Both peaks are fourteeners and reflect beautifully in the lake. Make sure to review maroon bells scenic area access information to get latest rates, seasonal vehicle restrictions & bus information. The rocky trail’s grade is moderate and the hike to crater lake requires about 500 vertical feet in gain over about 1.5 miles.
Maroon Bells Hiking
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View information below to help plan your trip.
Maroon bells are located about 10 miles west of aspen colorado off of hwy 82 on maroon creek road. Distance to the trail is 1 3/4 miles one way. This hike is a sort of rite of passage for colorado locals, and there are shuttle services to return to aspen at a (somewhat) reasonable price. Maroon bells hike snapshot hike distance five trails:
Buckskin, trail rider, frigid air, and west maroon.
While out on the trail, you. The road to the maroon bells is a popular cycling route. From aspen, colorado, head southwest for 6.5 miles on maroon creek road. Start checking them out and you’ll be out on the trail in no time!
Start at the deadly bells kiosk from maroon lake trail and be prepared for a steep and rocky ascent, cooler temperatures and spontaneous thunderstorms.
Located in the elk mountain range, these majestic peaks, named maroon peak and north maroon peak, tower over maroon lake and are considered the most photographed peaks in colorado. Maroon lake and crater lake, with tips for reaching the trailhead. Maroon bells hike snapshot hike distance five trails: First, let’s cover the two most popular hiking trails to maroon bells:
The route gets its name from the four 12,000 ft.
(moderate) aspen center for environmental studies (aces) leads daily free guided tours around maroon lake and to crater lake. Just over 3.5 miles, this rocky trail definitely requires solid footwear and moderate experience, but your hard work will be well rewarded when you arrive at crater lake. Maroon bells scenic loop 1.9 miles 160 feet elevation gain easy relatively flat and accessible to wheelchairs in some areas, the broad trail that runs along the northern shore of maroon lake is popular for good reason. Maroon bells loop hike day 4 our last day on the trail.
The first 1.8 miles to crater lake climbs through giant aspen groves.
If you’re prepared to tackle one of the more demanding trails in the maroon bells, consider challenging yourself to the crater lake trail. Upon your arrival at the maroon bells visitors center* you’ll be greeted by incredible views of north and south maroon (collectively, the maroon bells). About crater lake (the maroon bells) this is quite possibly one of the most iconic hikes in the nation and certainly in the aspen snowmass area, this is a can’t miss hike. The bells consist of two peaks, which rise over 14,000 feet, and it is a popular destination for climbers looking to bag a colorado 14'er.
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It is a well used path skirting the shore of maroon lake, and it provides perhaps one of the most photographed features in all of colorado: