The Maroon Bells, surrounded by pristine National Forest lands, are the most photographed peaks in all of North America. Here you can explore the glacial valley while surrounded by 14,000 - foot peaks. Maroon Lake, surrounded by fields of wildflowers, mirrors images of the Maroon Bells in it's waters.
Maroon Bells has limited accessibility by car but there are bus tours running throughout the day for the summer season. The road is open to all Non-Motorized forms of transportation at no charge. (bicycles, skateboarders, hikers, rollerbladers, etc...). The road up to the Maroon Bells is closed in the winter. You can hike on this road in the winter but it is a 12 mile round trip to make it to the lake.
Maroon Bells Packages
Perfect Summer PackageEnjoy up to 3 days of unlimited gondola rides (and all the beautiful scenery and free on-mountain activities that go with it) and a $10 lunch credit at Elk Camp or Sundeck restaurants. Includes a guided bus tour to the majestic Maroon Bells. *Gondola rides must be used within 7 days.
Adult: $29.00
includes:
3 days unlimited rides with on-mtn activities,
$10 lunch voucher (elk camp/sundeck),
1 maroon bells bus tour (buses depart Aspen Highlands at 9:05 am - 4:30 pm)
Driving Fees
There is a $10 recreation use fee for driving to the Maroon Bells. If you have these season passes you will not need to pay the fee. The National Parks pass WITH a Golden Eagle Sticker, Golden Access, America the Beautiful and Maroon Bells Passes allow access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for the season. The Forest Service staffs the entrance station from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Passes are not valid when the road is restricted to motorized vehicles from 8am - 5pm.
Restricted Times for Driving
Due to the large amount of interest in the Maroon Bells, you can not drive to the Maroon Bells from 8am - 5pm. You must take the bus. See below for exceptions.
Exceptions for Driving
- From 5:00 pm - 8:00 am the road is open to vehicles with $10 recreation use fee.
- Vehicles with Handicap placard or license plate.
- Vehicles with 11 people or more.
- Vehicles with infants that require a restraining child seat (not a booster seat).
- People camping at Silver Bar, Silver Bell & Silver Queen Campgrounds.
- Horse trailers.
Date Exceptions to Driving
- When the road to the Maroon Bells opens until Mid June when the buses start running.
- October 2, 2017 - until weather permits you can drive any day of the week.
- Once the road closes until it opens back up the only way to get to the Maroon Bells is to hike (12 miles round trip, not recommended).
Parking at the Maroon Bells
There are 35 overnight parking spaces at the Maroon Bells for backpackers. Overnight backpackers are required to use the bus from 8am - 5pm, or until there is no parking in the morning, whichever happens first, and taxis are not allowed 8am - 5pm. Bear canisters are mandatory for the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness for overnight backpackers. These spots do fill up in the busy season, usually starting in July. You will not be allowed to park in the day use parking area. You may park in the overnight parking for up to 5 days. If you plan to stay longer you will need to park at Highlands and take the bus up or find an alternative way to get the Maroon Bells.
Bus to the Maroon Bells Overview
From either Aspen or Snowmass the easiest way to get to the Maroon Bells is by bus. From Aspen take the Castle/Maroon bus from Rubey Park to Highlands. If you are coming from Snowmass or Downvalley just go directly to Highlands and park for $5 on weekdays and $10 on weekends. At Highlands you will need to buy tickets at Four-Mountain Sports for the bus tour to Maroon Bells. The bus will pick you up right outside Four-Mountain Sports and drive you to the Maroon Bells.
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Well if I'm ever up that way I will certainly look in. Fabulous places and the photos do it justice well done. Also so good to get useful information. Thank you. Happy Steeming!
welcome @jvalentine