99 Gorgeous Places in Colorado: The Postcard Places, 9 Awesome Places to Take Colorado Photos, â¹ Explore Coloradoâs Incredible Wilderness Areas, Fall Festivals & Fall Drives: Perfect Colorado Pair âº. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado spans 181,535-acres (734.65 km2) within the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest. Volunteer Tourism in Colorado: Trail Repair Organizations, Hiking in Alamosa: 11 Localsâ Favorite Trails, Soak Up History & Natural Beauty in the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. ⦠This is a good day hike with several bus stops for getting a ride along the way. up to the ranger station, pay your $10 parking fee and head up to the trailhead. The trail leads hikers through gorgeous wildflower valleys. Hike about 1.5 miles to Crater Lake, then follow the appropriate trail to your route. Trail Description. You'll have plenty of human company in Colorado's fourth largest Wilderness. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. Map (continue past the marker on the map on rte 317 toward the trailhead/parking lot) Maroon Lake Trailhead Approach the Maroon Bells from the Maroon Lake TH (9,590-ft.) From Aspen, locate a round-about a half mile north on Hwy 82 and drive west on Maroon Lake Road for 9.4 miles to the parking area. While not part of the platform groomed by Pitkin County and the City of Aspen, Maroon Creek road offers a beautiful nordic skiing experience. Crater Lake TrailThis 3.6-mile round-trip trail rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of bushy Aspen woodlands and Crater Lake. About Crater Lake (the Maroon Bells) This is quite possibly one of the most iconic hikes in the nation and certainly in the Aspen Snowmass area, this is a canât miss hike. From mid-May to mid-November, access via Maroon Creek Road is open but restricted between the hours of 8am and 5pm, and is also weather dependent.  Â, For Maroon Bells reservation questions, please call 970-930-6442 or email [email protected].Â. Located just 10 miles west of Aspen or 16 from Snowmass up Maroon Creek Road off Hwy. For more info click here. 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. Follow the Maroon Bells Rd. Cloudcroft, NM 88317 This area exemplifies Rocky Mountain splendor with over 175 miles of trail ⦠It features the Elk Mountains, Conundrum Hot Springs, Maroon Lake, and many other popular outdoor destinations. Personal vehicles ($10/vehicle) will still require reservations before 8am and after 5pm.Â, Park your car at the Aspen Highlands parking structure (free for the first 30-minutes, then costs: .5â3 Hours: $10, 3â8 Hours: $15, 8+ Hours: $30). 82 south toward Aspen until you reach the roundabout (about 40 miles). With excellent trail options to suit novice and advanced hikers alike, the Maroon Bells mountain range and surrounding area is a veritable playground for anyone with a love for the outdoors. Maroon-Snowmass Trail is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. Maroon Creek Road to Maroon Bells is closed for the winter season Experience the beauty of Colorado with a day trek from Crested Butte to Aspen. 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. The Aspen Chamber Resort Association and Snowmass Tourism also have great info on getting there and back. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail This easy 1-mile round-trip trek starts at the parking area and follows the circumference of the lake; keep an eye out for the active beaver pond. From the top of this hike, youâll be treated to 360-degree views the highlight of which looking down the valley at the Maroon Bells. As you follow the trail around Maroon Lake, it ascends roughly 1.5 miles up to Crater Lake. Follow Maroon ⦠To access the trailhead at Maroon Lake, you must enter the Maroon Bells Scenic Area before 8am or after 5pm to access with a vehicle, which a $10 entrance fee is required. The Maroon Lake - Maroon Snowmass Trailhead is located 9.2 miles west of Highway 82 on Maroon Creek Road. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. Hike wildflower terrain from Crested Butte all the way to the iconic Maroon Bells in Aspen via West Maroon Pass.This complete one-day epic hiking trail from Crested Butte to Aspen traverses through stunning alpine scenery of snow ⦠Please refer to Restrictions and Fee Description for more details. You can also take RFTAâs free Castle/Maroon bus to Aspen Highlands from Rubey Park Transit Center in downtown Aspen. The best way to see the Maroon Bells is to take the public bus operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and visit mid-week when there are fewer crowds. Map Information, Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, 9,580 feet (2920 m) - 8,709 feet (2655 m), https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=generalinfo&recid=40519&ttype=recarea&pname=Maroon%20Creek%20Trail%20. 3463 Las Palomas We were surprised to find the lake smaller than we expected. Without a doubt, it is among the most scenic protected areas in the United States, and the best way to see it is on foot. 575-885-4181. For this trip, youâll keep hiking past these campsites, up towards West Maroon Pass. Take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area, which leaves every 20 minutes; dogs are allowed onthe bus. Directions to Trailhead. Hike approximately 1.75 miles to reach another signed trail junction . This is also a popular trail for horseback riding. 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. This is a good day hike with several bus stops for getting a ride along the way. This trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Valley. From the parking area, follow the trail to and around Maroon Lake. 901 Mechem Dr. There is plenty of space to lock up your bike on the provided bike racks. Anyway, be watching for a sign on your right that says: Crater Lake. Ruidoso, NM 88345 Conundrum Hot Springs - 17.0 Miles Round-Trip The Conundrum Hot Springs are located 8.5 miles from Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Hiking trails provide access to plenty of photo-worthy scenes in the White River National Forest, including hypnotizing wildflower fields, fly-fishermen seeking catches in tranquil Maroon Lake and brilliant fall colors on aspen trees. You may park your vehicle at Aspen Highlands Village Parking Lot and travel via RFTA bus up the Maroon Valley. We decided to take an afternoon drive to visit Maroon Bells while staying in Aspen. Length 1.9 miElevation gain 160 ftRoute type Loop When you arrive at Maroon Lake at the base of the Bells you may depart the bus and return on any later bus, affording you the opportunity to hike, take a ACES guided nature tour at 10:15am and 1:15pm, picnic (there are no food vendors at the Maroon Bells), take pictures or have a moment of solitude. The views of the Maroon Creek Valley and the Maroon Bells ⦠Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964 which now comprises of 183,847 acres. ** Exceptions to the motorized vehicle restriction * Vehicles with people with disabilities or with a valid Handicap placard or license plate * Vehicles with 11 people or more * Vehicles with infants that require a restraining child seat (not a booster seat) * Campers at Silver Bar, Silver Bell & Silver Queen Campgrounds * Holders with Special Use Permits issued by the Forest Service * Overnight Backpackers * Horse trailers. When the snow melts in Colorado, the beauty that lies beneath is brilliantly exposed. This trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Valley. The Official Site of Colorado Tourism © 2020 Colorado Tourism Office. Totally worth doing, even if you've already gone up and back from Crater Lake. Learn more about transportation options to Maroon Lake below. If you are planning to hike in the area, be sure to bring proper shoes, sunscreen and drinking water. 99 Gorgeous Places in Colorado: The Postcard PlacesHidden Colorado Gem: Island LakeHiking to Hanging Lake ColoradoColorado Mountains: 6 Famous Peaks9 Awesome Places to Take Colorado Photos, Photo credits: Heather Rousseau/Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Matt Inden/Miles, Matt Inden/Miles, Jeremy Swanson/Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Summertime means hiking time. Alamogordo, NM 88310 You have probably heard by now that no trip to Aspen is complete without a visit to the Maroon Bells. If the day is clear, and the wind is calm, you should be able to see a reflection of the Maroon Bells in Maroon Lake. This is easy to do and pretty self explanatory. Miles one way: 1.3. The trailâs segments are labeled different names on maps and trailheads such as: Maroon Lake Trail, Falls Loop ⦠⦠Otherwise, shuttle buses run for all visitors arriving between 8am-5pm. Don't let the crowds deter or the fact that you have to take a bus from Aspen Highlands Village mid-June through Labor Day (and on the weekends throughout September) you, the views and photo opportunities are beyond worth the effort. All rights reserved. You can see the easily accessible area in less than an hour. Map showing recreational areas. The Maroon Bells, a series of distinctively bell-shaped, wine-colored peaks towering 14,000 ft. above the pristine, glacial Maroon Creek Valley, offer some of the most spectacular natural views in the world. 575-682-2551, Guadalupe District Details are subject to change. Get more information about Maroon Bells and the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District. The bus operates between 8am to 5pm from mid-June through early October. As the name suggests this hike takes you over four 12,000â² mountain passes as you circle around the infamous 14,000â² deadly Maroon Bells. Numerous hiking trails depart the Maroon Lake area, penetrating deep into the 182,000-acre wilderness area. 7 miles; +1,660 / -2,900 feet; West Maroon Pass to North Fork of Crystal River. Known as "the most photographed peaks in North America", the iconic image of the Maroon Bells will stick with you forever. Start at the Deadly Bells Kiosk from Maroon Lake Trail and be prepared for a steep and rocky ascent, cooler temperatures and spontaneous thunderstorms. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964. The trail was even and easy to traverse. No trip to Aspen would be complete without visiting the Maroon Bells. 4 Lost Lodge Rd 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. The fare will be $15.95 for all reservations. The easiest hike is more o⦠575-257-4095, Sacramento District Starting June 14, Maroon Creek Road restrictions will start and visitors will be directed to RFTA bus service. Because the natural landmark is so popular, there is restricted access to the area during the summer and fall. We found the park to be quaint. Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicular traffic in cold-weather months, but you can cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile to the area. The hot spring complex contains two main pools and four smaller springs with a combined approximate discharge ⦠This fall I did the Scenic Trail and wow - I've been missing out! 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