maroon bells

Explore the Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America, nestled in the heart of the Rockies. These bell-shaped, wine-colored, twin peaks soar 14,000 feet above the Maroon Creek Valley, creating a breathtaking panorama. The jagged stone formations feature a diverse range of habitats that include meadows of vibrant wildflowers, airy groves of Aspen trees, and summit-based alpine tundra.Maroon Peak (14,163’) and North Maroon Peak (14,019’) tower over the area, captivating visitors year-round though primarily in summer and fall. With six scenic hiking trails, two lakes, various camping sites, and myriad bike paths, there are options for everyone to enjoy the area.

Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities. Please be aware that there are no drinks or snacks sold up at the Bells, and there is no cell reception. Most people prefer to go after breakfast and/or bring their own drinks and snacks. Bringing sunblock is recommended as the sun is strong at high elevation.

GETTING THERE

Shuttle

Adult tickets : $16 | Senior tickets and children's tickets: $10

The Little Nell provides complimentary shuttle rides to and from Aspen Highlands. The shuttle ride takes about 25 minutes, during which the driver will point out geological formations, flora, and fauna. Plan to leave the hotel 30-45 minutes before the shuttle departure time. No reservations are needed for the return shuttle, but please note that the last shuttle back leaves at 4:45 PM. Once you are back in cell range, you can call or text the concierge team to arrange for a car to pick you up at Aspen Highlands.

Check availability for Maroon Bells shuttle tickets

Driving

You may drive yourself if you have your own or a rental car. Please be aware parking that parking passes often sell out weeks to months in advance.

Check availability for Maroon Bells parking passes

E-biking

For a beautiful 11-mile adventure down a county road with minimal traffic, e-biking is an Aspen favorite mode of transportation. E-bike rentals are available at ASPENX located next to The Little Nell. From there you will follow Hopkins Ave heading west to the edge of town. When it ends, you will go left to the bike path, and follow the signs for Maroon Bells. When you reach Aspen High School, you will follow Maroon Creek Road all the way to the end. Locks and helmets are included with the rental.

The concierge team will need each person's height to reserve the correct sized bikes.

trailheads in and around the maroon bells

MAROON LAKE SCENIC TRAIL - EASY

This trail follows the lake to the far side and meanders along the creek flowing into the lake. This is a great place for pictures and picnics. Miles one way: 1.3. Elevation: 9,500 ft. - 10,000 ft.

CRATER LAKE - MODERATE

This easy trail begins at Maroon Lake and winds through aspen trees to Crater Lake. Miles one way: 1 3/4 miles. Elevation gain: 700 ft.

EAST MAROON TRAIL - MODERATE/DIFFICULT

This trail can be hiked in a number of different ways with the most popular way, follow the trail from Aspen to Crested Butte. This is a long route that would make for an extremely demanding day hike, or a less-demanding multi-day backpacking trip. Miles one way: 8.5. Elevation: 9,000 ft. - 12,000 ft.

BUCKSKIN PASS - DIFFICULT

Follow the directions to Crater Lake and once you’ve reached the Crater Lake bulletin board, take the right fork. The trail ascends steeply to arrive at the saddle with vast views of the Maroon Bells Wilderness. Miles one way: 4.6. Elevation gain: 2,880 ft.

WEST MAROON PASS - DIFFICULT

This trail is the gateway to the White River National Forest and to Crested Butte. Follow the directions to Crater Lake. Then at the lake, the trail ascends gradually until the steep mountain pass. The rest will be downhill through wildflower fields till it reaches the trailhead. Shuttle transportation is then required to get to Crested Butte. Miles one way: 7.8. Elevation gain: 2,312 ft.There is an easy hike around the lake, and if you would like a longer, intermediate level hike, you can hike the trail to Crater Lake. This hike is about 2 hours round trip.

WILLOW LAKE TRAIL - DIFFICULT

Beginning to the right of the Crater Lake bulletin board, this trail ascends steeply to the top of Willow Pass. Once over the pass, the trail heads more easterly along the ridge sloping downward toward the beautiful alpine lake just above the treeline, Willow Lake. 3/4 of mile past the ridge you come to a fork, left takes you down the East Snowmass Trail heading right continues another half a mile down the lake's edge. The total hiking distance is 6 1/2 miles.

For additional information and to reserve transportation contact the concierge team at 970.920.6365 or concierge@thelittlenell.com.