Cant wait to come back in the spring or summer. Located just 10 miles west of Aspen or 16 from Snowmass in a glacial valley, the 14,000-foot bell-shaped peaks (fourteeners) truly capture the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. We have one extra shuttle pass for today 10/15 at 2:40pm. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. The Wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a major access point for Wilderness travel. Risky and unpredictable, climbing should be left to the fearless and sure-footed. For more information, see here. For the best experience possible, be sure to bring proper shoes, sunscreen and drinking water. According to the 2017 overnight use management plan, the Forest Service from 2008 and 2010 inventoried all campsites observed in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs through the Aspens to the lake. Start at the Deadly Bells Kiosk from Maroon Lake Trail and be prepared for a steep and rocky ascent as well as some cooler temperatures. website belongs to an official government organization in the Looking for round trip shuttle reservations, for 2 people, on Sunday Oct 9, for any time of the day. Plenty of benches and the vistas are unbeatable. Conditions: Muddy, Great! Day 4: Unnamed Lake - Trail Rider Pass - Snowmass Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trail (following Snowmass Creek) - Trailhead. To see the weather forecasts for the other elevations, use the tab navigation above the If you're looking for elevation gain, Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness has you covered. According to WebMD, the altitude sickness phenomenon is caused by the drop in air pressure resulting in less oxygen as you gain altitude. Access to the Maroon Creek Trail is available nearby as well as excellent trout fishing in Maroon Creek. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. And 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. There are seven 14ers in this range, and hiking them unprepared can be dangerous. Willing to pay! In the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. Crater Lake Zone Designated Campsites Climbing the Maroon Bells is an entirely different adventure than hiking a trail. This includes overnight parking for those backpacking into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Beautiful views! Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. For 2021, A permit is required to access this area by vehicle. Maroon Creek Road is closed from mid-November to Memorial Day weekend. Permits and overnight fees are required for several areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. They are necessary emergency equipment if you run into trouble and need to contact Mountain Rescue. TheAspen Chamber Resort AssociationandSnowmass Tourismalso have great info on getting there and back. The White River National Forest covers over 2.3 million acres, including eleven ski resorts, eight wilderness areas, ten 14ers, and 2,500 miles of hiking trails. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=82346. 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. Hiring a professional guide service for extended and more involved hikes is a smart choice when visiting the Elk Mountains near Aspens Maroon Bells. Maroon Creek Road in Aspen, CO - Aspen Trail Finder Aspen Highlands avoids the spotlight and feels like the locals' secret. Explore one of 3 easy hiking trails in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness that are great for the whole family. Renowned for its acclaimed skiing and celebrity sightings, Aspen is home to the most iconic 14,000 footers (14ers) in Colorado, the Maroon Bells. Featuring two of the most photographed peaks in the Elk Mountains, Maroon Bells in Colorado is an iconic hiking area near Aspen. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 This trail takes you out past Maroon Lake, through the natural landscape, and out to Crater Lake. If the views of this pristine valley look familiar, its likely because the Maroon Bells are the most photographed mountains in America and for good reason. LockA locked padlock These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 16,835 AllTrails community reviews. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado spans 181,535-acres (734.65 km2) within the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest. Please text 985 788 9941. Of the 729 found, just 51% were outside the 100-foot buffer from streams, lakes and trails, according to the plan. Be aware of avalanche risks. Trail Option #2 - The Scenic Loop Trail at Maroon Bells. Guide To Backpacking The Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop ) or https:// means you've safely Dogs are welcome on the trails (and are allowed on the RFTA bus), but they must be kept on a leash. FAQs Maroon Bells, Visitor Info | Aspen, Colorado | Aspen Snowmass on official, secure websites. ( Aspens 14ers represent some of the best mountaineering in Colorado. Supervisor's Office Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told. These symptoms will dissipate as you acclimate to the altitude. Explore the Maroon Bells: What You Need to Know, Learn more about Maroon Bells reservations >>. Silver Bell Campground(reserve now) - 14 sites available on the banks of Maroon Creek. Map Information, White River Car camping and van camping are not permitted at the Day Use lot or the Overnight Parking lots at Maroon Bells, nor the Aspen Highlands Parking Garage. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail Reviews (1,375) Photos (2,080) Activities (903) Completed (3,993) 5 4 3 2 1 4.8 (231)414-7597. Absolutely gorgeous hike, as of 10/9 aspens still looked amazing. Heres more information [PDF], if youre interested.). How many trails are in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness? This 27.1-mile, difficult-rated backpacking trail is best saved for very experienced hikers. Ultimate Guide to Maroon Bells in Colorado - Day Hikes Near Denver If youre coming from Glenwood Springs, take Hwy. Share sensitive information only In the spirit of healing and education, we acknowledge the 48 contemporary tribes with historic ties to the state of Colorado. Maroon Bells Shuttle Bus Dates May 26 to October 22, 2023 8am-5pm Maroon Bells Basecamp Open Daily: May 26 to October 22, 2023 Aspen Highlands Plaza Maroon Bells Hotline 970-945-3319 The Maroon Bells are two of the most photographed mountains in all of North America and for good reason. Map Information. connected to the .gov website. The road is not plowed in winter beginning at T-Lazy-7 Ranch, and will become closed as soon as snow renders the road impassable. (I wouldve been nervous if I had a bee allergy though.) ; The Scenic Loop Trail is probably the most popular trail at Maroon Bells, and for good reason: the views are incredible, the loop takes you along the cascades of Maroon creek for much . White River National Forest - Maroon Bells Scenic Area Having 33 states and territories, 23 countries, and a grand collection of national and state parks in her travel log; her current goal is to visit all 50 states in the next 5 years. Located 10 miles from Aspen up Maroon Creek Road, the Maroon Bellsare not to be missed during a visit to Aspen andare sure to be a highlight of your trip. Make sure to plan ahead and know before you go! 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. What a wonderful hike! 4/8. Wind will be generally light. A popular way to hike this trail is from Aspen to Crested Butte (this can also be done on the Eastern Maroon trail). The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is an open area with trails at the portal to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness surrounding Maroon Lake. If you need a private vehicle pass for tomorrow 10/26 8am-5pm, I have a cold and wont be using mine. Please note that Bear Canisters are required while backpacking in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Aspen, CO 81611, Local Phone: 970.925.1940Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736Email: [emailprotected], Located 10 miles from Aspen up Maroon Creek Road, the, Summiting your first 14er? Early in your outing, you'll get a great view of the Maroon Bells to the west. Those camping in developed sites in the Maroon Valley must purchase a 5 day vehicle pass ($5 for camping) to drive to their designated campground at the Welcome Station across from the Silver Bar Campground. Reservations are available from www.aspenchamber.org. There is still some, This update really only pertains to West Maroon Pass as I didnt really have much for, Quick update here. Maroon Bells Reservations | Aspen The weather forecast for Maroon Bells is: A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Tue afternoon. A: Maroon Creek Road typically opens in mid-May, but this opening date is contingent on weather. Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass, Crater Lake and Maroon Creek to East Fork, Maroon Bells Lost Creek, Capitol Peak, Snowmass Mountain Loop. The short (1.75 mi one way) hike to Crater Lake offers a preview of the Four Pass Loop and a great spot for a day hike. Please call (970) 945-3319 or visit the Forest Service link below for more information: No conditions reported in the past 7 days. We have shuttle passes for 11:45 - but worried that we might not get back to DEN on time for a late night flight. Trail was closed when I went this weekend Jan 28 2023. Add To Your Experience. The best time to hike in the Maroon Bells area is late July through September when the snow has melted and the temperatures are still optimal. Elevation: 9,500 ft. - 10,000 ft. (EASY) Crater Lake - The trail begins at Maroon Lake, 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 49 to 5,547 meters in elevation gain. Grooming Report; Aspen; Aspen Cross Country Center; Trail 10 - Aspen Golf Course; Trail 20 - Moore Trail; Trail 30 - Aspen High School Trails; Trail 40 - Marolt Open Space Trail; . Check the Maroon Bells Hotline for up-to-date road conditions. Please text 608-577-9810. A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Tue afternoon. The wisdom of these seasoned trekkers impart will carry over to all your other hiking adventures. White River National Forest - Maroon/Snowmass - Crater Lake TH #1975 Sudden thunderstorms can catch travelers exposed far from the cover of tree-line in mid-summer and snow fall returns to the high country early. A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Sat afternoon. Professional guiding companies Aspen Alpine Guides and Aspen Expeditions offer a full roster of year-round mountain guiding adventures as well as technical mountaineering instruction. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness? Fishing is permitted in all streams and lakes within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness subject to the regulations of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Aspen Chamber Resort Association Late June and early July will offer beautiful wildflowers in the high country, while September boasts some of the best fall foliage in the country. See Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness for detailed information. The 3.8-mile trail will challenge you with distance, but the hike is pleasant and scenic with only a slight elevation change of under 700 feet. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Please call/ text me 6825598329. For additional information, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District Monday-Friday 8am-4:30 pmat (970) 963-2266. Colorado Maroon Bells: How to Visit & Best Trails to Hike It is strongly advisable to set out early in the morning, as thunderstorms are prevalent in the afternoon and you want to be off the peak at that time. While Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicles from late fall until late spring, you can still crosscountry ski, snow bike, snowshoe, hike, or take a snowmobile the 12.4 miles round-trip to access the bells. Descend to Crater and then Maroon Lake to finish your loop. There are three small campgrounds along Maroon Creek Road: Silver Bell Campground, Silver Queen Campground and Silver Bar Campground (primitive). The rock breaks and fractures easily making footing unstable and rockslides commonplace. Four Pass Loop - Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, CO (28 mile loop) connected to the .gov website. Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Enjoy your hike on a well-traveled and marked trail for the safest visit to these iconic mountains. They are your go-to website for all information you need to visit safely. Winds increasing (light winds from the S on Thu morning, strong winds from the WSW by Fri afternoon). Maroon Lake's water levels are pretty low but you can still get nice reflective photos if your arrive before 9am (and assuming no wind). With 25 miles of downhill trails, join us for a free flowing adventure through our high elevation evergreen forests and moderately pitched Aspen tree groves. Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail. Day 4 From Snowmass Lake take the Maroon Snowmass Trail towards Buckskin Pass (12,500 ft.). Maroon Bells shuttle and parking reservations. It is impossible to take a bad picture surrounded by such gloriousness. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000 ft, past clear alpine lakes and among the rugged Elk Range peaks. Shortly after this crossing take a right up the cutoff trail towards Trail Rider Pass (12,420 ft.). If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone that you plan to camp. Enjoy your hike on a well-traveled and marked trail for the safest visit to these iconic mountains. If you want to learn more about Colorados 14ers, particularly the seven in the Elk Mountains, visit 14ers.com. This is a pack-in, tent-only campground that is close to the action at the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Make sure to plan ahead and know before you go! Maroon Bells Scenic Area in Aspen, CO - Aspen Trail Finder This National Park To Honor Four-Legged Furry Residents On One Special Day What Visitors Need To Know, My 7 Favorite U.S. Mountain Towns To Visit In The Summer, 5 Unique Stays In Rhodes, Greece With A View, 13 Best Experiences At Colorados Luxurious Pagosa Springs Resort, 10 Delicious Restaurants To Experience In Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 10 Copper Mountain Vacation Rentals Steps From The Slopes, 13 Best Things To See And Do In Glenwood Springs, Colorado, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, 12 gorgeous luxury vacation rentals in or near Aspen, The Top 15 Colorado Vacation Rentals In The Mountains. Pro tip: Visit mid-week when there's a higher chance you could have the place all to yourself. The trail climbs steadily but not steeply. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? In this scenic area you will find extensive hiking trails, the aspen highlands, and opportunities to ski. 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. This is a popular trail for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The Maroon Bells are made from hardened shale, which is fragile in nature. Altitude sickness is something you need to consider whenever you are hiking in the mountains. Combat altitude sickness by avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of water, including complex carbs in your diet, and add hiking altitude slowly each day. When you stand alongside Maroon Creek and gaze across the landscape, the towering Maroon Bells are a breathtaking vision of crimson and pink against a beautiful blue sky. Map showing recreational areas. 4/8 . Hiking the iconic Maroon Bells area, whether you are a beginner or expert trailblazer, is an experience that will stay in your memory banks forever. No matter the season, beauty abounds at the Maroon Bells, which is why its become a bucket list destination for so many. Stay in the know, sign up for ourMonthly Newsletter& keep up-to-date on Aspen events, activities, lodging deals and more. Be prepared for a serious elevation gain of 2,165 feet. What is the longest trail in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness? Perfect for stretching your legs, this easy 1-mile round-trip trek starts at the parking area and follows the circumference of the lake, providing access to the area's most recognizable views as well as an active beaver pond. Please contact the United States Forest Service to confirm whether the road is open before your trip. When the sun moves across the Colorado sky, the Maroon Bells go from soft gray to shades of red, pink, and purple. Silver Bar Campground is a primitive campground with four sites available on the banks of Maroon Creek. Map showing recreational areas. My girlfriend and I have a shuttle pass for tomorow October 13th! Share sensitive information only Maroon Bells, Colorado - Camping, Hiking & Biking | Aspen Snowmass Trails Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. 330 333 0533, Looking for a day pass on 10/22. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Photos (2,500) Directions Print/PDF map Length 8.0 miElevation gain 4,560 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 8.0-mile out-and-back trail near Aspen, Colorado. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Only chance to visit Maroon Bells today / tomorrow. A place to do what you love and not care who's watchingHighlands invites you to carve your own path. Aspen Highlands Ski Area | Colorado Ski Snowboard Resort | Aspen Snowmass Even if you dont want to hike the area, take the bus up and stroll around the lake or find the perfect spot and have a picnic. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Day 3: East Fork Avalanche Creek - Silver Creek Pass - Lead King Basin - Geneva Lake - Unnamed Lake South-West of Trail Rider Pass. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Note: You must arrive before 8am to park from late May to late October. Hi all, looking for a midnight to midnight or day pass for a car or shuttle, for 10/7 - 10/8 or 10/8 - 10/9 Maroon Bells Welcome Station is at 8,458 feet, giving you a good starting elevation for your hikes. Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permits We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. Even amateur photographers will have magazine-ready photos. A: Maroon Creek Road is open to vehicular traffic late spring until late fall, but reservations are required for parking and to access to Scenic Area. It should not be attempted unless you are a very experienced climber. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. From Aspen, take Hwy. A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Sat afternoon. Trail Report. The red shale and siltstone form the fragile rock face and present their red hues. Official websites use .gov A .gov Easy trail with beautiful views and lots of waterfalls. 281-683-6447, Looking for a day pass for any day honestly Six summits rise over 14,000 feet . All bike riders are expected to adhere to proper bicycling etiquette, including riding single file on the right side of the road (in the direction of traffic) and wearing helmets. Many enjoyable side hikes, detours or alternate access points can be added to make the Loop longer. Highlights: Climbing thru high mountain passes and hiking thru lush basins fragrant forests Meadows come alive with seasonal wildflowers Most of the trail is above tree line Spectacular views of the Maroon Bells and other high peaks of the Elk Mountain Crowds were significantly heavier once you reach crater lake, as expected. PDF MARROOOONN R BEELLLLSS FOOUUR PPAA SSS LLOOOPP S L SS The map on the