White River National Forest

USDA Forest Service
White River
National Forest
900 Grand Ave.
P.O. Box 948
Glenwood Springs CO 81602
970-945-2521

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
970-945-3255

Welcome to the Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells
September 25, 2009

2009 Fall Color Photos

Here you can explore a glacial valley surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, view vast fields of wildflowers, and be close to nature. Mirrored in Maroon Lake, the Maroon Bells tower like massive sentinels over the valley. The Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in all of North America.

Maroon Lake has limited accessibility by car during the restricted hours of the summer season, but there are bus tours running throughout the summer months. The road is open to all non motorized forms of transportation at no charge; however, there is a $10 fee for vehicles entering the area. Please click on the "Access" link below to learn more about accessing the Bells and the associated fees.

News

• Maroon Bells Scenic Area Readies for Fall Foliage Season (9/9)

2009 Vehicle Access Information

These downloadable PDF brochures provides information regarding the shuttle bus operating + schedule, parking, fees and special passes.

• Summer

Special Events

• Information on locations, fees, and more...

Maroon Bells Information

• Guide to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area (pdf)

Downloadable Trail Guides (pdf format)

• Crater Lake #1975
• Maroon Lake Scenic Loop #2197
• East Maroon #1983 (horses permitted)
• West Maroon #1970 (horses permitted)
• Maroon Creek Trail #1982
• East Maroon Pass #1983
• West Maroon Pass #1970
• Maroon-Snowmass #1975
• Maroon Lake to Snowmass Lake
• Maroon Lake to Willow Lake
• Maroon Lake to buckskin Pass
• Hiking to Crested Butte
• Crested Butte East Maroon
• Crested Butte: Conundrum

Nearby Campgrounds

• Silver Bar
• Silver Bell
• Silver Queen

Additional Information

• FAQ's

Regulations

• Backcountry camping is permitted only in designated areas. The closest backcountry camping to Maroon Lake is Crater Lake. NO CAMPING is permitted at Maroon Lake.
• Backcountry permits are available at no charge at each trailhead. Only one permit is necessary per group of 10 or less. Groups of 11 or more are not permitted.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• Horses are permitted on the East Maroon Creek Trail as well as the West Maroon Creek Trail. Vehicles with horse trailers may buy a $10.00 car permit at any time of the day and park at the East Maroon Portal or West Maroon Portal only.
• Wilderness Regulations

Additional regulations may be in place for this area. Please contact the Aspen/Sopris Ranger district for more information.