It passes … There is plenty of space to lock up your bike on the provided bike racks. Maroon Creek Road is open to vehicles before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. for a $10.00 fee* - Visitors wanting to visit the Bells during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. will need to take the Bus from Aspen Highlands (few exceptions apply**). General Trail Information: Maroon Bells Traverse Video Hike Review: Maroon Bells Traverse Maroon Bells Traverse Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 Stars) Distance: 12 Miles RT (From Maroon Lake) – Distance is approximate Elevation Start: 9,400 ft Highest Point: 14,163 – Maroon Peak, 14,014 North Maroon Peak Total Elevation … Cloudcroft, NM 88317 There are good views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. 7 miles; +1,660 / -2,900 feet; West Maroon Pass to North Fork of Crystal River. The trail’s segments are labeled different names on maps and trailheads such as: Maroon Lake Trail, Falls Loop … It is located in the remote Maroon Bells – Snowmass wilderness of the White River National Forest. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. SUV recommended: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north 14 miles over Schofield Pass. Follow Maroon … Take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area, which leaves every 20 minutes; dogs are allowed onthe bus. More Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail is a 1.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Snowmass Village, Colorado that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Here you’ll find 11 first-come-first-serve campsites that make a great base camp for those looking to tackle North Maroon Peak. From the top of this hike, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views the highlight of which looking down the valley at the Maroon Bells. up to the ranger station, pay your $10 parking fee and head up to the trailhead. Crater Lake TrailThis 3.6-mile round-trip trail rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of bushy Aspen woodlands and Crater Lake. From Aspen, take Hwy. Maroon Creek TrailStart at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. Hike about 1.5 miles to Crater Lake, then follow the appropriate trail to your route. The Maroon Bells Trailhead–officially titled the Maroon-Snowmass Trailhead–has limited parking and no facilities, except for restrooms. Because the natural landmark is so popular, there is restricted access to the area during the summer and fall. There are good views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak. Hike approximately 1.75 miles to reach another signed trail junction . A reflective lake and two giant snow-striped mountaintops, named Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, anchor a blissful panorama exemplified by a symphony of color that changes with the seasons. Access to the Maroon Creek Trail is available nearby as well as excellent trout fishing in Maroon Creek. 575-885-4181. The trail leads hikers through gorgeous wildflower valleys. If you are … Evan and Maroon Bells Shuttles made our hike from Crested Butte to Aspen flawless. 901 Mechem Dr. 5203 Buena Vista Drive Details are subject to change. Start at the Deadly Bells Kiosk from Maroon Lake Trail and be prepared for a steep and rocky ascent, cooler temperatures and spontaneous thunderstorms. To access the trailhead at Maroon Lake, you must enter the Maroon Bells Scenic Area before 8am or after 5pm to access with a vehicle, which a $10 entrance fee is required. About Crater Lake (the Maroon Bells) This is quite possibly one of the most iconic hikes in the nation and certainly in the Aspen Snowmass area, this is a can’t miss hike. 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. 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. Carlsbad, NM 88220 Otherwise, shuttle buses run for all visitors arriving between 8am-5pm. The bus operates between 8am to 5pm from mid-June through early October. 575-434-7200 Each party overnighting in the MaroonBells-Snowmass Wilderness is required to self-register at the trailhead and to carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. Here you’ll find 11 first-come-first-serve campsites that make a great base camp for those looking to tackle North Maroon Peak. 575-682-2551, Guadalupe District The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. Ruidoso, NM 88345 This is also a popular trail for horseback riding. 82 in a glacial valley, the 14,000-foot peaks (fourteeners) truly epitomize the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Please call prior to arriving at Maroon Creek Road so you know the best way to proceed to visit this special place. Get more information about Maroon Bells and the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District. Overview. The Maroon Bells are located south of Aspen, Colorado. From the parking area, follow the trail to and around Maroon Lake. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado spans 181,535-acres (734.65 km2) within the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest. You can see the easily accessible area in less than an hour. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area offers hiking trails for all abilities. With excellent trail options to suit novice and advanced hikers alike, the Maroon Bells mountain range and surrounding area is a veritable playground for anyone with a love for the outdoors. Map (continue past the marker on the map on rte 317 toward the trailhead/parking lot) 82 to the roundabout on the west edge of town, choose the exit for Maroon Creek Road and keep going about 4.7 miles until you reach a welcome station. Hiking trails provide access to plenty of photo-worthy scenes in the White River National Forest, including hypnotizing wildflower fields, fly-fishermen seeking catches in tranquil Maroon Lake and brilliant fall colors on aspen trees. As you follow the trail around Maroon Lake the trail ascends roughly up 1.5 miles up to Crater Lake. If you’re coming from Glenwood Springs, take Hwy. This is a good day hike with several bus stops for getting a ride along the way. Get more information about Maroon Bells and the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District. We were surprised to find the lake smaller than we expected. The designated overnight parking lot is located 8.9 miles from the turnoff, just before the day-use parking area.. From Highway 82 in Aspen, follow the roundabout 1 mile NW of town onto Maroon Creek Road. Such a simple little trail with such beautiful views and access to the lovely river/creek. 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. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. Maroon Bells Shuttles gets two thumbs up from us! When the snow melts in Colorado, the beauty that lies beneath is brilliantly exposed. The trees and mountain views were lovely. The Maroon Bells Scenic Trail #2197, also called the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, is an easy hiking trail. During the summer season, access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is restricted during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Located just 10 miles west of Aspen or 16 from Snowmass up Maroon Creek Road off Hwy. … Join us while we hike through the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Mornings are usually the best time for this. Dogs are welcome on the trails (and are allowed on the RFTA bus from the Aspen Highlands to the to the Marroon Bells), but they must be kept on a leash. Learn more about transportation options to Maroon Lake below. Length 1.9 miElevation gain 160 ftRoute type Loop We got up to Aspen the afternoon before, realized camping in the park is reserved, bought our parking permit, then drove … The best way to see the Maroon Bells is to take the public bus operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and visit mid-week when there are fewer crowds. I've been to Maroon Bells two previous times and only ever did the Crater Lake Trail. There is no fee charged for the registration and no limit to the number of permits issued. To get to the trailhead you can either take a scenic gondola ride* or hike from Base Village up the Vista Trail. This area exemplifies Rocky Mountain splendor with over 175 miles of trail … From mid-June through September, day use traffic is restricted on Maroon Creek Road between 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. beyond the T-Lazy 7 Ranch. Directions to Trailhead. The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge … This is also a popular trail for horseback riding. Maroon-Snowmass Trail is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. He met us at the trailhead, then drove our vehicle to Aspen so it would be there for us and he hiked back. Starting June 14, Maroon Creek Road restrictions will start and visitors will be directed to RFTA bus service. As the name suggests this hike takes you over four 12,000′ mountain passes as you circle around the infamous 14,000′ deadly Maroon Bells. This is a 17 mile dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness with trailheads near both Aspen and Snowmass Village, CO. Map Information, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, 9,580 feet (2920 m) - 8,709 feet (2655 m), https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=40519&ttype=recarea&pname=Maroon%20Creek%20Trail%20. This is a 1.5 mile roundtrip dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, CO. You may park your vehicle at Aspen Highlands Village Parking Lot and travel via RFTA bus up the Maroon Valley. 99 Gorgeous Places in Colorado: The Postcard PlacesHidden Colorado Gem: Island LakeHiking to Hanging Lake ColoradoColorado Mountains: 6 Famous Peaks9 Awesome Places to Take Colorado Photos, Photo credits: Heather Rousseau/Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Matt Inden/Miles, Matt Inden/Miles, Jeremy Swanson/Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Summertime means hiking time. Maroon Lake Trailhead Approach the Maroon Bells from the Maroon Lake TH (9,590-ft.) From Aspen, locate a round-about a half mile north on Hwy 82 and drive west on Maroon Lake Road for 9.4 miles to the parking area. Be sure to hang the permit from your backpack while hiking. You do, however, need to self-register at the trailhead kiosk. Follow the Maroon Bells Rd. From mid-May to mid-November, access via Maroon Creek Road is open but restricted between the hours of 8am and 5pm, and is also weather dependent. You can also take RFTA’s free Castle/Maroon bus to Aspen Highlands from Rubey Park Transit Center in downtown Aspen. Volunteer Tourism in Colorado: Trail Repair Organizations, Hiking in Alamosa: 11 Locals’ Favorite Trails, Soak Up History & Natural Beauty in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Alamogordo, NM 88310 Turn left and continue on the West Maroon Creek trail to Crater Lake where you can see The Bells and West Maroon Creek to the southwest - 2. This trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Valley. Anyway, be watching for a sign on your right that says: Crater Lake. Maroon Creek Road to Maroon Bells is closed for the winter season 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. 99 Gorgeous Places in Colorado: The Postcard Places, 9 Awesome Places to Take Colorado Photos, ‹ Explore Colorado’s Incredible Wilderness Areas, Fall Festivals & Fall Drives: Perfect Colorado Pair ›. This is easy to do and pretty self explanatory. For bus information, call RFTA at 970-925-8484. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail This easy 1-mile round-trip trek starts at the parking area and follows the circumference of the lake; keep an eye out for the active beaver pond. When you arrive at Maroon Lake at the base of the Bells you may depart the bus and return on any later bus, affording you the opportunity to hike, take a ACES guided nature tour at 10:15am and 1:15pm, picnic (there are no food vendors at the Maroon Bells), take pictures or have a moment of solitude. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964. The Summit Trail starts at the top of the Elk Camp gondola. This is a good day hike with several bus stops for getting a ride along the way. The Maroon Bells, a series of distinctively bell-shaped, wine-colored peaks towering 14,000 ft. above the pristine, glacial Maroon Creek Valley, offer some of the most spectacular natural views in the world. Experience the beauty of Colorado with a day trek from Crested Butte to Aspen. We recommend doing this hike … For this trip, you’ll keep hiking past these campsites, up towards West Maroon Pass. The views of the Maroon Creek Valley and the Maroon Bells … The Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is located 9.2 miles west of Highway 82 on Maroon Creek Road. If you are planning to hike in the area, be sure to bring proper shoes, sunscreen and drinking water. The fare will be $15.95 for all reservations. This fall I did the Scenic Trail and wow - I've been missing out! Without a doubt, it is among the most scenic protected areas in the United States, and the best way to see it is on foot. The view is incredible though and it’s easy to see why people flock there for a photo opportunity. Known as "the most photographed peaks in North America", the iconic image of the Maroon Bells will stick with you forever. Maroon Bells Hike. Trail Description. Maroon Bells hike A reflective lake and two giant snow-striped mountaintops, named Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, anchor a blissful panorama exemplified by a symphony of color that changes with the seasons. 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