Reminder: This is a wilderness area. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 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. A: The drive from Denver to the shuttle pick up for Maroon Bells (Maroon Bells Basecamp) is 3.5 hours. 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. Advance reservation overnight permits are required for the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness including Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake, and the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). Conundrum Hot Springs Designated Campsites Maroon Creek Road will reopen in May 2023. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions. Zions Bank Financial Center 323 spots. During this time, you can purchase a single-ride sightseeing ticket for the Summit Express Lift at Buttermilk. Choose between a shuttle reservation or a parking reservation. Filter. There are a limited number of parking spaces available so you may need to reserve a bus ticket. 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM Midnight, Maroon Bells Evening Parking Permits, May 15-26 & October 24-31. For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call 970-930-6442 or email [email protected]. Maroon Creek Road is closed to cars and shuttles in cold-weather months, but you can cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile to the area. If you cannot find availability for your group size, and you have more than 15 people, please email [emailprotected] to see if you can be accommodated on a shuttle. In all other zones, the permit holder and group should select a campsite within the zone that is already established, and is 70 big steps away from trails and water. Permits are available at recreation.gov. Hiking the Trail 5. What are people saying about parking services in Provo, UT? Sort by: Distance Price Relevance. We also use analytics & advertising services. Check out time is 2:00 p.m. For camping, backpacking & trail conditionquestions, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District at 970-963-2266. Also, bear canisters REQUIRED. Day Visit Parking (12:00 AM- 4:30 PM)*From May 26th through October 22nd you must arrive before 8:00 AM, 24-Hour Parking (Midnight - Midnight)*From May 26th through October 22nd you must arrive before 8:00 AM, Overnight Parking2-Nights (6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 60 Hours)*From May 26th through October 22ndNo arrivals between 8 AM and 5 PM. Both of the these trails are heavily trafficked. The best way to see the Maroon Bells is to take the public bus operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA). We are travelling in a small van camper. Storing food properly is requiredwhen camping in the developed campgrounds in the Maroon Bells area. It leaves every 20 minutes on the hour. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness carries special legal designation to protect its natural, undeveloped and untrammeled qualities as well as to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation.. When buses are not in operation, all vehicles may access the Maroon Bells for a $10 fee or via one of the national recreation passes. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Or, park your car at the Aspen Highlands parking garage for $6 per hour. One-way downhill only shuttle from Maroon Bells scenic area to Aspen Highlands Book Here Day Parking Reservations 12:00 AM Midnight - 4:30 PM Book Here Evening Parking Reservations 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM Midnight Book Here Midnight to Midnight Parking Reservations 24-Hour parking Book Here Overnight Parking Reservations !0% DISCOUNT FOR Colorado Mountain Express (www.cmex.com). Maroon Lake Trail 6. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76477994', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maroon Bells area, vehicle restrictions are in place on Maroon Creek Road from June 11 through October 2. Total overnight visitors accessing the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness via the 10 most popular trailheads reached a new record in 2020, with 18,324 entering the backcountry to camp, according to data collected by the Forest Service based on the trailhead registration forms that backpackers are required to fill out. We also use analytics & advertising services. Silver Bar Campground(reserve now) - 4 sites available at this small primitive campground. Supervisor's Office Share sensitive information only No fee is required for children 16 years old and younger or for approved school. With hikes for every skill level, anyone can experience the splendor of the area, but no matter the ease of the hike that you have planned, you should always come prepared. more. Everyone is extremely helpful. For an even more memorable route to experience the Maroon Bells, rent an e-bike from the Four Mountain Sports at the base of Aspen Highlands (or from Aspen for a longer ride), and cruise up Maroon Creek Road. If youre coming from Glenwood Springs, take Hwy. ( and reservations. The amphitheater is available for use by the general public and can be reserved for private events. (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=82346. To opt-out click for more information. Re: Overnight parking at Maroon Bells Trailhead. 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. The overnight lots are located below the Day Use lot at Maroon Lake; camping is prohibited. From Aspen, take Hwy. LockA locked padlock Contact for current Maroon Bells information. Never been to Aspen Snowmass or the Roaring Fork Valley? Trail Snapshot 2. There is a cross-country ski track along the road as well as a groomed snowmobile track. ( Maroon Bells Shuttle Bus Dates May 27 to October 24, 2022 8am-5pm Maroon Bells Basecamp Open Daily: May 27 to October 23, 2022 Aspen Highlands Plaza Maroon Bells Hotline 970-945-3319 FAQs Maroon Bells Basecamp Getting Here Biking to Maroon Bells FAQs Protect the Bells FAQs: Getting To Maroon Bells Q: Where is Maroon Bells? Because the natural landmark is so popular, there is limited access to the area during the summer and fall, and reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area by car or shuttle. At the top of the world, its easier to find your center. Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are requiredto visit Maroon Bells and associatedtrailheads by personal vehicle or shuttle. 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. Snow makes route finding difficult. Advance reservation overnight permits are required if you plan to stay overnight in the the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness including: Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake, and the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). That means: pproved bear food storage containers are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Explore the Maroon Bells: What You Need to Know, Learn more about Maroon Bells reservations >>, Find more information on Maroon Bells reservations, permits and fees >>. 1462 E Dawn Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84121. And, I'm not sure where you could even leave a camper. For Maroon Bells shuttle & parking reservation questions, call970-930-6442 or email[emailprotected]. We encourage tickets to be purchased in advance. 900 Grand Ave. For camping, backpacking & trail conditionquestions, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District at 970-963-2266. ContactBlazing Adventuresfor transportation options to Maroon Bells when the RFTA shuttle is not running. Daily: June 21 Sept. 6, 2021 | Weekends: Sep 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, Oct 1-3. Maroon Bells Information Line: (970) 945-3319. 2023 Colorado Tourism Office. The car pass gives you unrestricted access to your campsite and the Maroon . Long term parking is always available. Maroon Creek Trail 8. All visitors are required to take the shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands between early June and late October between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Aspen, CO 81611, Local Phone: 970.925.1940Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736Email: [emailprotected]. Most permits allow up to 4 people per group. Silver Bell Campground(reserve now) - 14 sites available on the banks of Maroon Creek. A free bus also runs from Aspen to Aspen Highlands, labeled the Castle/Maroon bus. Let's start over. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?cid=stelprd3835792. This is on the forestry website regarding overnight parking and access: Due to high and increasing use, and to minimize our impacts on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A: Maroon Creek Road typically opens in mid-May, but this opening date is contingent on weather. The . CLOSED NOW. Fall colors make it an especially dreamy time to visit, when the Maroon Bells are cradled by cloud-speckled blue skies and golden aspen groves. Aspen, CO 81611, Local Phone: 970.925.1940Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736Email: [emailprotected], Parking at Ticket Office / Shuttle Pick Up Area, Transportation beyond regular shuttle hours, Round-trip shuttle transportation from Aspen Highlands to Maroon Bells scenic area, One-way downhill only shuttle from Maroon Bells scenic area to Aspen Highlands, Midnight to Midnight Parking Reservations, Large groups may need to make two reservations and split your party between two shuttle times. 6 min. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-76462115', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maroon Bells in early September. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. To opt-out click for more information. The Willow Lake Trail 10. Start at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel north along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. If limited no-show tickets are available the day of, prices will be higher. Driving Directions 3. 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. Special regulations apply, and overnight permits are required in some areas. Conundrum Hot Springs Zone reserveable campsites, Permit is non-transferable. Use this Overnight Permit Zone Map to understand which zones in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness require a permit. In response to public feedback, the Utah Transit Authority is offering free extended parking as part of a one-year pilot program. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. 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. You will receive a link in your confirmation email to reserve parking or bus transportation. Crater Lake Zone Designated Campsites *From May 26th through October 22nd No arrivals between 8 AM and 5 PM. 590 N. Mill Street Capitol Lake Zone Designated Campsites Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Hiking to Hanging Lake ColoradoColorado Mountains: 6 Famous Peaks, Photo credits: Heather Rousseau/Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Matt Inden/Miles, Matt Inden/Miles, Jeremy Swanson/Aspen Chamber Resort Association. You can't get a camper to the West Maroon TH on the Crested Butte side. For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call 970-930-6442 or email [email protected]. Its best to take the bus, and the majority of the time, its your only option. Is there a shuttle from Denver to Aspen anymore? In Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. The permit allows the permit holder (and group) to camp in the Overnight Permit Zone they select within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. T-Lazy-7 Ranch offers snowmobile tours to the lake, weather permitting. For an even more memorable route to experience the Maroon Bells. Find more information on Maroon Bells reservations, permits and fees >>. # of Hours to Drive from Denver to Aspen in March. LockA locked padlock The camping permit system, and the regulations, are in place to help protect this unique Wilderness treasure. Place to stay for Food & Wine Fest in summer 2013? Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Photos (6,791) Directions Print/PDF map Length 25.7 miElevation gain 7,752 ftRoute type Loop Try this 25.7-mile loop trail near Aspen, Colorado. Supervisor's Office This 3.6-mile round-trip trail adds a bit more challenge, but rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of bushy Aspen woodlands and Crater Lake. The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. Parking Lots & Garages Garage Doors & Openers Garage Cabinets & Organizers. Approved bear food storage containers are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. I was really impressed with how thorough they were with the work they did and their attention to detail. If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone for each night that you camp. One-way downhill tickets will be required from the Maroon Bells Scenic Area to Aspen Highlands. connected to the .gov website. I read from photography guide book that people stay in their vehicle overnight in order to catch the first light hitting the mountain. For a current list of UTA's free long-term and day use parking lots, click here . Mountain Biking In The Roaring Fork Valley. See Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness for detailed information. Anchored by a stunning reflective lake, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak tower over the area, creating an oasis of natural wonder that captivates visitors of this unique destination year-round. Campsites must be occupied. Reminder: This is a wilderness area. All visitors are required to use the shuttle bus from 8am -5pm, June 11th through October 2nd. Available at: Snowmass and Aspen Mountain only, Available at: Snowmass and Aspen Mountain ($31) or Buttermilk ($25). Head to our home pagetofind what you're looking for, or discover something new about Aspen! In all other zones, permit holder and group should select a campsite within the zone that is already established and is 70 big steps away from trails and water. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Large groups may need to make two reservations and split your party between two shuttle times. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through When buses are not in operation, all vehicles may access the Maroon Bells for a $10 fee or via one of the national recreation passes. Parking is available, but limited, from the center. Dogs are welcome on the trails (and are allowed on the RFTA bus), but they must be kept on a leash. For more information on visiting the Maroon Bells Scenic area, feel . As a visitor to the area, its up to you to help protect this amazing place, and we know that you will! From the heart of downtown Aspen, the Silver Queen Gondola delivers guests to the peak at 11,200 feet, where endless vistas and flower-laden hiking trails await. 2. See section below for more. All three require advanced reservations, and none offer direct views of Maroon Bells from the campground. All rights reserved. Available for purchase online or at any of our. $10 lunch credit at Sundeck Restaurant* (top of Aspen Mountain), Ajax Tavern (base of Aspen Mountain), or Elk Camp Restaurant (top of Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass) for one time use, 20% off bike rentals at Four Mountain Sports for one time use (excluding downhill bikes and e-bikes)***. History and Geology Maroon Lake, where Maroon Creek Road ends, is situated at an elevation of 9,580 feet. Maroon Bells Parking Permits, May 15 - October 31, 2023, *From May 26th through October 22nd you must arrive before 8:00 AM. Maroon Creek Road is open to bicycles and e-bikes. Another popular hike is the 1.8-mile hike (3.6 miles roundtrip) to Crater Lake. The maximum number of people allowed at the amphitheater . Permits must be purchased in advance at, rent an e-bike from the Four Mountain Sports, Aspen Resort Chamber Association's website. 4. The Wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a major access point for Wilderness travel. This 3.2-mile one-way trail is an excellent place to spot wildlife such as mule deer, red fox, bighorn sheep, porcupines and a variety of birds. There are three small campgrounds along Maroon Creek Road: Silver Bell Campground, Silver Queen Campground and Silver Bar Campground (primitive). Geneva Lake Zone Recommended Campsites, Map showing recreational areas. Reservations are required to visit Maroon Bells by car or shuttle. Permit holder or alternate leader must be present. Bear Resistant canisters are required for overnight camping in Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Area and recommended for Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness Area. Campers also need parking reservations if they plan to visit Maroon Lake. Parking & Trailhead 4. The RFTA shuttle service runs fromMay 26 through October 22, 2023. 900 Grand Ave. We average about 2 miles per hour and we were a little slower than that for this hike, probably due to the weight of our bags. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip. From early October to late June, campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. on official, secure websites. The picnic area is available for use by the general public, but can be reserved for private events. Vehicle access begins May 15 through October 31, 2022 and the shuttle system from Aspen Highlands begins May 27 and will run through October 16, 2022. Contactfor current Maroon Bells information. Parking & Shuttlereservationsare required May-October, Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities. Weencourage youto purchase reservations in advance. Personal vehicles are allowed from that date until the Maroon Bells Shuttle begins operating on early June, however, reservations are now required due to minimal parking at the lake. Aspen Expeditions , Ute Mountaineer , or Four-Mountain Sports have canisters available for rent or purchase. The Maroon Bells operating season is done under cooperative agreement and partnership with Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Pitkin County, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, the City of Aspen, and Aspen Skiing Company. 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. Visit the Aspen Resort Chamber Association website for reservations and updated dates on each summer. Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are required to visit Maroon Bells and associated trailheads by personal vehicle or shuttle. to . Recreation.gov! Choose between private vehicle trailhead parking permits from May 15 through October 31,or RFTA shuttle reservations from May 26 through October 22, 2023. TheAspen Chamber Resort AssociationandSnowmass Tourismalso have great info on getting there and back. The twin peaks are approximately 10 miles from downtown Aspen, 8 miles from the Maroon Bells Basecamp and Aspen Highlands Parking Garage, 6.2 miles from the winter road closure at T-Lazy-7 Ranch, and 5 miles from the Forest Service gate on Maroon Creek Road. Overnight parking or camping is prohibited. We also use analytics & advertising services. 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. 970-925-3445. Conundrum Hot Springs Zone reserveable campsites, When planning your trip, please keep the following in mind:, A few more items to agree to and consider when planning include:, Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station (970) 963-2266. United States. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail Our Sightseeing Package offers 3 days of gondola access as well as several perks to make the most of your trip to the high country. $5 car pass is required in addition to camping fee and will be collected as you enter the area. You can buy a parking pass for. The $6 reservation fee is non-refundable, Canceled permits will be available on permit website within 24 hours of cancellation. Maroon Bells Parking Permits, May 15 - October 31, 2023 *From May 26th through October 22nd you must arrive before 8:00 AM . Reservations for shuttles and trailhead parking open months ahead of time, so book early to make sure you don't miss out. 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. Day Parking is available at the end of Maroon Creek road at Maroon Lake. This parking spot is closed during the times you have selected. From early October to late June in the Rocky Mountains, campsites, trails and mountan passes are snow covered and trailheads may be inaccessible. The campground sits at an elevation of 8,460 feet, allowing guests to experience warm summer days and cool evenings with probable afternoon thunderstorms. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permits Part of White River National Forest Need to Know Fees & Cancellations Getting Here Contacts The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip. Parking at Maroon Bells/hike from Aspen to Crested Butte by ians Wed Oct 11, 2017 3:01 am 0 Replies 3738 Views Last post by ians Wed Oct 11, 2017 3:01 am Maroon Bells by Kiefer Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:14 am 3 Replies 3046 Views Last post by Kenneth.alone We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience. Silver Queen Campground(reserve now) - 5 campsites available, near Maroon Creek. On weekdays, it's $10 for 0-3 hours, $15 for 3-8 hours and $25 for 8+ hours. The overnight permitting system does not apply to day hikers or the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, which has a separate parking and shuttle reservation system. Sign up for exclusive offers, new and updates, events, and more in your inbox. 3 days of gondola and chairlift rides (valid 3 of 7 days) at Snowmass's Elk Camp Gondola and Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola (or Buttermilk's Summit Express Lift as the Silver Queen Gondola will be closed for regular maintenance through July 2, 2021). No, swimming is not permitted at Maroon lake. The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. Garages Street Private. Night Tours from $40.00 per adult Highlights of Aspen Tour 5 Walking Tours from $40.00 per adult Extreme Sledding in Breckenridge: High Speed Excitement 63 Recommended from $34.00 per adult Scenic Canyon Half-Day Float 106 Recommended Adventure Tours from $72.00 per adult Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour 8 Walking Tours from $40.00 per adult If you're visiting Maroon Bells, you may also enjoy sightseeing on Snowmass and Aspen Mountain. They won't let you park overnight, but you can easily drive yourself in, as long as you're there before 8am. This area provides outstanding recreational opportunities including downhill & cross-country skiing, hunting, hiking, camping, rafting, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and world class fly fishing in gold medal waters. If you plan to start your trip at the Maroon Scenic Area, you will need to reserve a parking or bus reservation. This includes overnight parking for those backpacking into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. United States. If you want to catch the first light, you'll obviously be in long before 8am and should have no problem gaining access. 8. website belongs to an official government organization in the 590 N. Mill Street These special requests need to be made at least two weeks prior to the day you would like to visit, for a minimum of 15 people, and there are no guarantees of availability. Please seal and store food in a container inside a vehicle or in bear boxes provided at the campsite. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. The price of a parking reservation is $10/vehicle.