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| "Mountains" by John Fowler is licensed under CC BY 2.0 |
If you love the outdoors, a scenic day trip to take is to Aspen’s Maroon Bells. From hiking to horseback rides, you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities while witnessing breathtaking views of the most photographed peaks in North America.
Located 10 miles from Aspen up Maroon Creek Road, they are not to be missed, whether you are visiting Aspen for an hour or 3 months they are sure to be a highlight of your trip. Their accessibility is limited by car, so see below on how to get there:
Summer:
From mid-June to Labor Day the Maroon Bells can only be accessed by public bus between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. You are welcome to drive your own car before 9 am and after 5 pm or if you have a child, age 2 and under, in a car seat (other exceptions apply*). Please be prepared to pay a $10 per vehicle fee should you choose to drive. After Labor Day bus access will only be in place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The road will be open to traffic Monday-Thursday, again the $10/vehicle fee would be required. Take Maroon Creek Road from the roundabout on HWY 82 just outside of Aspen heading west.
The Maroon Bells bus can be accessed at Aspen Highlands which is just 2 miles up Maroon Creek Road on the left hand side. There is free parking available at Aspen Highlands. Purchase bus tickets for $6, $3 on Wednesdays, inside of Four Mountain Sports. Busses depart every half hour.
If you don't have your own car you can also take the Castle/Maroon RFTA bus from Rubey Park Transportation Center in downtown Aspen. This bus is free and departs every 20 minutes starting on the hour. Take the Castle/Maroon bus to Aspen Highlands and then transfer to the Maroon Bells Bus.
Winter:
In the winter getting to the Maroon Bells can be quite an adventure. Since Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicular traffic the only way to get there is to cross country ski or go on a snowmobile tour run by T-Lazy 7 Ranch. Either way you choose will be an incredible experience with unparalleled views.
For seasonal road closures and camping information contact the US Forest Service at (970) 925-3445.
*Exceptions to the no car rule are:
1. From 5:00 pm - 9:00 am road is open to vehicles with $10 recreation use fee.
2. Vehicles with people with disabilities or with a valid Handicap placard or license plate.
3. Vehicles with 11 people or more.
4. Vehicles with infants that require a restraining child seat (children must be 2 and under, booster seats do not qualify)
5. People camping at Silver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen Campgrounds
6. Holders with Special Use Permits issued by the Forest Service
7. Overnight Backpackers
8. Horse trailers
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail - The trail follows the lake to the far side and meanders along the creek flowing into the lake. This is a great place for pictures and picnics. Miles one way: 1.3. Elevation: 9,500 ft. - 10,000 ft. (EASY)
Crater Lake - The trail begins at Maroon Lake, 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs through the Aspens to the lake. The left trail or the scenic trail follows a river and crosses two bridges, then climbs steeply to meet with the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. Distance to the trail is 1 3/4 miles one way. (MODERATE)
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| "Trail Sign" by Amy-N is licensed under CC BY 2.0 |
East Maroon Trail - Miles one way: 8.5. Elevation: 9,000 ft. - 12,000 ft. (EASY - MODERATE - LONG)
West Maroon Pass - From the top of the pass, the trail descends to the Frigid Air Pass, and Schofield Park out of Crested Butte. The hike to Crested Butte is about 12 miles. The top of the pass is tricky and steep. The soil can be slick if it is wet. Miles one way: 6.2. Elevation: 10,000 ft. - 12,500 ft. (MODERATE - LONG)
Buckskin Pass - After about 1/2 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake junction. Take the left fork that ascends steadily to Buckskin Pass. The total distance is 4.6 miles one way. (DIFFICULT)
Willow Lake Trail - Follow the directions to Crater Lake. Then at the Crater Lake bulletin board, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply. After about 1/2 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake trail junction. At the junction, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply to the top of Willow Pass. From the top of the pass, the trail descends to the junction with East Snowmass trail. Continue straight on the trail for the last 1/2 mile to the lake. The total hiking distance is 6 1/2 miles. (DIFFICULT)
For other outdoor activities you can take part in at Maroon Bells, visit the USDA Forest Service.
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