print/PDF map Length 25.7 miElevation gain 7,752 ftRoute type Loop Try this 25.7-mile loop trail near Aspen, Colorado. The Maroon Bells operating season is done under cooperative agreement and partnership with Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Pitkin County, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, the City of Aspen, and Aspen Skiing Company. Maroon Creek Road is closed to cars and shuttles in cold-weather months, but you can cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile to the area. From Aspen, take Hwy. Overnight parking or camping is prohibited. Maroon Bells Information Line: (970) 945-3319. This 3.6-mile round-trip trail adds a bit more challenge, but rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of bushy Aspen woodlands and Crater Lake. Tons of wonderful food options throughout the different concourses. *From May 26th through October 22nd No arrivals between 8 AM and 5 PM. Aspen, CO 81611, Local Phone: 970.925.1940Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736Email: [emailprotected]. If you cannot find availability for your group size, and you have more than 15 people, please email, The Maroon Bells operating season is done under cooperative agreement and partnership with, Maroon Creek Road to Maroon Bells is Closed for the Winter Season. No matter the season, beauty abounds at the Maroon Bells, which is why its become a bucket list destination for so many. We recognize these Indigenous peoples as the original inhabitants of this land. United States. Parking & Trailhead 4. Special regulations apply, and overnight permits are required in some areas. and reservations. The overnight lots are located below the Day Use lot at Maroon Lake; camping is prohibited. Overnight Parking Permits. 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). Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Map This 3.2-mile one-way trail is an excellent place to spot wildlife such as mule deer, red fox, bighorn sheep, porcupines and a variety of birds. Aspen Chamber Resort Association The car pass gives you unrestricted access to your campsite and the Maroon . Conundrum Hot Springs Designated Campsites Garages Street Private. History and Geology Available for purchase online or at any of our. 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (60-Hours), 2-Nights. A: The drive from Denver to the shuttle pick up for Maroon Bells (Maroon Bells Basecamp) is 3.5 hours. Parking Lots & Garages Garage Doors & Openers Garage Cabinets & Organizers. Permit holder or alternate leader must be present. Trail Snapshot 2. If you have a camper, just try to snag a camp site at Silver Bell! Conundrum Hot Springs Zone reserveable campsites, When planning your trip, please keep the following in mind:, A few more items to agree to and consider when planning include:, Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station (970) 963-2266. Overnight parking or camping is prohibited. Avalanche hazards exist in the mountains. on official, secure websites. One-way downhill tickets will be required from the Maroon Bells Scenic Area to Aspen Highlands. Parking at Maroon Bells/hike from Aspen to Crested Butte by ians Wed Oct 11, 2017 3:01 am 0 Replies 3738 Views Last post by ians Wed Oct 11, 2017 3:01 am Maroon Bells by Kiefer Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:14 am 3 Replies 3046 Views Last post by Kenneth.alone No fee is required for children 16 years old and younger or for approved school. Check out time is 2:00 p.m. Dogs are at risk for being banned entirely so again, keep them leashed if you have them. ( The best time to hike in the Maroon Bells area is late July through September when the snow has melted and the temperatures are still optimal. In response to public feedback, the Utah Transit Authority is offering free extended parking as part of a one-year pilot program. Perfect for stretching your legs, this easy 1-mile round-trip trek starts at the parking area and follows the circumference of the lake, providing access to the area's most recognizable views as well as an active beaver pond. website belongs to an official government organization in the An official website of the Aspen Chamber Resort Association Overview Of Backpacking The Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop Length: 26.7 mile loop Elevation gain/loss: 7,500 feet The trail is very well marked so you don't need to worry too much about navigation. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76477994', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maroon Bells area, vehicle restrictions are in place on Maroon Creek Road from June 11 through October 2. For camping, backpacking & trail conditionquestions, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District at 970-963-2266. A long-awaited plan meant to curb the overuse of one of western Colorado's most beloved natural areas will soon be in effect. Supervisor's Office Reservations for shuttles and trailhead parking open months ahead of time, so book early to make sure you don't miss out. While the Maroon Bells are touted as the most photographed place in Colorado, pictures simply dont do the peaks justice. I was really impressed with how thorough they were with the work they did and their attention to detail. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. # of Hours to Drive from Denver to Aspen in March. The $6 reservation fee is non-refundable, Canceled permits will be available on permit website within 24 hours of cancellation. See section below for more. $10 lunch credit at Sundeck Restaurant* (top of Aspen Mountain), Ajax Tavern (base of Aspen Mountain), or Elk Camp Restaurant (top of Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass) for one time use, 20% off bike rentals at Four Mountain Sports for one time use (excluding downhill bikes and e-bikes)***. Parking Aspen Highlands (Parking Limited) 8 AM-5 PM $5 per vehicle Bus from Aspen to Highlands Castle/Maroon RFTA Bus Every 20 mins on the hour FREE Overnight Camping Catch the free RFTA shuttle from Ruby Park in downtown Aspen to Aspen Highlands. Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are requiredto visit Maroon Bells and associatedtrailheads by personal vehicle or shuttle. You can buy a parking pass for. Maroon Bells Reservations Visit Maroon Bells Overnight Parking Permits 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (60-Hours), 2-Night, Maroon Bells Overnight Parking Permits, May 15-26 & October 24-31 For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call 970-930-6442 or email info@visitmaroonbells.com . We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. For additional information, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District Monday-Friday 8am-4:30 pmat (970) 963-2266. To access the shuttle, catch the free RFTA shuttle from Rubey Park in downtown Aspen to Aspen Highlands for your ticketed connection to the scenic area. 900 Grand Ave. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?cid=stelprd3835792. We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. You can't get a camper to the West Maroon TH on the Crested Butte side. Pro tip: As you gain altitude, spontaneous thunderstorms and hail are common for mountain regions, especially in the afternoons. Day Visit Parking (12:00 AM- 4:30 PM)*From May 26th through October 22nd you must arrive before 8:00 AM, 24-Hour Parking (Midnight - Midnight)*From May 26th through October 22nd you must arrive before 8:00 AM, Overnight Parking2-Nights (6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 60 Hours)*From May 26th through October 22ndNo arrivals between 8 AM and 5 PM. For Maroon Bells shuttle & parking reservation questions, call970-930-6442 or email[emailprotected]. United States government. This parking spot is closed during the times you have selected. No, swimming is not permitted at Maroon lake. 590 N. Mill Street From Snowmass Base Village, the Elk Camp Gondola sweeps through the trees and ends amid Lost Forest and Snowmass Bike Park, where adventure awaits you. All three require advanced reservations, and none offer direct views of Maroon Bells from the campground. I read from photography guide book that people stay in their vehicle overnight in order to catch the first light hitting the mountain. If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone that you plan to camp. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions. If the views of this pristine valley look familiar, its likely because the Maroon Bells are the most photographed mountains in America and for good reason. Permits are required year-round, but the best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. Read that link carefully above and call them to confirm where you can park your trailer. Explore the Maroon Bells: What You Need to Know, Learn more about Maroon Bells reservations >>, Find more information on Maroon Bells reservations, permits and fees >>. For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call 970-930-6442 or email info@visitmaroonbells.com . Day Parking is available at the end of Maroon Creek road at Maroon Lake. If limited no-show tickets are available the day of, prices will be higher. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. Recreation.gov! 4. We are travelling in a small van camper. Official websites use .gov A .gov - The "Welcome to Aspen" arrival sign as seen in Dumb and Dumber Maroon Lake Trail 6. Silver Queen Campground(reserve now) - 5 campsites available, near Maroon Creek. The best way to see the Maroon Bells is to take the public bus operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA). Both of the these trails are heavily trafficked. For camping reservations visitrecreation.gov. Maroon Bells Scenic Area campgrounds have a five day total stay limit. The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip. There is a cross-country ski track along the road as well as a groomed snowmobile track. The permit allows the permit holder (and group) to camp in the Overnight Permit Zone they select within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Place to stay for Food & Wine Fest in summer 2013? All visitors are required to use the shuttle bus from 8am -5pm, June 11th through October 2nd. Maroon Bells Information Line: (970) 945-3319. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. This area provides outstanding recreational opportunities including downhill & cross-country skiing, hunting, hiking, camping, rafting, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and world class fly fishing in gold medal waters. The . They won't let you park overnight, but you can easily drive yourself in, as long as you're there before 8am. For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call 970-930-6442 or email [email protected]. There are three small campgrounds along Maroon Creek Road: Silver Bell Campground, Silver Queen Campground and Silver Bar Campground (primitive). on official, secure websites. One-way downhill only shuttle from Maroon Bells scenic area to Aspen Highlands Book Here Day Parking Reservations 12:00 AM Midnight - 4:30 PM Book Here Evening Parking Reservations 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM Midnight Book Here Midnight to Midnight Parking Reservations 24-Hour parking Book Here Overnight Parking Reservations Sort by: Distance Price Relevance. Does the Forest Service still "tolerate" this? A $10 per person, per night fee is required for the limited overnight permit areas from May 1 through October 31. Car camping and van camping are not permitted at the Day Use lot or the Overnight Parking lots at Maroon Bells, nor the Aspen Highlands Parking Garage. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. For an even more memorable route to experience the Maroon Bells, rent an e-bike from the Four Mountain Sports at the base of Aspen Highlands (or from Aspen for a longer ride), and cruise up Maroon Creek Road. Permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. Total overnight visitors accessing the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness via the 10 most popular trailheads reached a new record in 2020, with 18,324 entering the backcountry to camp, according to data collected by the Forest Service based on the trailhead registration forms that backpackers are required to fill out. This is a review for a parking business in Provo, UT: "Easy airport to get in and out of. Available at: Snowmass and Aspen Mountain only, Available at: Snowmass and Aspen Mountain ($31) or Buttermilk ($25). For a current list of UTA's free long-term and day use parking lots, click here . If permit holder or alternate are not present, permit is not valid, Group size may be changed up to the maximum allowable until the permit has been printed, Once permit has been printed, you cannot make changes to the permit, Permit can be printed up to 14 days prior to trip. Choose between private vehicle trailhead parking permits from May 15 through October 31,or RFTA shuttle reservations from May 26 through October 22, 2023. For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call970-930-6442 or email[emailprotected]. We also use analytics & advertising services. Hiking the Trail 5. Maroon Lake, where Maroon Creek Road ends, is situated at an elevation of 9,580 feet. Get a feel for where things are with our destination overview. CLOSED NOW. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Crater Lake Trail As a visitor to the area, its up to you to help protect this amazing place, and we know that you will! Map Information, White River Contact for current Maroon Bells information. Sign up for exclusive offers, new and updates, events, and more in your inbox. Never been to Aspen Snowmass or the Roaring Fork Valley? Our Sightseeing Package offers 3 days of gondola access as well as several perks to make the most of your trip to the high country. Or, park your car at the Aspen Highlands parking garage for $6 per hour. Share sensitive information only (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=82346. Reservations; Provo. Campsites must be occupied. To opt-out click for more information. We also use analytics & advertising services. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. ) or https:// means you've safely 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM Midnight, Maroon Bells Evening Parking Permits, May 15-26 & October 24-31. !0% DISCOUNT FOR Colorado Mountain Express (www.cmex.com). If you want to catch the first light, you'll obviously be in long before 8am and should have no problem gaining access. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a major access point for Wilderness travel. Permits and overnight fees are required for several areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. During this time, you can purchase a single-ride sightseeing ticket for the Summit Express Lift at Buttermilk. 590 N. Mill Street For camping, backpacking & trail . Maroon Lake Scenic Trail Aspen, CO 81611, Local Phone: 970.925.1940Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736Email: [emailprotected], Parking at Ticket Office / Shuttle Pick Up Area, Transportation beyond regular shuttle hours, Round-trip shuttle transportation from Aspen Highlands to Maroon Bells scenic area, One-way downhill only shuttle from Maroon Bells scenic area to Aspen Highlands, Midnight to Midnight Parking Reservations, Large groups may need to make two reservations and split your party between two shuttle times. Anchored by a stunning reflective lake, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak tower over the area, creating an oasis of natural wonder that captivates visitors of this unique destination year-round. Re: Overnight parking at West Maroon Bells on CB side. Sign up for exclusive offers, new and updates, events, and more in your inbox. (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=81118. Aspen Chamber Resort Association Parking is available, but limited, from the center. Weencourage youto purchase reservations in advance. - A bad day in Aspen, Colorado. Filter. Information regarding visiting Maroon Bells by shuttle2022 (.pdf ) (2023 update pending). The last outgoing shuttle departs at 3 p.m. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Do not book Maroon Bells trailhead parking for this lot. On weekdays, it's $10 for 0-3 hours, $15 for 3-8 hours and $25 for 8+ hours. - Green ski runs on Aspen Mountain Long term parking is always available. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Maroon Bells Camping 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. Reminder: This is a wilderness area. This classic 26.6-mile backpacking circuit around the spectacular Maroon Bells climbs over four 12,000-ft. passes (West Maroon - 12,500 ft.; Frigid Air - 12,415 ft.; Trail Rider - 12,420 ft.; Buckskin - 12,500 ft.) and travels through some of the finest scenery in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Things to Do Nearby 14. New reservation is subject to availability. Maroon Bells reservations are released on a rolling basis: March 1, 2023 - Reservations for May & June available, April 1, 2023 - Reservations for July & August available, May 1, 2023 - Reservations for September & October available. Snow makes route finding difficult. Hiking to the Maroon Bells provides immersive access to breathtaking scenes in one of Colorados natural wonders. For camping, backpacking & trail condition questions, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District at 970-963-2266. Share sensitive information only If you're visiting Maroon Bells, you may also enjoy sightseeing on Snowmass and Aspen Mountain. See Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness for detailed information. With hikes for every skill level, anyone can experience the splendor of the area, but no matter the ease of the hike that you have planned, you should always come prepared. From the heart of downtown Aspen, the Silver Queen Gondola delivers guests to the peak at 11,200 feet, where endless vistas and flower-laden hiking trails await. Planning to photo sunrise at the beautiful (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. For an even more memorable route to experience the Maroon Bells. Also, bear canisters REQUIRED. 900 Grand Ave. Night Tours from $40.00 per adult Highlights of Aspen Tour 5 Walking Tours from $40.00 per adult Extreme Sledding in Breckenridge: High Speed Excitement 63 Recommended from $34.00 per adult Scenic Canyon Half-Day Float 106 Recommended Adventure Tours from $72.00 per adult Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour 8 Walking Tours from $40.00 per adult Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. We also use analytics & advertising services. At the top of the world, its easier to find your center. A: Maroon Creek Road typically opens in mid-May, but this opening date is contingent on weather. Approved bear food storage containers are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. There are a limited number of parking spaces available so you may need to reserve a bus ticket. It looks like we gave you bad directions this page does not exist. Maroon Creek Road will reopen in May 2023. Daily: June 21 Sept. 6, 2021 | Weekends: Sep 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, Oct 1-3. Let's start over. To opt-out click for more information. Personal vehicles are allowed from that date until the Maroon Bells Shuttle begins operating on early June, however, reservations are now required due to minimal parking at the lake. In the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. This Wilderness is located inColorado within the Elk Mountains and spans the White River and Gunnison National Forests. The maximum number of people allowed at the amphitheater . Crater Lake Zone Designated Campsites To opt-out click for more information. The Maroon Bells bus departs from the Aspen Highlands Visitor Center. TheAspen Chamber Resort AssociationandSnowmass Tourismalso have great info on getting there and back. Permits must be purchased in advance at, rent an e-bike from the Four Mountain Sports, Aspen Resort Chamber Association's website. For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call 970-930-6442 or email [email protected]. For Out-of-State Hikers 13. This includes overnight parking for those backpacking into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. National Forest For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call970-930-6442 or email[emailprotected]. In all other zones, the permit holder and group should select a campsite within the zone that is already established, and is 70 big steps away from trails and water. Aspen Expeditions , Ute Mountaineer , or Four-Mountain Sports have canisters available for rent or purchase. This is on the forestry website regarding overnight parking and access: Due to high and increasing use, and to minimize our impacts on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If youre not prepared to travel and camp in snow, plan your trip for summer., Were excited that you want to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and thank you in advance for being a good steward. Thanks for any info. Conundrum Hot Springs Zone reserveable campsites, Permit is non-transferable. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Map, Conundrum Hot Springs Designated Campsites, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, Caving & Spelunking: Registration Required, No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions. Learn how to visit this iconic landmark and see what makes it a fixture of the states breathtaking scenery. Campers also need parking reservations if they plan to visit Maroon Lake. Everyone is extremely helpful. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76462115', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maroon Bells in early September. 590 N. Mill Street Contactfor current Maroon Bells information. Capitol Lake Zone Designated Campsites Good for one ride on either the Elk Camp Gondola and Chair, Silver Queen Gondola or Summit Express. The wilderness area is approximately 10 miles from downtown Aspen, 8 miles from the Aspen Highlands Visitor Center, and 5 miles from the Forest Service gate on Maroon Creek Road. connected to the .gov website. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m . Beginning July 1, UTA passengers can park their cars free of charge for an unlimited amount of . The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. A free bus also runs from Aspen to Aspen Highlands, labeled the Castle/Maroon bus. Fall colors make it an especially dreamy time to visit, when the Maroon Bells are cradled by cloud-speckled blue skies and golden aspen groves. Maroon Bells can only be accessed by public bus ($16/adult; $10/senior over 65 + children under 12). ( If youre coming from Glenwood Springs, take Hwy. Now 2 hours. Fishing is allowed at Maroon Lake and along Maroon Creek, but as with all public water in Colorado, a state-issued fishing license is required. Get answers to your questions about Aspen. For more information, see here. Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. The Crater Lake Trail 9. Silver Bell Campground(reserve now) - 14 sites available on the banks of Maroon Creek. 2. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area features several hiking trails ranging from short hikes near Maroon Lake to longer overnight backpacking tripsinto the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness. When buses are not in operation, all vehicles may access the Maroon Bells for a $10 fee or via one of the national recreation passes. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Late June and early July will offer beautiful wildflowers in the high country, while September boasts some of the best fall foliage in the country. T-Lazy-7 Ranch offers snowmobile tours to the lake, weather permitting. If you plan to start your trip at the Maroon Scenic Area, you will need to reserve a parking or bus reservation. It leaves every 20 minutes on the hour. Choose between a shuttle reservation or a parking reservation. All visitors are required to take the shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands between early June and late October between the hours of 8am and 5pm.