Reservations forSilver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen campgroundscan be made at www.recreation.gov. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Campers also need parking reservations if they plan to visit Maroon Lake. Which trail has the most elevation gain in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness? Its short and other than elevation, not strenuous. 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. Incredibly beautiful. Taking time to literally catch your breath will help get your hike off to a great start. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 8 min to complete. Avalanche hazards exist in the mountains. 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. This well-maintained trail starts by following Maroon Creek before entering pretty East Maroon Valley. Fishing is permitted in all streams and lakes within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness subject to the regulations of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 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. Elevation: 9,500 ft. - 10,000 ft. (EASY) Crater Lake - The trail begins at Maroon Lake, 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road. United States. The stunning Elk Range towers with dramatic peaks. Be prepared for a serious elevation gain of 2,165 feet. The most popular viewpoint is from the shores of Maroon Lake, a pristine alpine lake enveloped by fields of wildflowers. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness is. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Descend to Crater and then Maroon Lake to finish your loop. Whether she is leaving on a jet plane or exploring the open road, Sandi loves to visit destinations that offer cool and interesting activities, fabulous culinary creations, and fun libations. 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. 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. Information regarding visiting Maroon Bells by shuttle. Altitude sickness is something you need to consider whenever you are hiking in the mountains. From mid-June to early October, Maroon Creek Road, which takes you to the Maroon Bells Welcome Center and Maroon Bells Trailhead, is drivable. ***Need Help! For a wider overview of the weather, consult the Weather Map of Colorado. Contact for current Maroon Bells information. This hike requires planning and a solid knowledge of the areas terrain. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 16,835 AllTrails community reviews. 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. Contact 719-368-4365. Call 970.925.3445 with specific questions about seasonal road access and shuttle schedules: There's a $10 fee to access the Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead by car. 330 333 0533, Looking for a day pass on 10/22. 4/8 . Maroon Lake, where Maroon Creek Road ends, is situated at an elevation of 9,580 feet. Maroon Bells Weddings Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Temperatures will be below freezing (max -3C on Thu morning, min -11C on Thu night). Maroon Bells Welcome Station is at 8,458 feet, giving you a good starting elevation for your hikes. Summer season camping at Maroon Bells is a wonderful, nature-immersive experience. Depending on the party's ability, trail and weather conditions, this loop can take between 3 and 5 days to complete. This trail is estimated to be 97.7 km long. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. If you're looking for elevation gain, Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness has you covered. A popular way to hike this trail is from Aspen to Crested Butte (this can also be done on the Eastern Maroon trail). (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40555. The RFTA shuttle service runs between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from late May through late October at a fare of $16 per adult and $10 for children under 12 and seniors. Followed this same trail back to the trailhead the next day. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0C on Mon afternoon, min -7C on Tue night). The left trail or the scenic trail follows a river and crosses two bridges, then climbs steeply to meet with the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. If you feel a bout of dizziness coming on, take a break and enjoy the scenery while your body has a chance to regroup. How many trails are in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness? For up-to-the-minute shuttle and parking information, visit RFTA Maroon Bells. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told. 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. In this scenic area you will find extensive hiking trails, the aspen highlands, and opportunities to ski. (970)945-2521, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recreation/recarea/?recid=82346. 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). Please contact the United States Forest Service to confirm whether the road is open before your trip. 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. When you are over 8,000 feet, you can experience symptoms such as mild dizziness, headache, and shortness of breath. Aspen Highlands avoids the spotlight and feels like the locals' secret. LockA locked padlock The Silver Bar is an excellent place to stay; you dont have to carry your equipment very far from the parking lot, and you still have access to everything the Maroon Bells has to offer. There is a cross-country ski track along the road as well as a groomed snowmobile track. Winds increasing (light winds from the S on Thu morning, strong winds from the WSW by Fri afternoon). We recognize these Indigenous peoples as the original inhabitants of this land. For additional information, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District Monday-Friday 8am-4:30 pmat (970) 963-2266. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. A: The Maroon Bells is located in the Elk Mountains south of Aspen. The trail traverses four mountain passes over 12,000 feet and can be hiked in 3-5 days. If you need a private vehicle pass for tomorrow 10/26 8am-5pm, I have a cold and wont be using mine. Trails. Start at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel north along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Map, Conundrum Hot Springs Designated Campsites, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, CPW: hunting and fishing, OHV and boat permits, No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions. I have an over night parking pass for 10/10 for sale 518-813-6483, Looking for parking pass for maroon bells on 10/8 please call or text 585-820-8885. Snow makes route finding difficult. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado spans 181,535-acres (734.65 km2) within the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest. 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. Maroon Bells shuttle and parking reservations. This trail is often used as a starting point for extended backpacking trips into the wilderness. 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. There are several ways to enjoy beyond this scenic area. You are allowed to drive your personal vehicle, for a small fee, before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. 516 710 8781 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. A place to do what you love and not care who's watchingHighlands invites you to carve your own path. The Wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a major access point for Wilderness travel. 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 Between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., visitors are required to take the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus. Please call (970) 945-3319 or visit the Forest Service link below for more information: No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Ill post more details and things tomorrow, but lots of folks are eager, Over the past few days I was up on Mt Baldy and Avery with some views, Just a quick update here. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, Williams Peak and Ginright (Fourmile)Timber Sale Project Area Restrictions, CPW: hunting and fishing, OHV and boat permits, No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions. Sign up for exclusive offers, new and updates, events, and more in your inbox. Permits and overnight fees are required for several areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Silver Bar Campground is a primitive campground with four sites available on the banks of Maroon Creek. 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. A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Tue afternoon. Or, park your car at the Aspen Highlands parking garage for $6 per hour. Is anyone selling a parking day pass for 10/19? This popular campground offers a few first-come sites, but they book up early. Unlike any other hike, Mother Nature provides her Maroon Bells visitor with awe-inspiring scenery and sets a perfect stage for gorgeous photos. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -3C on Thu morning, min -11C on Thu night). Anyone have an adult pass for 12 pm tomorrow 10/9? No matter the season, beauty abounds at the Maroon Bells, which is why its become a bucket list destination for so many. Make sure to plan ahead and know before you go! Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. With an elevation of 8,700 feet, you are still a good climb away from the summit and the views. Please call/ text me 6825598329. This 27.1-mile, difficult-rated backpacking trail is best saved for very experienced hikers. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. Let our lifts whisk you away 11,000 feet into the sky, where you can enjoy incredible views, delicious outdoor dining, and activities for the whole family. #5 - Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass, #9 - Crater Lake and Maroon Creek to East Fork, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 42 min to complete. From here, drop down into the forest of Fravert Basin to find a camp above or south of the trail before Kings waterfall. . There is still some, This update really only pertains to West Maroon Pass as I didnt really have much for, Quick update here. 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. Text 703-992-3882, You do sort of have to use both AllTrails and the signs at the shuttle stop to figure out where the trail starts & numerous people on the trail were unclear which trail they were on but it was very beautiful. Pro tip: As you gain altitude, spontaneous thunderstorms and hail are common for mountain regions, especially in the afternoons. Crater Lake Zone Designated Campsites We have one extra shuttle pass for today 10/15 at 2:40pm. Please seal and store food in a container inside a vehicle or in bear boxes provided at the campsite. The higher you go elevation-wise, the more naked aspen trees you encounter. 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. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past alpine lakes and among high Elk Range peaks. Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. Cross the creek and hike a little further to find nice secluded campsites off both sides of the trail. Day 2 Cross the creek early before climbing to the top of W. Maroon Pass (12,500 ft.). Aspen Highlands Snow & Trail Report. Call Toll Free 1 (877) 444-6777 (International (518) 885-3639 or TDD (877) 833-6777) or reserve on-line at www.recreation.gov. Official websites use .gov A .gov table. Oxidized iron particles in the rock give the bells their unique maroon color. In the winter, the road is closed and converted into a cross country ski trail about 6 miles from the trailhead, making it around 12 miles round trip. Reservations are available from www.aspenchamber.org. 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. 900 Grand Ave. 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. Head out on this 13.2-mile out-and-back trail near Aspen, Colorado. 60 miles of free cross country ski and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt Colorado. Dogs are welcome on the trails (and are allowed on the RFTA bus), but they must be kept on a leash. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The campground is accessible to trailers and RVs and makes a great base camp for day hikes. Spectacular mountain vistas that seem to change color as the sun angle shifts, vast fields of wildflowers dancing in the gentle breeze, aspen trees standing straight and tall, and crystal clear mountain lakes that mirror their surroundings; Colorados Maroon Bells are a must-visit if you are in Aspen. From Aspen, take Hwy. 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. Add To Your Experience. Wind will be generally light. Looking for 2 morning passes for Saturday 10/15 if anyone is selling! 11h 31m This is a popular stretch of trail for hikers and backpackers alike, which takes visitors past some incredible scenery and some picturesque lakes. There is a cross-country ski track along the road as well as a groomed snowmobile track. 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. Miles one way: 1.3. 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. Generally considered a challenging route. Capitol Lake Zone Designated Campsites Contactfor current Maroon Bells information. The park's runner-up is Capital Creek Circuit, which will get you 5,255 m of elevation gain. The Four Pass Loop is a 28 mile round trip with 8,000 feet of elevation gain and loss that stays around 10,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation covering four mountain passes in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. 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. 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. Adventure isn't hard to find at Lost Forest with ziplines, ropes courses, an alpine coaster, miles of hiking trails, fishing, disc golf, a climbing wall, and more. website belongs to an official government organization in the Special regulations apply, and overnight permits are required in some areas. 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. 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. For more information, see here. To opt-out click for more information. Fishing is allowed at Maroon Lake and along Maroon Creek, but as with all public water in Colorado, a state-issued fishing license is required. The Maroon/Snowmass - Crater Lake trail is a short and very popular day hike over rocky trails, through aspen groves and around rock formations to a high mountain lake. For the best experience possible, be sure to bring proper shoes, sunscreen and drinking water. 590 N. Mill Street Wondering if anybody knows if the road is open currently? Trail was closed when I went this weekend Jan 28 2023. It is a popular hike, and you can expect to find most of the tourist traffic on this trail. Want to report conditions for this trail? United States. for trail updates, conditions, and a more detailed description of the loop. An official website of the This includes overnight parking for those backpacking into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Map Share sensitive information only The wisdom of these seasoned trekkers impart will carry over to all your other hiking adventures. Aspens 14ers represent some of the best mountaineering in Colorado. The trail climbs steadily but not steeply. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. Located just outside of Aspen, Colorado's fourth-largest wilderness stretches over 181,000 acres and provides numerous life-list backpacking opportunities on its 100 miles of trails. 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. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail You can view beautiful fall colors, and swim in numerous alpine lakes, or backpack through aspen groves in the rocky mountains. Please call or text to coordinate 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. Wander down to the lake, take some photos, and enjoy the gorgeous views. Visit the Aspen Resort Chamber Association website for reservations and updated dates on each summer. Check the Maroon Bells Hotline for up-to-date road conditions. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are required to visit Maroon Bells and associated trailheads by personal vehicle or shuttle. Visited in late October. 4/8. Learn more about Maroon Bells reservations >>. Of the 729 found, just 51% were outside the 100-foot buffer from streams, lakes and trails, according to the plan. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Length: 20.6 mi Est. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Photos (6,832) Directions Print/PDF map Length 25.7 miElevation gain 7,752 ftRoute type Loop Enjoy this 25.7-mile loop trail near Aspen, Colorado. Maroon Creek Trail Start at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel north along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. During the summer season, access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is restricted to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness is. Climbing the Maroon Bells is an entirely different adventure than hiking a trail. There are seven 14ers in this range, and hiking them unprepared can be dangerous. Region: Mountain West (Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Central Colorado) Distance: 28 miles (3-4 days) Physical Difficulty . Pro tip: Visit mid-week when there's a higher chance you could have the place all to yourself. 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. Supervisor's Office There are 73 trails in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only The West Maroon Trail follows the West Maroon Creek, which flows from West Maroon Pass to Crater Lake. National Forest 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. Renowned for its acclaimed skiing and celebrity sightings, Aspen is home to the most iconic 14,000 footers (14ers) in Colorado, the Maroon Bells. The Four Pass Loop accessed from the Maroon Lake trailhead is 26 miles with ~11,000 ft. (3,350 meters) of vertical gain. In the spirit of healing and education, we acknowledge the 48 contemporary tribes with historic ties to the state of Colorado. 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. Maroon Bells Shuttle Reservations & Parking Permits Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities. Learn how to visit this iconic landmark and see what makes it a fixture of the states breathtaking scenery. An official website of the Please text 985 788 9941. Absolutely gorgeous hike, as of 10/9 aspens still looked amazing. The Welcome Station is located 4.7 miles up Maroon Creek Road. Day 3: East Fork Avalanche Creek - Silver Creek Pass - Lead King Basin - Geneva Lake - Unnamed Lake South-West of Trail Rider Pass. Trail Conditions - Maroon Bells Shuttles Trail Conditions 16 Jun 2021 maroonbellsshuttles Uncategorized West Maroon Pass and Schofield Pass Update June 16, 2021 The well below average snowpack for our area is melting quick this year, and now the Read more 22 Jun 2020 maroonbellsshuttles Uncategorized West Maroon Pass Update June 21, 2020 Day 4 From Snowmass Lake take the Maroon Snowmass Trail towards Buckskin Pass (12,500 ft.). Dogs are permitted in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, but must be on a leash at all times. North Star Nature Preserve. The Interagency, Senior & Golden Access Passes are honored. Satellite phones are recommended if you are planning long and overnight hikes. United States government. Explore one of 3 easy hiking trails in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness that are great for the whole family. It features the Elk Mountains, Conundrum Hot Springs, Maroon Lake, and many other popular outdoor destinations. Thank you ! Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. ) or https:// means you've safely