Maroon Bells
Aspen, Colorado
| Address: | Maroon Lake, Colorado 81611, USA |
| GPS: |
39°5'54.9"N 106°56'25.0"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Colorado |
Lakes Trails Wildflowers
Backpack, Camp, and Hike
One of the most photographed peaks in Colorado and possibly North America, the Maroon Bells are two fourteeners framing the beautiful Maroon Lake. Very popular to visit in every season, the Maroon Bells area is home to amazing wildlife, beautiful nature, and impressive peaks. There are multiple trails that leave from the Maroon Lake parking lot. Maroon Bells is famous for the maroon color of the mountains. The distinct red color is from iron in the rock oxidizing. The mountains were formed through glaciers, which then formed the lakes found in the area.
Getting to the lake is pretty easy. There is a parking lot, and then a two minute walk from the parking lot will take visitors to the banks of the lake. During the summer and early fall the parking lot is closed from 8am-5pm and the only way to get to the lake is by a shuttle. If going to the lake before 8am or after 5pm, the parking lot will be open. Around the lake, visitors can hike around the lake, go fishing, or take pictures of the beautiful scenery.
The trails range from easy to difficult as well as how much time they take to hike. The Scenic Loop trail takes visitors around the lake towards the mountains. It is about 3 miles and elevation gain is not too significant.
Maroon Creek Trail is about 2.5-3.5 miles one way, depending on which trail visitors take. This trail goes down from the lake and follows a creek which will offer a good chance at seeing some wildlife. The mountains will be behind visitors, so be sure to turn around and look at the breathtaking views.
Crater Lake Trail begins at the opposite end of the lake from the parking lot. Visitors will see a forest service bulletin board and should take the trail for Crater Lake/West Maroon. This trail is about 3.6 miles roundtrip and will take visitors to Alpine Meadows and a lake higher up in the country. Camping and fishing are not allowed at Crater Lake, so please be careful and be sure to pack out whatever was packed in.
Willow Lake Trail is a difficult hike that goes further into the backcountry, past Crater Lake. Depending on weather and hiker ability, some might prefer to make this hike an overnight trip. Hikers will pass through steep switchbacks that will lead up to Willow pass and then further on to Willow Lake.
A Colorado Fishing Permit is required for fishing at Maroon Lake.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Aspen, Colorado
- Head south on N Galena St (39 ft)
- Turn right toward N Mill St (351 ft)
- Turn left onto N Mill St (167 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto E Main St (0.4 mi)
- Continue straight onto W Main St (0.2 mi)
- Continue straight to stay on W Main St (354 ft)
- Turn right onto N 7th St (479 ft)
- Turn left onto CO-82 W/W Hallam StContinue to follow CO-82 W(0.5 mi)
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Maroon Creek Rd (9.3 mi)
- Turn leftDestination will be on the right(482 ft)
