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One of the most popular trails in Colorado, for good reason.


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Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.9

KM

87%

Runnable

10,150' 3,094 m

High

9,572' 2,917 m

Low

578' 176 m

Up

14' 4 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

22%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. The Interagency, Senior & Golden Access Passes are honored.

From mid-June through September, Maroon Creek Road is restricted to vehicles from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m beyond the T-Lazy 7 Ranch. Take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area, which leaves every 20 minutes; dogs are allowed on the bus. rfta.com/routes/maroon-bells/

Description

According to the Forest Service ( fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteri…), Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are required to visit Maroon Bells by personal vehicle or shuttle in 2021. Vehicle access begins May 15 and the shuttle system from Aspen Highlands begins June 7. You can start making reservations for either beginning April 12 at aspenchamber.org/maroon-bells

This trail is one of the most heavily used trails in the Aspen area. Hikers, backpackers and horse travelers enjoy the wildflowers, views and access to other areas within the Wilderness.

Camping at Crater Lake (designated sites only) and Snowmass Lake (designated sites only) can get very crowded. Expect a large numbers of campers at Snowmass Lake, especially on the weekends.

The trail starts at the Maroon Lake parking area. To the right of the Lake, the Maroon Snowmass Trail traverses through a meadow to a Forest Service bulletin board at the far end of the lake. The trail continues to climb through scree fields and aspen groves before a beautiful "rock garden". From here the trail drops down to Crater Lake.

The road appears to be paved.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Jason Anderson and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 14 votes

#537

Overall
  4.6 from 14 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#104

in Colorado

#537

Overall
19 Views Last Month
5,036 Since Apr 1, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

One hell of an evening at the Maroon Bells
Sep 27, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Moose
Feb 9, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Maroon Bells
Apr 1, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Maroon Bells on a beautiful fall day
Feb 8, 2018 near Snowmas…, CO
Maroon Bells
Feb 9, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Maroon Lake
Aug 30, 2023 near Snowmas…, CO

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