Maroon Bells Hikes: How to See These Beauts in 2024
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Maroon Bells is a stunning destination for hikers of all levels. With its picturesque scenery and diverse terrain, there's a hike for everyone to enjoy in 2024.
Whether you're looking for an easy stroll or a challenging trek, our expert recommendations will guide you to the top hikes in this breathtaking area.
Hiking to Maroon Bells, or through them if you're an avid hiker, is at the top of many Colorado bucket lists.
Head to the Aspen - Snowmass area for hikes to Maroon Lake, Crater Lake, Buckskin Pass, or the challenging Four Pass Loop, and learn other cool things to do after you hop off the hiking trail.
Learn the best time for hiking to Maroon Bells, plus super helpful pro tips and reminders for the hikes.
BONUS: Aspen and Snowmass offer many splendid modern vacation homes ready to serve as your luxurious home base.
Discovering the Best Maroon Bells Hikes for All Skill Levels
Really, when we talk about the best hikes in Aspen, the famous Colorado Maroon Bells in the Snowmass Wilderness area truly steal the show.
Go backpacking in the Maroon Bells and you’ll really dive into experiencing what these most photographed beauts are all about. Melody and her daughter completed this trek last summer.
Backpacking the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells
Towering over 14,000 feet in elevation on the south side of Aspen, the Maroon Bells snowy striped twin peaks are reflected in Maroon Lake all year long.
But first, let’s cover the two most popular Maroon Bells hikes: Maroon Lake and Crater Lake, with tips for reaching the trailhead.
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail
Trail Length: 1.9 miles Elevation Gain: 160 feet Route Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy
The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is a must-do for any visitor to Maroon Bells. This easy 1.9 mile loop trail takes you around the stunning Maroon Lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
It's a great option for families with young children or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll. Don't forget your camera - this trail offers some of the best photo opportunities in the area!
The absolute best shots are taken at sunrise or sunset. Maroon Lake is worth getting up early for or staying late after the crowds. If you’re into photography, this is the place to be set up early or at the end of the day.
You only need about one hour for this hike. This is a great one with small children and elderly folks, or if you don’t have as much time as you wished.
Crater Lake in mid-July
Crater Lake
Trail Length: 3.8 miles Elevation Gain: 700 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Moderate
For a moderate hike with stunning views, the Crater Lake Trail is a great option.
This 3.6-mile round trip trail takes you through aspen groves and wildflower meadows before reaching the crystal-clear Crater Lake.
The trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. Keep in mind that the trail does have some steep sections, so it may not be suitable for all skill levels.
The trail to Crater Lake is one of the best ways for hiking to Maroon Bells with active kids.
For a more up-close look at the Maroon Bells, you will continue hiking up Maroon Creek past Maroon Lake through glades of aspen.
You will arrive at Crater Lake immediately below the Maroon Bells’ sheer eastern face. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Spend an hour skipping rocks and sticking your toes in the lake. Explore around the edge of the lake, and look for wildlife.
Pro Tip: By mid to late summer, this lake often dries up after the snow melt is gone, but the Bells are still a sight to behold. Plan on 2-3 hours to enjoy this hike. Take plenty of water and a picnic lunch to enjoy by Crater Lake.
Hiking to Maroon Lake and Crater Lake is super fun with kids too. Maroon Lake is doable with small kids, while older kids can tackle the hike to Crater Lake.
This hike is also featured in our 17 Best Hikes in Colorado.
Add on: Willow Lake Trail
Trail Length: 11.6 miles Elevation Gain: 3780 feet Route Type: Out and back from Maroon Lake Difficulty: Hard
This challenging add on hiking trail adds another 7.8 miles total to the Crater Lake hike above.
When you arrive at the Crater Lake bulletin board, hop on the right fork. The trail rises steeply.
After about 1/2 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake trail junction — take the right fork. The trail climbs considerably to the top of Willow Pass.
From the top of Willow Pass at 12,567’, the trail lowers to a junction with the East Snowmass Trail. Stay straight ahead on the trail for the last 1/2 mile to Willow Lake.
How do I get to the Maroon Bells?
Maroon Bells Parking, Permits & Reservations
Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area from the Aspen side by personal vehicle or by RFTA shuttle via Maroon Creek Road and is also weather dependent.
Vehicle access begins mid-May and the shuttle system from Aspen Highlands begins in early June. During the high season, private vehicles can only drive up to the Bells before 8am and after 5pm. You will receive a link in your confirmation email when you reserve parking or bus transportation.
Personal vehicles are allowed from mid-May until the Maroon Bells Shuttle begins operating in early June, however, reservations are now required due to minimal parking at the lake.
Between early June and late October, between the hours of 8am and 5pm, ALL VISITORS are required to take the shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands. Visit the Aspen Resort Chamber Association site for 2024 reservations* and updated dates this summer.
PRO TIP: There will be the ability for private vehicles to drop off passengers between 6 AM and 8 AM without a parking reservation; however, visitors who are dropped off during this time will need a one-way ticket to ride the shuttle down to Aspen Highlands after 8 a.m. Commercial vehicles, like Uber and taxis are not allowed to drive you up to the Maroon Bells Scenic area to drop you off.
For Maroon Bells shuttle & parking reservation questions, call 970-930-6442 or email info@visitmaroonbells.com.
The price of a parking reservation is $10/vehicle. Get your Maroon Bells 2024 Reservations now.
Blazing Adventures offers private transportation available between 6:00 AM and 7:45 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Please call 970-923-4544 for private pricing and availability.
Priced at $40 per person with a MINIMUM of 5 guests total for transportation to run. Blazing Adventures pickup is at 7:00 AM from Aspen Highlands. Learn more here.
NEW FOR 2024: Flying into Colorado? Roaring Fork Express now offers private shuttles from Aspen airport and Denver International Airport to the Maroon Bells area during the summer months.
Bus Ticket Office & Arrival Information:
Hop on the free RFTA shuttle from Ruby Park in downtown Aspen to Aspen Highlands. Park at Aspen Highlands for $5 per hour.
The shuttle runs from here about every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase round-trip and one-way shuttle tickets here.
And now for some of our favorite hikes! These Maroon Bells below take you along some of the most wonderful Colorado trails in the Rockies. Consider hiking during the week, as the weekends are very busy at the Maroon Bells.
Maroon Bells hike over the East Maroon Pass to Copper Lake
Aspen to Crested Butte via West and East Maroon Passes
Trail Length: 28 miles Elevation Gain: over 5,000' climbing in two days
Route Type: Point to point, two routes Difficulty: Strenuous
One of the best Colorado hikes, we knocked this two day hiking adventure off our bucket list in late August, this fabulous Maroon Bells hike is a crown jewel!
You could drive three plus hours from Aspen to reach Crested Butte — or even better, you can hike there (and back!) on the West Maroon Pass and East Maroon Pass Trails.
You can also take make this trek in the opposite direction from Crested Butte to Aspen.
This two day hike takes some planning ahead that’s well worth the effort. Learn from us, because we’ve done it, and plan accordingly. This would make a great girls or guys trip, or a couple’s weekend.
The view from the top of West Maroon Pass
West Maroon Pass
Trail Length: 7.8 miles Elevation Gain: 2160’ Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Hard
The West Maroon Trail is a popular hike in the Maroon Bells area, and for good reason.
This nearly 8 mile out and back trail from Crested Butte’s Schofield Pass takes you through fields of wildflowers, past cascading waterfalls, and over a stunning mountain pass.
The hike typically takes around 6-8 hours to complete, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. A rain coat is a good idea, but plan to be down from the pass by noon in summer.
Don't forget your camera, as the views from the top are truly breathtaking.
Related Reading: What to Wear Hiking in Colorado
Buckskin Pass is a more challenging Maroon Bells hike
Buckskin Pass
Trail Length: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet Route Type: Out and back Difficulty: Hard
For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, the Buckskin Pass Trail is a must-do in the Maroon Bells area.
This trail takes you up to an elevation of 12,462 feet, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is rated as difficult, with steep inclines and rocky terrain, so be sure to come prepared with proper hiking gear and plenty of water.
The hike typically takes around 6-8 hours to complete, so plan accordingly.
Enjoy great views of Capitol Peak and Maroon Bells. Walk among fields of colorful wild flowers in mid July. At summit, maneuver around large and small rocks for 360 picturesque views.
This Maroon Bells hike is for active, fit folks looking for a seriously challenging climb and unequal views of the surrounding wilderness. Bring lots of snacks, 2 liters of water or more per person and plan on 6+ hours for the hike.
Melody and her daughter backpacked the Four Pass Loop last summer
Four Pass Loop
If you cannot get enough of hiking in Aspen, the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop is one of the most unbelievable backpacking trips in North America!
Melody and her daughter hiked this diffcult and challenging 26 mile circuit that climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000 ft. They enjoyed clear alpine lakes as they hiked among the rugged Elk Range peaks.
An arduous trek when it comes to hiking and planning it, Melody wrote a separate post where she provides Four Loop essential backpacking planning tips for hiking all four of these challenging mountain passes.
For example, know that early summer snowmelt makes river crossings perilous and deep snow often persists on the passes until late in the summer. Also, be aware that sudden thunderstorms can catch travelers exposed far from the cover of tree-line in mid-summer. Finally, snow fall comes to high country early.
Summer is the best time of year to hike the Four Pass Loop. The trail is typically free of snow from late July through early September, but anything is possible in Colorado.
Remember, reservations are required in summer to drive and park up at Maroon Lake trailhead.
And a permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov. Read Melody’s post to get the full details to plan this trip.
This Four Pass Loop is also featured in our 17 Best Hikes in Colorado.
For more hiking in Aspen, these hikes dish out fantastic views.
Read about More Top Romantic Colorado Getaways like Aspen.
Hop over here after the hike…
Aspen Tap Laid back taproom & brewpub offering house craft beers, craft cocktails, wines, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks to wash down their pizza pub fare. 121 South Galena Street, Aspen
New Belgium Ranger Station Chow down and unwind with local New Belgium draft brews while you enjoy live music. 100 Elbert Ln #115, Snowmass Village in the Snowmass Mall
Pine Creek Cookhouse American fine dining, locally sourced and plated in a cozy log cabin with perfect mountain views. This is worth the scenic 30 minute drive following 14 miles of Castle Creek to this fine dining establishment. Don’t want to splurge for dinner? Go here in the middle of the day for a drink and appetizers. 11399 Castle Creek Rd, Aspen
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Pick our brains about hiking trails in Colorado. Book a one hour call with us and get knowledgable advice and tips. We write curated itineraries too.
Where to Stay Near these Maroon Bells Hikes
Aspen and Snowmass and the surrounding small mountain towns offer hundreds of idyllic, spacious retreats.
We like this modern spacious vacation home in Snowmass Village providing you with stunning views, a private sauna and hot tub, and your own balcony. Aspen and Snowmass offer year-round outdoor playgrounds for skiing, hiking, biking, fishing and more.
Camping at Silver Bell Campground on Maroon Creek Road
Maroon Bells Camping
For Campers and Outdoor Lovers, there are three wonderful, yet primitive, campgrounds along Maroon Creek Road: Silver Bell, Silver Queen, and East Maroon Portal.
The best part: if you camp in one of these, you will not have to catch a shuttle to the Maroon Lake visitor parking lot because you are automatically allowed to drive up and down Maroon Creek Road as much as you like with your camping permit hanging on your rear view mirror in plain sight.
Camping overnight in Minnehaha Gulch by Crater Lake is ideal if you want to hike the Willow Lake Trail the next day.
Summer is ideal for Maroon Bells camping due to the high elevation and early snow come September.
RELATED: 12 Scenic Campgrounds in Colorado we absolutely love.
RV Rentals Near Aspen Colorado
If you’re not into camping but still love the freedom of roaming the outdoors, consider renting an RV or camper van.
Experience the magic of the outdoors with the best RV, camper van, and travel trailer rentals imaginable.
Rent your ideal Outdoorsy RV for awesome exploring without worrying about extreme temperatures.
Don’t want to drive it? Many RVs can be set up at your destination and we’ll discount your insurance.
TIPS FOR HIKING MAROON BELLS
Hiking to the Maroon Bells in Colorado and pretty much anywhere in Rockies for that matter, is no joke. If you’re visiting from lower elevation, you need to give yourself time to acclimate to Colorado elevation.
For example, Kansas City, Missouri sits only 909 feet above sea level, Denver is a mile high (5,280 feet), and when you come out to Aspen, Colorado, you are already at 8,000 feet. And you haven’t even begun your hike to the Maroon Bells. When you reach the Maroon Lake Welcome Station, you’re standing over 9,500 feet, and the hike to Crater Lake takes you to 10,075 feet. Phew!
Please take this tips for hiking to Maroon Bells seriously:
LAYERS - Weather can change in a minute in Colorado. Also, the higher you climb, the cooler the air temperature. In the summer, we like to hike in athletic shorts and a T-shirt, but we pack a fleece pullover or a light jacket in our daypack as well.
WEAR A DAYPACK - Invest in a solid daypack that works as hard as you do. Don’t own a good daypack? We love Osprey’s Packfinder tool. Osprey makes some of the world’s best daypacks and overnight backpacks, in our combined 50+ years of experience hiking and backpacking. And they have great customer service.
CHECK THE WEATHER - Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so it’s never a bad idea to throw in a rain jacket, even if the forecast doesn’t show rain.
WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES - Broken-in hiking boots,tennis shoes, or trail shoes are your best bet. I’ve seen folks hiking in flip flops and Vans, and no doubt they were in a world of hurt by the end of the hike. The right shoes help prevent injury and keep you going steady on the trail.
HYDRATE! - Each person in your hiking group should plan on carrying 1 Liter of water for short hikes, 2 Liters for moderate hikes, and 3 Liters for longer, harder hikes. Always err on the side of carrying too much water. I’ve heard horror stories of people not taking enough water or snacks who then barely make it back down the trail due to dehydration and lack of energy. Which leads me to the next tip…
SNACKS - Your blood will be pumping and you will burn more calories than you realize while hiking in the mountains in the summer sun. This is not a walk around the neighborhood. Pack snacks like beef jerky, nuts, apples, oranges, granola bars, and throw in a sandwich as well for longer hikes.
SUNSCREEN - The sun is intense in Colorado and will fry you to a crisp in 20 minutes if you’re not careful. Always apply sunscreen BEFORE you start your hike. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your lips and ears too.
HAT & SUNGLASSES - Always a good idea to carry a hat and wear sunglasses in Colorado - did I tell you the sun is intense?
KNOW THE SIGNS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS - Truthfully, every person fairs differently in altitude. Look out for signs of altitude sickness: headache, feeling and being sick, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. There is no shame in turning around or asking for help.
REMEMBER THIS IS THE WILDERNESS - Most likely, you won’t have a negative wildlife encounter. But black bears, moose and mountain lions are more than common out there, and it's also both unsafe (and illegal) to approach wildlife. Keep your distance and give them plenty of space. Heed any wildlife notices you see. Carry bear deterrent spray just in case and know how to use it as a last resort.
LEAVE NO TRACE - Everything you pack in, you must pack out. In a nutshell: leave the hiking trail better than you found it. Take pictures of wildflowers, but please don’t pick them, so others may enjoy them too.
HIKING WITH KIDS? - Go at their pace and allow extra time to enjoy the hike. Kids love to splash in streams and climb boulders along the way. Hiking is meant to be fun. So know your kids’ limits, and a promise to take them for an ice cream treat at the end of the trail never hurts either.
Maroon Bells hike up to Crater Lake
Best time to Hike Maroon Bells
Hiking to Maroon Bells at Crater Lake at sunrise is unforgettable, plus you’ll have more solitude and time for fantastic, reflective pictures on both Maroon Lake and Crater Lake. You’ll have to get up early - like 5:30 - 6 am, but the sun will be up with you too AND you should be able to drive all the way up to the Maroon Lake visitor parking lot and not have to take the shuttle.
Walking around Maroon Lake at sunset as it’s perks too. Less crowds and again, fabulous photos.
Early summer is ideal if you plan to hike to Crater Lake, as it often dries up by the latter half of summer. I hiked up to Crater Lake in mid-July and it was full from snow melt. I hiked up there again in early September and it was bone-dry. Every summer is different, depending on the previous winter snow amounts.
Later summer can also be ideal for seeing the most wildflowers.
Fall is spectacular with the gold rush of Aspen groves changing from green to yellow.
Winter takes more planning and work to get there since Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicles. For those who love to crosscountry ski, snowshoe, snow bike, hike, or snowmobile, the 12.4 mile round trip can be done to reach the Maroon Bells.
Hiking Aspen to Crested Butte
Tanya checked this off her bucket list in August of 2021.
You can drive to Crested Butte from Aspen — or better, you can hike there (and back!) on the West Maroon Trail.
This would make a great girls or guys trip, or even a couple’s weekend.
Tanya hiked the West Maroon Pass from Crested Butte to Aspen with friends, then returned the opposite direction via the East Maroon Pass.
Summer is the best time of year to hike Crested Butte to Aspen. The trail is typically free of snow from late July through early September, but anything is possible in Colorado.
