How Long Is The Maroon Bells Loop Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Hike Distance Five Trails:

1 to 13 miles

Round Trip – Depending on Trail
Difficulty Easy to Moderate Duration Depends on Hike (see trails below) Trail Type Both Loop and Out-and-Back Hikes Starting Elevation 9500′

How long does it take to climb Maroon Bells?

How long does it take to climb 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.

How long should you spend at the Maroon Bells?

Count about 1 hour each way, so

2 hours for the entire hike

.

Remember that only a fraction of people visiting Maroon Bells actually go hiking beyond the scenic loop trail. The first part of the trail, the scenic loop, took us forever.

How hard is it to climb Maroon Bells?

Note: The Maroon Bells Traverse is

a dangerous, difficult, class 5 route on bad rock

. It should be attempted only by those with alpine experience. The twin summits of the Maroon Bells are breathtakingly gorgeous, especially when viewed from the eastern shore of Maroon Lake.

Do you need a permit to hike 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.

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.

What is the hardest 14er in Colorado?

  • Capitol Peak – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
  • Little Bear Peak – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
  • Pyramid Peak – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
  • Maroon Peak – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
  • Mount Wilson – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
  • Crestone Needle – Class 3 (Most Difficult)

Can you swim in Maroon Bells lake?


No, swimming is not permitted

at Maroon lake.

Can you hike Maroon Bells in winter?


There are two trails I would recommend for winter adventures, the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop (1.9 miles) or the Crater Lake Trail (3.8 miles)

. While this viewpoint is normally packed we had it to ourselves.

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 I drive up 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.

Can you get into Maroon Bells without a reservation?


Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area

. Visitors must reserve both bus seats and parking spots, depending on the time of day of their visit.

How do you climb Maroon Peak?

Difficulty: Class 3 Trailhead: Maroon Lake Start: 9,590 feet Summit: 14,156 feet Total Gain: 4,800 feet

Where is Maroon Peak?

The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, separated by about half a kilometer (0.3 miles). The mountains are

on the border between Pitkin County and Gunnison County, Colorado, United States, about 19 kilometres (12 mi) southwest of Aspen

.

What makes Maroon Bells red?

The rock that forms most of the Maroon Bells is soft red shale and a paler siltstone, called the “Maroon Formation.” The red color comes from

tiny iron particles that have been oxidized, or rusted

.

Are there bears at Maroon Bells?

There are endless other trails and hiking opportunities near the Bells, but keep in mind most of that region is a wilderness area and it’s best to be prepared.

Black bears, moose and mountain lions are more than common out there

, and it’s both unsafe (and illegal) to approach the wildlife.

How many miles is the Four Pass Loop?

The Four Pass Loop is a difficult,

28-mile

loop trail located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area in Central Colorado. The trail traverses four mountain passes over 12,000 feet and can be hiked in 3-5 days.

Can you fly drone in Maroon Bells?

Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado

They are a huge draw for photographers, largely because their peaks reflect into a tranquil glacier lake making for unbelievable shots.

Let your drone loose to take panoramic footage in the glacial valley framed by snow-striped mountains.

How much does it cost to get married at Piney River Ranch?

Piney River Ranch Wedding Cost-

For a ceremony only options (Mon-Thurs only), the event rental is $4,500

. If you’d like to also have your reception on site, Saturdays are $13,000, Friday and Sundays are $9,600, and Monday-Thursdays are $7,800.

Where can I elope in Aspen?

  • Independence Pass Elopement.
  • Maroon Bells Amphitheatre Elopement.
  • Crater Lake Elopement.

How much does it cost to get married at Maroon Bells?

Weddings at Maroon Bells are affordable.


Renting the amphitheater for your ceremony only costs $200

so it’s one of (if not the most) affordable ceremony sites in the Aspen area.

What mountain has highest death rate?


Mount Everest

, the highest mountain on Earth, attracts hundreds of climbers every year. The main peak of the Annapurna massif is the most dangerous of the world’s mountains, with a 29% fatality rate of everyone who tries to climb it. Since 1900, an estimated 244 expeditions have resulted in 72 deaths.

Has anyone died on Quandary peak?

“I’ve summited Quandary like a dozen times, and I’ve only seen it in daylight once.” Fatalities are rarer than helicopter extractions, but they do happen—in recent summer incidents,

one woman fell down a couloir and died, and another suffered a cardiac arrest on the summit.

What is the easiest 14er in Colorado?


Pikes Peak

is arguably the easiest 14er in Colorado, but if you are looking for a little more help on your first mountaineering trip, be sure to check out our Pikes Peak guided hiking tour.

Are dogs allowed on the Maroon Bells shuttle?


Leashed dogs are allowed

on the Maroon Bells buses and must always be on a leash.

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.

Can you drive to Maroon Bells in winter?

“Winter: In the winter getting to the Maroon Bells can be quite an adventure. Since

Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicular traffic

the only way to get there is to cross country ski or go on a snowmobile tour run by T-Lazy 7 Ranch. Either way you choose will be an incredible experience with unparalleled views.”

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.