Maroon Bells | Aspen

Information

Landmark: Maroon Bells
City: Aspen
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Maroon Bells, Aspen, USA Colorado, North America

The Maroon Bells are a pair of prominent peaks in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, located within the White River National Forest near Aspen.

Visual Characteristics

The peaks are composed of Maroon Formation sedimentary rock, primarily sandstone and shale, exhibiting distinct reddish-brown coloration. Maroon Peak reaches an elevation of 14,156 feet (4,315 meters), and North Maroon Peak stands at 14,014 feet (4,271 meters). The surrounding landscape includes alpine meadows and Maroon Lake, a body of water reflecting the mountains.

Location & Access Logistics

The Maroon Bells are situated approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Aspen, Colorado. Access is restricted to private vehicles during certain periods; from mid-June to early October, private vehicle access is generally prohibited, and visitors must utilize the Aspen Chamber Resort Association's shuttle bus service from the Aspen Highlands parking lot. Parking is available at Aspen Highlands. During the off-season, access may be possible by private vehicle, but road conditions should be verified.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Maroon Bells are a result of geological processes occurring over millions of years, primarily sedimentary deposition and subsequent uplift and erosion. The Maroon Formation is known for its distinctive red color, attributed to iron oxide. The area is part of the Elk Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is a primary activity, with trails such as the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail (easy, 1 mile loop) and the Crater Lake Trail (moderate, 3.6 miles roundtrip). Photography is popular, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light interacts with the rock color. Fishing is permitted in Maroon Lake, subject to Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Maroon Lake trailhead. Limited shade is present in the immediate vicinity of Maroon Lake. Cell phone signal is generally unreliable in the area. Food vendors are not present at the Maroon Bells site; visitors should bring their own provisions. A fee is typically required for shuttle bus access and parking.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning and late evening offer optimal lighting conditions for the red rock coloration. The best months for visiting are typically July through September, when the weather is most stable and the aspen trees may exhibit fall colors in late September. Access via shuttle bus is seasonal.

Facts & Legends

The Maroon Bells are considered one of the most photographed natural landmarks in North America. The area is prone to rockfall, and visitors are advised to stay on designated trails and be aware of their surroundings.