If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone for each night that you camp. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Thank you for the information, Beachgirl247! Reservations are available from www.aspenchamber.org. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Approved bear food storage containers are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. In all other zones, permit holder and group should select a campsite within the zone that is already established and is 70 big steps away from trails and water. We also use analytics & advertising services. Tons of wonderful food options throughout the different concourses. Some exemptions apply. connected to the .gov website. The wilderness area is approximately 10 miles from downtown Aspen, 8 miles from the Aspen Highlands Visitor Center, and 5 miles from the Forest Service gate on Maroon Creek Road. 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. Special regulations apply, and overnight permits are required in some areas. Plan ahead to start and finish your hike early, always check the weather report before heading out and come prepared with a rain jacket. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/specialplaces/?cid=stelprd3835792. ContactBlazing Adventuresfor transportation options to Maroon Bells when the RFTA shuttle is not running. If limited no-show tickets are available the day of, prices will be higher. on official, secure websites. The overnight permitting system does not apply to day hikers or the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, which has a separate parking and shuttle reservation system. Visit the Aspen Resort Chamber Association website for reservations and updated dates on each summer. A: The drive from Denver to the shuttle pick up for Maroon Bells (Maroon Bells Basecamp) is 3.5 hours. And, I'm not sure where you could even leave a camper. Weencourage youto purchase reservations in advance. Day Parking is available at the end of Maroon Creek road at Maroon Lake. The Maroon Bells bus departs from the Aspen Highlands Visitor Center. A free bus also runs from Aspen to Aspen Highlands, labeled the Castle/Maroon bus. Never been to Aspen Snowmass or the Roaring Fork Valley? 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. An official website of the United States. Maroon Bells Overnight Parking Permits, May 15 - October 31, 2023, *From May 26th through October 22ndNo arrivals between 8 AM and 5 PM. A free bus also runs from Aspen to Aspen Highlands, labeled the Castle/Maroon bus. Pro tip: As you gain altitude, spontaneous thunderstorms and hail are common for mountain regions, especially in the afternoons. All three require advanced reservations, and none offer direct views of Maroon Bells from the campground. A: Maroon Creek Road typically opens in mid-May, but this opening date is contingent on weather. Reminder: This is a wilderness area. Let's start over. Hiking the Trail 5. The area is an excellent gathering spot for families, group gatherings and parties. Aspen Expeditions , Ute Mountaineer , or Four-Mountain Sports have canisters available for rent or purchase. Advance reservation overnight permits are required if you plan to stay overnight in the 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). Get answers to your questions about Aspen. For a current list of UTA's free long-term and day use parking lots, click here . History and Geology Parking & Shuttlereservationsare required May-October, Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities. The camping permit system, and the regulations, are in place to help protect this unique Wilderness treasure. Parking reservations will be required from May 15 through October 31, 2023. Find more information on Maroon Bells reservations, permits and fees >>. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. The amphitheater is available for use by the general public and can be reserved for private events. Those with campground reservations do not need a reservation for parking at Maroon Lake. Please seal and store food in a container inside a vehicle or in bear boxes provided at the campsite. Head to our home pagetofind what you're looking for, or discover something new about Aspen! When buses are not in operation, all vehicles may access the Maroon Bells for a $10 fee or via one of the national recreation passes. 590 N. Mill Street more. The RFTA shuttle service runs fromMay 26 through October 22, 2023. Half-day, whole-day, and overnight parking permits will all be available on the Aspen Chamber Resort Association homepage, . Maroon Lake Trail 6. 900 Grand Ave. Permits are available atrecreation.gov. Reservations are not required for the Aspen Highlands parking garage. 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. Overnight Parking Permits. Choose between private vehicle trailhead parking permits from May 15 through October 31,or RFTA shuttle reservations from May 26 through October 22, 2023. Maroon Creek Trail 8. Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are requiredto visit Maroon Bells and associatedtrailheads by personal vehicle or shuttle. The price of a parking reservation is $10/vehicle. Crater Lake Zone Designated Campsites Parking Lots & Garages Garage Doors & Openers Garage Cabinets & Organizers. An official website of the The last return shuttle departs Maroon Lake at5 p.m. Advance Purchase Round-Trip Shuttle Tickets. Our Sightseeing Package offers 3 days of gondola access as well as several perks to make the most of your trip to the high country. Permits must be purchased in advance at, rent an e-bike from the Four Mountain Sports, Aspen Resort Chamber Association's website. See Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness for detailed information. TheAspen Chamber Resort AssociationandSnowmass Tourismalso have great info on getting there and back. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Call Toll Free 1 (877) 444-6777 (International (518) 885-3639 or TDD (877) 833-6777) or reserve on-line at www.recreation.gov. The permit holder must reserve a zone for each night of their trip. When buses are not in operation, all vehicles may access the Maroon Bells for a $10 fee or via one of the national recreation passes. If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone that you plan to camp. To opt-out click for more information. While the Maroon Bells are touted as the most photographed place in Colorado, pictures simply dont do the peaks justice. 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. One-way downhill tickets will be required from the Maroon Bells Scenic Area to Aspen Highlands. Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. Paid parking at Aspen Highlands: $7 per hour, with a maximum of $40 per day. The Scenic Loop Trail 7. 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. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m . I was really impressed with how thorough they were with the work they did and their attention to detail. At the top of the world, its easier to find your center. Maroon Creek Road is closed to cars and shuttles in cold-weather months, but you can cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile to the area. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Is there a shuttle from Denver to Aspen anymore? From early October to late June, campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible. 2023 Colorado Tourism Office. Maroon Creek Trail Permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. $5 car pass is required in addition to camping fee and will be collected as you enter the area. A: The Maroon Bells is located in the Elk Mountains south of Aspen. 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. If you cannot find availability for your group size, and you have more than 15 people, please email [emailprotected] to see if you can be accommodated on a shuttle. I read from photography guide book that people stay in their vehicle overnight in order to catch the first light hitting the mountain. Maroon Bells Scenic Area campgrounds have a five day total stay limit. Daily: June 21 Sept. 6, 2021 | Weekends: Sep 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, Oct 1-3. Things to Do Nearby 14. Re: Overnight parking at West Maroon Bells on CB side. website belongs to an official government organization in the The Maroon Bells Scenic Area features several hiking trails ranging from short hikes near Maroon Lake to longer overnight backpacking tripsinto the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness. 3 days of gondola and chairlift rides (valid 3 of 7 days) at Snowmass's Elk Camp Gondola and Aspen Mountain's Silver Queen Gondola (or Buttermilk's Summit Express Lift as the Silver Queen Gondola will be closed for regular maintenance through July 2, 2021). From Snowmass Base Village, the Elk Camp Gondola sweeps through the trees and ends amid Lost Forest and Snowmass Bike Park, where adventure awaits you. LockA locked padlock Snow is possible even at the peak of summer. 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. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964. 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).