Start at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel north along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. Check the Maroon Bells Hotline for up-to-date road conditions. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs through the Aspens to the lake. We have one extra shuttle pass for today 10/15 at 2:40pm. Please text 985 788 9941. Frequently asked trail questions about Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 42 min to complete. Dogs are permitted in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, but must be on a leash at all times. The rock breaks and fractures easily making footing unstable and rockslides commonplace. An official website of the This includes overnight parking for those backpacking into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. For the best experience possible, be sure to bring proper shoes, sunscreen and drinking water. Combat altitude sickness by avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of water, including complex carbs in your diet, and add hiking altitude slowly each day. 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. AllTrails has 73 great trails for hiking, birding, and backpacking and more. Featuring two of the most photographed peaks in the Elk Mountains, Maroon Bells in Colorado is an iconic hiking area near Aspen. Looking for any kind of reservations, morning or evening. Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass, Crater Lake and Maroon Creek to East Fork, Maroon Bells Lost Creek, Capitol Peak, Snowmass Mountain Loop. ( FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The access road is closed during the winter, but you can still experience the Maroon Bells in all their snowy winter glory with a snowmobile tour: T-Lazy-7 Ranchs Snowmobile Tour. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 8 min to complete. Official websites use .gov A .gov FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Pro tip: As you gain altitude, spontaneous thunderstorms and hail are common for mountain regions, especially in the afternoons. Hiking the iconic Maroon Bells area, whether you are a beginner or expert trailblazer, is an experience that will stay in your memory banks forever. It offers 14 sites on the banks of beautiful Maroon Creek. The Four Pass Loop is a difficult, 28-mile loop trail located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area in Central Colorado. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 16,835 AllTrails community reviews. The 3.8-mile trail will challenge you with distance, but the hike is pleasant and scenic with only a slight elevation change of under 700 feet. Maroon Bells shuttle and parking reservations. Map showing recreational areas. Even saw a family of deer grazing. Plan ahead to start and finish your hike early, always check the weather report before heading out and come prepared with a rain jacket. Want to report conditions for this trail? (231)414-7597. Share sensitive information only Make sure to plan ahead and know before you go! ) or https:// means you've safely An official website of the Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0C on Mon afternoon, min -7C on Tue night). There is a cross-country ski track along the road as well as a groomed snowmobile track. The well below average snowpack for our area is melting quick this year, and now the, Its only been a few days since our last trip over West Maroon Pass, and the, Just like that, the switch got flipped. These permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. Ill post more details and things tomorrow, but lots of folks are eager, Over the past few days I was up on Mt Baldy and Avery with some views, Just a quick update here. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, CPW: hunting and fishing, OHV and boat permits, No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions. Special regulations apply, and overnight permits are required in some areas. Risky and unpredictable, climbing should be left to the fearless and sure-footed. Now, hiking trails provide access to plenty of these photo-worthy scenes in the White River National Forest, including hypnotizing fields of wildflowers and anglers seeking catches in tranquil Maroon Lake. The trail traverses four mountain passes over 12,000 feet and can be hiked in 3-5 days. It is impossible to take a bad picture surrounded by such gloriousness. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Below the shale rock are large pink crystals called phenocrysts. Drop down into the expansive alpine basin of the East Fork staying right at the signed junction, before climbing again to the top of Frigid Air Pass (12,400 ft.). Reservations are available from www.aspenchamber.org. Unlike any other hike, Mother Nature provides her Maroon Bells visitor with awe-inspiring scenery and sets a perfect stage for gorgeous photos. Share sensitive information only Wind will be generally light. Maroon Bells. connected to the .gov website. This 27.1-mile, difficult-rated backpacking trail is best saved for very experienced hikers. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Silver Queen Campground(reserve now) - 5 campsites available, near Maroon Creek. Aspens 14ers represent some of the best mountaineering in Colorado. Information regarding visiting Maroon Bells by shuttle. We here at MBS have been out having fun, June 10, 2020 Update: Here we go folks, we are fast approaching our 2020 summer season, West Maroon Pass is busy hikers again, snow continues to melt, flowers continue to grow, and, Conditions on West Maroon Pass have greatly improved since our last post. Maroon Creek Road is open to bicycles and e-bikes. Reservations are required, and there is a five-day stay limit. Tag us in your hiking adventureson social@AspenCofor a chance to be reposted on our page and website! 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. Nicknamed the Deadly Bells by climbers, they rank as some of the most dangerous 14ers in the state. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Hi all, looking for a midnight to midnight or day pass for a car or shuttle, for 10/7 - 10/8 or 10/8 - 10/9 Day 2 Cross the creek early before climbing to the top of W. Maroon Pass (12,500 ft.). Looking for 2 morning passes for Saturday 10/15 if anyone is selling! . Where is the best place to hike in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness? The stunning Elk Range towers with dramatic peaks. Fishing is permitted in all streams and lakes within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness subject to the regulations of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Day 4: Unnamed Lake - Trail Rider Pass - Snowmass Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trail (following Snowmass Creek) - Trailhead. United States government. Please contact 6692940313, if you are willing sell. While Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicles from late fall until late spring, you can still crosscountry ski, snow bike, snowshoe, hike, or take a snowmobile the 12.4 miles round-trip to access the bells. Sign up for exclusive offers, new and updates, events, and more in your inbox. Supervisor's Office Those camping in developed sites in the Maroon Valley must purchase a 5 day vehicle pass ($5 for camping) to drive to their designated campground at the Welcome Station across from the Silver Bar Campground. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. My girlfriend and I have a shuttle pass for tomorow October 13th! 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 Zone Map, Conundrum Hot Springs Designated Campsites, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, CPW: hunting and fishing, OHV and boat permits, No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness? If you take the bus to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station, the trailhead is easily accessed from the parking lot. Maroon Lake, where Maroon Creek Road ends, is situated at an elevation of 9,580 feet. Please please please reach out at 9198862341 if you can help, Looks for a permit anytime this weekend. Please call (970) 945-3319 or visit the Forest Service link below for more information: No conditions reported in the past 7 days. More than 300 million years of geologic activity, including sedimentation, uplift and erosion by wind, water and ice, are credited to the creation of Maroon Valley. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. I was taking a photo yesterday and All the people present began to applaud and it turned out that there was a young man asking his beloved to marry him and since I had my back turned I asked him to please do it again and he gave me the pleasure of going back to his knee and asking for marriage again God bless their union and thanks for doing it again for my to witness everything was perfect. Aspen Highlands Snow & Trail Report. This trail takes you out past Maroon Lake, through the natural landscape, and out to Crater Lake. Campers also need parking reservations if they plan to visit Maroon Lake. 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. Spectacular mountain vistas that seem to change color as the sun angle shifts, vast fields of wildflowers dancing in the gentle breeze, aspen trees standing straight and tall, and crystal clear mountain lakes that mirror their surroundings; Colorados Maroon Bells are a must-visit if you are in Aspen. A popular way to hike this trail is from Aspen to Crested Butte (this can also be done on the Eastern Maroon trail). See Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness for detailed information. Renowned for its acclaimed skiing and celebrity sightings, Aspen is home to the most iconic 14,000 footers (14ers) in Colorado, the Maroon Bells. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 * NOTE: not all weather observatories update at the same frequency which is the reason why some locations may show data from stations that are further away than known closer ones. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Silver Bar Campground(reserve now) - 4 sites available at this small primitive campground. During the summer season, access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is restricted to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Maroon Bells Weddings All bike riders are expected to adhere to proper bicycling etiquette, including riding single file on the right side of the road (in the direction of traffic) and wearing helmets. Explore one of 3 easy hiking trails in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness that are great for the whole family. TheElk Range Mountain Safety Coalition is- A coalition of partners - including Aspen Alpine Guides, Aspen Expeditions Worldwide, Mountain Rescue Aspen, USFS - Sopris, and the Pitkin County Sheriff - whose primary goal is to provide mountain safety education to outdoor enthusiasts, climbers, mountaineers, and the general climbing community through a cohesive educational outreach program that has a common curriculum by way of presentations and clinics featuring best practices for what it takes to have a safe and successful climb in the Elk Range and beyond. To learnmore, follow their Facebook page for updates on upcoming events in and around Aspen. (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40555. Maroon Creek Trail Start at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel north along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. When the sun moves across the Colorado sky, the Maroon Bells go from soft gray to shades of red, pink, and purple. Silver Bell Campground(reserve now) - 14 sites available on the banks of Maroon Creek. Winds increasing (light winds from the S on Thu morning, strong winds from the WSW by Fri afternoon). Share sensitive information only United States. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Please note that Bear Canisters are required while backpacking in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000 ft, past clear alpine lakes and among the rugged Elk Range peaks. Capitol Lake Zone Designated Campsites 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. Ranging from highly technical, knife-edge summits to tame, switch-back ascents, seven of the states 14ers are located in the Elk Mountain Range bordering Aspen, Hiring a professional guide is a great way to quickly and safely gain new skills for outdoor adventures and explore the Aspen area from a new perspective. West Maroon Bells Pass is a popular 7.8-mile, difficult-rated trail that offers hikers and backpackers stunning views. Grooming Report; Aspen; Aspen Cross Country Center; Trail 10 - Aspen Golf Course; Trail 20 - Moore Trail; Trail 30 - Aspen High School Trails; Trail 40 - Marolt Open Space Trail; . In a state known for mountains, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness stands out among Colorado's mountainous locales. Looking for an evening parking permit for 10/15 that anyone is selling. Around the 3.5 mile mark you must cross the creek (credit: mrubenstein01) The trail steadily climbs up in elevation as you get closer to West Maroon Pass. Permits are available atrecreation.gov. It should not be attempted unless you are a very experienced climber. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, CPW: hunting and fishing, OHV and boat permits, Restrooms available at day use areas at Maroon Lake. The Wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a major access point for Wilderness travel. Summiting your first 14er? To opt-out click for more information. It offers breathtaking scenery on this approachable short hike that has minimal elevation gain. Aspen Chamber Resort Association Access to the Maroon Creek Trail is available nearby as well as excellent trout fishing in Maroon Creek. Wander down to the lake, take some photos, and enjoy the gorgeous views. A: The drive from Denver to the shuttle pick up for Maroon Bells (Maroon Bells Basecamp) is 3.5 hours. The West Maroon Trail follows the West Maroon Creek, which flows from West Maroon Pass to Crater Lake. Spring Enjoy open meadows, abundant wildlife, and lakeside sunrises, in spring when it can feel like you have the peaks all to yourself. The White River National Forest covers over 2.3 million acres, including eleven ski resorts, eight wilderness areas, ten 14ers, and 2,500 miles of hiking trails. To see the weather forecasts for the other elevations, use the tab navigation above the This is a pack-in, tent-only campground that is close to the action at the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. Dogs are welcome on the trails (and are allowed on the RFTA bus), but they must be kept on a leash. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. Hiring a professional guide service for extended and more involved hikes is a smart choice when visiting the Elk Mountains near Aspens Maroon Bells. Looking to buy parking for today 10/06 (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=81118. Reservations for shuttles and trailhead parking open months ahead of time, so book early to make sure you don't miss out. Aspen, CO 81611, Local Phone: 970.925.1940Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736Email: [emailprotected], Located 10 miles from Aspen up Maroon Creek Road, the, Summiting your first 14er? The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route withinMaroon Bells Snowmass Wildernessis an international treasure. 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. Hiking with a trained and experienced guide is an investment in your skill development. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. on official, secure websites. Enjoy your hike on a well-traveled and marked trail for the safest visit to these iconic mountains. connected to the .gov website. If you come outside of these times, you will need to park at Aspen Highlands and take the bus ($8) to and from the trailhead. In the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. Maroon Bells Shuttle Bus Dates May 26 to October 22, 2023 8am-5pm Maroon Bells Basecamp Open Daily: May 26 to October 22, 2023 Aspen Highlands Plaza Maroon Bells Hotline 970-945-3319 The Maroon Bells are two of the most photographed mountains in all of North America and for good reason. This table gives the weather forecast for Maroon Bells at the specific elevation of 4315 m. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Photos (2,500) Directions Print/PDF map Length 8.0 miElevation gain 4,560 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 8.0-mile out-and-back trail near Aspen, Colorado. Touted by many as the most photographed peaks in North America, once you experience their beauty, you will certainly agree. 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. The best way to see the Maroon Bells is to take the public bus operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA). The most popular viewpoint is from the shores of Maroon Lake, a pristine alpine lake enveloped by fields of wildflowers. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. Permits and overnight fees are required for several areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Having 33 states and territories, 23 countries, and a grand collection of national and state parks in her travel log; her current goal is to visit all 50 states in the next 5 years. All rights reserved. There are no hookups, and campers must be self-contained. It is a popular hike, and you can expect to find most of the tourist traffic on this trail. Sudden thunderstorms can catch travelers exposed far from the cover of tree-line in mid-summer and snow fall returns to the high country early. Crowds were significantly heavier once you reach crater lake, as expected. The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route within Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. Open May through October, there is a five-day limit, and reservations are required. Satellite phones are recommended if you are planning long and overnight hikes. Maroon Bells Lost Creek, Capitol Peak, Snowmass Mountain Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 5,547 m of total ascent. We were hoping someone could give us a ride back to the welcome station, 9 minuets from the lake after golden hour! Summer season camping at Maroon Bells is a wonderful, nature-immersive experience. Shortly after this crossing take a right up the cutoff trail towards Trail Rider Pass (12,420 ft.). And 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. These symptoms will dissipate as you acclimate to the altitude. Trail Conditions - Maroon Bells Shuttles Trail Conditions 16 Jun 2021 maroonbellsshuttles Uncategorized West Maroon Pass and Schofield Pass Update June 16, 2021 The well below average snowpack for our area is melting quick this year, and now the Read more 22 Jun 2020 maroonbellsshuttles Uncategorized West Maroon Pass Update June 21, 2020 Map Information, White River 82 south toward Aspen until you reach the roundabout (about 40 miles). The wind was blowing the aspen trees off the trees so there may be another 4-5 days of reasonable fall color to enjoy in this very special place. 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. on official, secure websites. Semi-retired from a long career in marketing, Sandi is making the most of her boomer traveling, go-go years, with a goal to visit as many places as possible. The Maroon/Snowmass - Crater Lake trail is a short and very popular day hike over rocky trails, through aspen groves and around rock formations to a high mountain lake. This trail is estimated to be 97.7 km long. 590 N. Mill Street This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Silver Bell Campground is the largest campground and is located at 8,460 feet. No matter the season, beauty abounds at the Maroon Bells, which is why its become a bucket list destination for so many. 900 Grand Ave. Please contact the United States Forest Service to confirm whether the road is open before your trip. The higher you go elevation-wise, the more naked aspen trees you encounter. on official, secure websites. 330 333 0533, Looking for a day pass on 10/22. 516 710 8781 This 1.9-mile, easy loop trail takes you out past Maroon Lake and back. Be prepared for a serious elevation gain of 2,165 feet. Day 4 From Snowmass Lake take the Maroon Snowmass Trail towards Buckskin Pass (12,500 ft.). Winds increasing (light winds from the S on Thu morning, strong winds from the WSW by Fri afternoon). The Interagency, Senior & Golden Access Passes are honored. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -3C on Thu morning, min -11C on Thu night). 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. News about Maroon Creek Road can be found at: Aspen Daily News (October 9, 2015) - RFTA mulls rise in fare to the . Add To Your Experience. 900 Grand Ave. Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are required to visit Maroon Bells and associated trailheads by personal vehicle or shuttle. Anyone have an adult pass for 12 pm tomorrow 10/9? She said it probably wont open again till April. It is the fourth largest established wilderness area in the state of Colorado. We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. Whether she is leaving on a jet plane or exploring the open road, Sandi loves to visit destinations that offer cool and interesting activities, fabulous culinary creations, and fun libations. Please call or text to coordinate Take note that during the summer months, parking is only allowed before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. at Maroon Lake. Looking for round trip shuttle reservations, for 2 people, on Sunday Oct 9, for any time of the day. 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. This Wilderness is located inColorado within the Elk Mountains and spans the White River and Gunnison National Forests. When you have finished hiking the Maroons Bells, check out these other amazing Colorado hikes: the nine most stunning hikes in Colorado. Is anyone selling a parking day pass for 10/19? Maroon Creek Trail Learn how to visit this iconic landmark and see what makes it a fixture of the states breathtaking scenery. Fall foliage was a few days, maybe more, from peak color, but all around Maroon Bells area was looking very pretty with yellow. The short (1.75 mi one way) hike to Crater Lake offers a preview of the Four Pass Loop and a great spot for a day hike. National Forest 4/8. ; The Scenic Loop Trail is probably the most popular trail at Maroon Bells, and for good reason: the views are incredible, the loop takes you along the cascades of Maroon creek for much . Be aware of avalanche risks. Storing food properly is requiredwhen camping in the developed campgrounds in the Maroon Bells area. 900 Grand Ave. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000 ft, past clear alpine lakes and among the rugged Elk Range peaks. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) offers guided bus tours to the Maroon Bells. We even saw trout in the lake! The Maroon Bells are made from hardened shale, which is fragile in nature. 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. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The scenic area is accessed at the end of Maroon Creek Road (CR 13). ) or https:// means you've safely 3 Forecast Elevations: Peak: 14158 ft Mid: 11484 ft Base: 8203 ft This table gives the weather forecast for Maroon Bells at the specific elevation of 4315 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Maroon Bells. Only chance to visit Maroon Bells today / tomorrow. Easy trails include the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail. A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Tue afternoon. This National Park To Honor Four-Legged Furry Residents On One Special Day What Visitors Need To Know, My 7 Favorite U.S. Mountain Towns To Visit In The Summer, 5 Unique Stays In Rhodes, Greece With A View, 13 Best Experiences At Colorados Luxurious Pagosa Springs Resort, 10 Delicious Restaurants To Experience In Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 10 Copper Mountain Vacation Rentals Steps From The Slopes, 13 Best Things To See And Do In Glenwood Springs, Colorado, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, 12 gorgeous luxury vacation rentals in or near Aspen, The Top 15 Colorado Vacation Rentals In The Mountains. Snow makes route finding difficult. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Photos (6,832) Directions Print/PDF map Length 25.7 miElevation gain 7,752 ftRoute type Loop Enjoy this 25.7-mile loop trail near Aspen, Colorado. Map showing recreational areas. TheAspen Chamber Resort AssociationandSnowmass Tourismalso have great info on getting there and back. There are several ways to enjoy beyond this scenic area. Use thisMaroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Mapto understand which areas require overnight permits. Of the 729 found, just 51% were outside the 100-foot buffer from streams, lakes and trails, according to the plan. Descend to Crater and then Maroon Lake to finish your loop. Make sure to plan ahead and know before you go! Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) leads daily FREE guided tours around Maroon Lake and to Crater Lake. 60 miles of free cross country ski and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt Colorado. Note: You must arrive before 8am to park from late May to late October. If you're looking for elevation gain, Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness has you covered. You can see our previous June update for more detailed information, West Maroon Pass and Schofield Pass Update June 16, 2021, July 20, 2019 Conditions Update For West Maroon Pass, Quick West Maroon Pass Update July 13, 2019. You are allowed to drive your personal vehicle, for a small fee, before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Learn more about Maroon Bells reservations >>. Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are requiredto visit Maroon Bells and associatedtrailheads by personal vehicle or shuttle. Visit the Aspen Resort Chamber Association website for reservations and updated dates on each summer. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Six summits rise over 14,000 feet . Day 3 Continue west along the North Fork of the Crystal before crossing it at a wide point. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado spans 181,535-acres (734.65 km2) within the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest. Absolutely gorgeous hike, as of 10/9 aspens still looked amazing. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Unfortunately the shuttle leaves before golden hour, when the bells are most red and we really wanted to catch and photograph it! The red shale and siltstone form the fragile rock face and present their red hues. Want to find the best trails in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness for an adventurous hike or a family trip? Region: Mountain West (Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Central Colorado) Distance: 28 miles (3-4 days) Physical Difficulty . Thank you!! For the intrepid hiker, Aspen Alpine Guides offers half-day, full-day, and extended guided hiking tours geared to your skill level. Start at the Deadly Bells Kiosk from Maroon Lake Trail and be prepared for a steep and rocky ascent as well as some cooler temperatures. 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.