Sign up for exclusive offers, new and updates, events, and more in your inbox. The loop takes you up four mountain passes; West Maroon at 12,500 feet, Frigid Air at 12,415 feet, Trail Rider at 12,420 feet, and Buckskin at 12,500 feet. It is a popular hike, and you can expect to find most of the tourist traffic on this trail. In a state known for mountains, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness stands out among Colorado's mountainous locales. Contact 719-368-4365. Trails. Directions: Popular Trails Four Pass Loop: The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. It is the fourth largest established wilderness area in the state of Colorado. Fall foliage was a few days, maybe more, from peak color, but all around Maroon Bells area was looking very pretty with yellow. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. 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. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past alpine lakes and among high Elk Range peaks. 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. (231)414-7597. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Please text 608-577-9810. The sites are open May to October, and reservations are required. 60 miles of free cross country ski and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt Colorado. How many trails are in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness? Please contact the United States Forest Service to confirm whether the road is open before your trip. Spring Enjoy open meadows, abundant wildlife, and lakeside sunrises, in spring when it can feel like you have the peaks all to yourself. Permits are available atrecreation.gov. Wondering if anybody knows if the road is open currently? Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 8 min to complete. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 82 south toward Aspen until you reach the roundabout (about 40 miles). 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. Trail Option #2 - The Scenic Loop Trail at Maroon Bells. The red shale and siltstone form the fragile rock face and present their red hues. Particularly when you are in Colorado. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 16,835 AllTrails community reviews. Head out on this 13.2-mile out-and-back trail near Aspen, Colorado. Temperatures will be below freezing (max 0C on Mon afternoon, min -7C on Tue night). Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail. Be prepared for a serious elevation gain of 2,165 feet. Highland Bowl in the clouds. From here it is a steep descent to Snowmass Lake where you make camp 100 ft. from the lake, stream and trails. Please reach out to me at 7209804977 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. While the Maroon Bells are touted as the most photographed place in Colorado, pictures simply dont do the peaks justice. And also Ill send you some Epic shots of the bells! A very popular campsite, Silver Queen Campground has five sites located near Maroon Creek. The stunning Elk Range towers with dramatic peaks. In this scenic area you will find extensive hiking trails, the aspen highlands, and opportunities to ski. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail Directions: Located 10 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Length: 20.6 mi Est. More severe responses like nausea, vomiting, and trouble walking require medical consultation. Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. Trail was closed when I went this weekend Jan 28 2023. There are 73 trails in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. To opt-out click for more information. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs through the Aspens to the lake. There are no hookups, and campers must be self-contained. #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. Six summits rise over 14,000 feet . Take note that during the summer months, parking is only allowed before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. at Maroon Lake. Lots of bees, but they mostly stayed away. Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This trail is estimated to be 97.7 km long. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Colorado spans 181,535-acres (734.65 km2) within the White River National Forest and Gunnison National Forest. 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. They are necessary emergency equipment if you run into trouble and need to contact Mountain Rescue. Share sensitive information only We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 49 to 5,547 meters in elevation gain. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. White River A: Maroon Creek Road typically opens in mid-May, but this opening date is contingent on weather. 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. Silver Bar Campground(reserve now) - 4 sites available at this small primitive campground. Anyone have an adult pass for 12 pm tomorrow 10/9? This trail is extremely rocky and dry. 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. Maroon Lake: Winter Route. National Forest Elevation: 9,500 ft. - 10,000 ft. (EASY) Crater Lake - The trail begins at Maroon Lake, 10 miles up Maroon Creek Road. The most popular viewpoint is from the shores of Maroon Lake, a pristine alpine lake enveloped by fields of wildflowers. connected to the .gov website. Renowned for its acclaimed skiing and celebrity sightings, Aspen is home to the most iconic 14,000 footers (14ers) in Colorado, the 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. 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. This is a popular trail for hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The Maroon Bells scenic area comes under the supervision of the United States Forest Service and is located in the White River National Forest. My only chance to be at maroon bells this year Park in the Aspen Highlands and purchase your bus ticket at the Four Mountains Sports Shop. Looking for a more strenuous hike? Below the shale rock are large pink crystals called phenocrysts. 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. Maroon Bells Information Line: (970) 945-3319. Geneva Lake Zone Recommended Campsites, Map showing recreational areas. Loved this hike in early summer. 2023 Colorado Tourism Office. 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. 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. 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. From here, drop down into the forest of Fravert Basin to find a camp above or south of the trail before Kings waterfall. Followed this same trail back to the trailhead the next day. 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. Maroon Lake, where Maroon Creek Road ends, is situated at an elevation of 9,580 feet. TheAspen Chamber Resort AssociationandSnowmass Tourismalso have great info on getting there and back. Maroon Creek Trail Please note that Bear Canisters are required while backpacking in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Visited in late October. Explore one of 3 easy hiking trails in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness that are great for the whole family. From mid-June to early October, Maroon Creek Road, which takes you to the Maroon Bells Welcome Center and Maroon Bells Trailhead, is drivable. 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. Wander down to the lake, take some photos, and enjoy the gorgeous views. Crater Lake Trail 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. The Best Views The beauty of the Maroon Bells. United States. For the best experience possible, be sure to bring proper shoes, sunscreen and drinking water. The Maroon Bells are made from hardened shale, which is fragile in nature. Map Information, White River National Forest 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. It is impossible to take a bad picture surrounded by such gloriousness. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. This is a pack-in, tent-only campground that is close to the action at the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. The Interagency, Senior & Golden Access Passes are honored. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness is. 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 Map Information, White River The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Distance: 3 Miles Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: Lollipop Loop Elevation Gain: Approx. Those with campground reservations do not need a reservation for parking at Maroon Lake. Now, hiking trails provide access to plenty of these photo-worthy scenes in the White River National Forest, including hypnotizing fields of wildflowers and anglers seeking catches in tranquil Maroon Lake. Wind will be generally light. The Four Pass Loop accessed from the Maroon Lake trailhead is 26 miles with ~11,000 ft. (3,350 meters) of vertical gain. Check out our first timer's guide here. 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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. 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. Incredibly beautiful. Please email fitzisme@gmail.com! The trail traverses four mountain passes over 12,000 feet and can be hiked in 3-5 days. The Wilderness area surroundsthe extremely popularMaroon Bells Scenic Areawhich is a major access point for Wilderness travel. 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. If you're looking for elevation gain, Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness has you covered. 900 Grand Ave. . Aspen Highlands avoids the spotlight and feels like the locals' secret. 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. West Maroon Bells Pass is a popular 7.8-mile, difficult-rated trail that offers hikers and backpackers stunning views. There is still some, This update really only pertains to West Maroon Pass as I didnt really have much for, Quick update here. If you feel a bout of dizziness coming on, take a break and enjoy the scenery while your body has a chance to regroup. Pro tip: As you gain altitude, spontaneous thunderstorms and hail are common for mountain regions, especially in the afternoons. Day 3 Continue west along the North Fork of the Crystal before crossing it at a wide point. Altitude sickness is something you need to consider whenever you are hiking in the mountains. Beautiful views! Our little group set out just after 5 p.m. on a Thursday from the overnight parking lot. 281-683-6447, Looking for a day pass for any day honestly The Maroon Bells are made from hardened shale, which is fragile in nature. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=82346. 4/8. Region: Mountain West (Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Central Colorado) Distance: 28 miles (3-4 days) Physical Difficulty . The campground is accessible to trailers and RVs and makes a great base camp for day hikes. In the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. Map showing recreational areas. Hiking with a trained and experienced guide is an investment in your skill development. Hiking to the Maroon Bells provides immersive access to breathtaking scenes in one of Colorados natural wonders. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Maroon Bells Information Line: (970) 945-3319. This table gives the weather forecast for Maroon Bells at the specific elevation of 4315 m. Learn more about Maroon Bells reservations >>. Absolutely gorgeous hike, as of 10/9 aspens still looked amazing. These permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. 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 An official website of the Please text 985 788 9941. Silver Bar Campground is a primitive campground with four sites available on the banks of Maroon Creek. These symptoms will dissipate as you acclimate to the altitude. 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. 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. When you arrive at the welcome station parking lot, take some time to acclimate to the altitude. Maroon Bells Welcome Station is at 8,458 feet, giving you a good starting elevation for your hikes.
