How Hard Is The Hike To Maroon Bells In The Winter?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Experience this 13.2-mile out-and-back trail near Aspen, Colorado. Generally considered a

moderately challenging

route, it takes an average of 5 h 27 min to complete. This is a popular trail for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

How difficult is the Maroon Bells hike?

Hike Distance Five Trails: 1 to 13 miles Round Trip – Depending on Trail Difficulty Easy to Moderate

Can you hike Maroon Bells in November?

Maroon Bells Parking, Permits & Reservations


From mid-May to mid-November, access via Maroon Creek Road is open but restricted between the hours of 8am and 5pm, and is also weather dependent

. Parking reservations will be required when the road opens May 14 – October 24, 2021.

How hard is it to bike to Maroon Bells?


It’s a grind—with about 1,600 feet of climbing over about 22 roundtrip miles of riding

(Aspen to the Bells and back)—but a satisfying one. The lack of car traffic when the buses are running up Maroon Creek Road makes for a less stressful ride.

Is Maroon Bells worth?


Yes, Maroon Bells is absolutely worth a visit

.

Do you need a reservation to hike Maroon Bells?

Maroon Bells Access:

Reservations are required to visit Maroon Bells by personal vehicle or shuttle in 2022

. Vehicle access begins May 15 and the shuttle system from Aspen Highlands begins May 27. Reservations are available at www.aspenchamber.org.

Can you swim in Maroon Bells lake?


No swimming in the lake

.

Can you take Uber to Maroon Bells?


You can probably take Uber or Lyft to visitor center but you will still be required to take the bus if you arrive after 8 am

. There was no parking available inside the park by the time we arrived & they will not let you drive in after 8am. over a year ago.

Can you hike to the top of the Maroon Bells?


All routes on the Maroon Bells take a full day to climb

. Whichever peak you choose, you’re looking at challenging loose terrain and around 4500 feet of elevation gain. Expect thunderstorms in the afternoon, so start your day bright and early.

Can you get married at Maroon Bells?

Say I Do in front of the most photographed peaks in North America.

By reserving the Maroon Bells Amphitheater you can have these stunning peaks as the backdrop to your wedding ceremony

. This iconic ceremony site can be reserved one year in advance for a maximum of 50 people for private events.

Is Maroon Peak a 14er?

The Maroon Bells: Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak –

both featured on Colorado 14ers Map 10 of 16

– are perhaps the most iconic 14ers in Colorado. Despite their beauty and ease of viewing from the popular Maroon Lake, these Elk Mountain peaks are some of the most challenging 14ers to summit.

Can dogs hike Maroon Bells?

Maroon Bells Hike


Dogs are welcome on the trails

(and are allowed on the RFTA bus from the Aspen Highlands to the to the Marroon Bells), but they must be kept on a leash.

How long is the bike ride from Aspen to Maroon Bells?

The

16.2-mile

roundtrip ride begins at the Aspen Highlands parking lot, culminating with an amazing view of Maroon Bells at Maroon Lake.

Can you drive to Maroon Bells?


Private vehicles can drive up to the Bells before 8am and after 5pm

. New this year, parking reservations ($10) are required to use the road. These can be made directly via the Aspen Resort Chamber Association’s website.

How far is Maroon Bells from Snowmass?

Cyclists can ride Maroon Creek Road, approximately

8 miles

and 1,600 vertical feet up to the Maroon Bells. The ride takes approximately 1-1.5 hours up and 35-45 minutes down.

Do you need a permit for Maroon Bells?

Permit Info: Conundrum Permit Requirement:

A permit is required for overnight stays in Conundrum Hot Springs Zone

. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov. For all other overnight trips to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness registration is required at the trailhead.

Is Maroon Bells in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Maroon Bells Location Gunnison and Pitkin counties, Colorado, United States Parent range Elk Mountains Topo map USGS 7.5′ topographic map Maroon Bells, Colorado Climbing

Where should I stay to see Maroon Bells?

  • Wildwood Snowmass. 3.5-star. …
  • The Crestwood Condominiums. 3-star. …
  • Limelight Hotel Snowmass. 4-star. …
  • Pokolodi Lodge. 2.5-star. …
  • Viceroy Snowmass. 5-star. …
  • Mountain Chalet Snowmass. 3-star. …
  • Viewline Resort Snowmass. 4-star. …
  • Exceptional Vacation Home In Snowmass Village 2 Bedroom Condo. 3.5-star.

How long is the shuttle ride to Maroon Bells?

The Maroon Bells Bus service runs every day. Your driver will point out areas of interest and geographical features, describe the wildlife, and tell you some of the area’s history on your

20 minute

scenic ride to the Maroon Bells.

When should I visit Maroon Bells?

In terms of seasons, I personally like to visit Maroon Bells from

mid-July to late September

. Fall weekends are typically very busy and if you do not show up two to three hours earlier, you might not find any available parking.

How do you photograph Maroon Bells?

Go early—or stay late


You’ll get magazine-cover worthy photos in early morning or late evening thanks to the diffused light

. And Maroon Lake should be a glassy mirror to reflect the Bells’ full beauty. You’ll also avoid peak crowds, and have the option to drive your own vehicle for $10.

How do you get to Maroon Lake Scenic Trail?

Directions: Located 10 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road.

From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station

.

Can I bring my dog on the Maroon Bells shuttle?


Dogs are allowed on the RFTA shuttle bus and most trails

. Due to the potential for surprise wildlife encounters in the densely vegetated area do not bring dogs on the Scenic Loop trail. Dogs must always be on a leash.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.