Aspen, Colorado is know for a lot of things, but it may be most famous for its unique maroon-colored peaks, known as Maroon Bells!
These peaks are claimed to be the most photographed in North America – and for good reason!
Unfortunately (and perhaps fortunately for the land and amazing individuals who help keep the area in tip top shape!) there is a permit system in place to ensure this area isn’t loved to death, which can make visiting a little more complicated. But don’t worry, I got you!
Best Time to Visit:
Now, if you love snow, you may disagree with me here 😂. But Maroon Bells is best visited in the summer and fall! The road to the trailhead closes in the winter and the area has high avalanche risk- which is evidenced by the aftermath of multiple slides both on the way to the trailhead and on the trails themselves – so only those with appropriate gear and experience should attempt hiking in the area in the winter.
Keep in mind, summer and fall will be the busiest times and you’ll have two very different experiences! I personally prefer fall as it’s a bit cooler and you’ll get to witness the Aspen trees changing colors. If you haven’t yet experienced Colorado in the fall – you’re in for a treat. Our Aspen trees turn a beautiful yellow hue and put on quite the show!
That said, fall here is unpredictable and the timing of peak leaf season changes every year, so coming from out of state can be tough. If you come late September to early October, you’ll get some color, but as for peak…feel free to peep my Fallorado post to help you out! I had a trip to the San Juan’s scheduled the next week, so I’d say I was about a week early this year, going the weekend of September 24th.
How to get there:
If you’re coming from Denver, the trailhead for Maroon Bells is over 3.5 hours away. Throw in weather or traffic, and you can be looking at a MUCH longer trek! Because of the lengthy drive, I’d highly recommend making a weekend out of it as there’s TONS to do out this way!
Permit System:
As noted above, a permit system is in place for both parking spaces and the shuttle to get to Maroon Bells, however you can still access the trailhead on foot or by bike, if you’re willing to add the extra mileage.
🚗 Car: Parking reservations are required from May 14 – October 31 and run $10 a car. Reservations typically go on sale about a month before parking opens – in 2021, reservations were first released on April 12.
Maroon Creek Road typically closes in November, but from October 31 until the road closes – cars are free to drive up and pay a $10 self-service fee to visit.
🚌 Shuttle: Shuttle reservations are required from June 7 – October 23. You’ll park your car at the Aspen Highlands parking area and there’s going to be a fee for parking there as well. It costs $5 per hour with a maximum of $40 – kind of a bummer, but it’s well worth it.
The shuttle typically runs every 15 minutes and if you don’t have a ticket you CAN just show up and wait in line for no shows. The shuttle ranges from $16 for adults to $10 for kiddos and seniors. You can also get a one way downhill shuttle ticket for $10 (can come in handy for those who have someone drop them off in the morning (6-8 am) or who’ve been backpacking).
These shuttles ARE dog friendly! And you don’t have to buy a ticket for your furry friends 🐾.
But please note, the shuttle is pretty serious business, so make sure you’re there early or you may end up out of luck (we saw it happen!). And keep in mind, the last return shuttle departs Maroon Lake at 5 p.m. Not 5:05, not 5:15. If you miss that bus, you’ll have the long walk on back to your car, so make sure to come prepared and time things accordingly!
Great news – if you plan to visit frequently – you can get a Maroon Bells Annual Pass or use a National Parks Pass 🙏🏻♥️.
Other options:
You always have the option to walk or bike the 8ish miles on up Maroon Creek Road! Once the snow hits, many people enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or even snowmobiling their way up! As soon as I experience this – and I’d really love to – I’ll be sure to report back on all the details!
Trails:
Still hanging in with me? I know, this is a LOT, but this is one of those areas you just have to put the work in on planning to make sure you have a great trip!
Pet friendly, family friendly, and technical trail options are available – no matter your skill level, this area has you covered.
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail: A gentle, 1 mile loop around Maroon lake.
Crater Lake Trail: A nice little 3.5 mile out and back.
Maroon Creek Trail: A bit longer, but not too challenging, 6.9 mile out and back.
Maroon Peak: This 12ish mile, class 3 hike is only for very experienced hikers with appropriate gear…they aren’t nicknamed the deadly bells for nothing.
Four Pass Loop: From what I’m told, a nearly 27 mile backpackers dream! I’m very much looking forward to doing this next year and will have more then!
🏕Camping: There are 3 established campgrounds along with backcountry camping for those capable! For reservations you’ll want to head over to recreation.gov.
Where to Stay:
Not planning on camping? I’m a big fan of low budget balling with stays. Realistically, I’m not traveling somewhere to sit in a hotel 🤷🏼♀️- but if you are (and there’s nothing wrong with that – my son loves hotels more than anything)- there are a ton of amazing locations to stay at in Aspen proper. These locations, however, will be spendy.
Which is why I like to stay in the nearby towns because I spend a LOT less money, which means more money for snacks and trying yummy food 🤤. Some great options include Carbondale and Basalt.
Our favorite place to stay so far has been the Carbondale KOA – reasonably priced, allows dogs, and the location can’t be beat! For more information check out: https://koa.com/campgrounds/carbondale/
I realize – that was a LOT. You deserve an award for making it this far. And you know what that reward will be? An awesome, prepared feeling when you get your butt to Aspen to check out the Bells.
And if you’re planning to stay the weekend, here are some other great, dog-friendly hikes in the area you can check out:
-American Lakes (6.8 miles)
-The Grottos Trail (.6 miles)
-Rio Grande Trail (4.7 miles)
-Cathedral Lake Trail (5.4 miles)
Happy hiking ♥️ 🥾!
Kristin Hikes Colorado 