- Getting to the Maroon Bells is best done by bus.
- From June 9 to October 8, vehicle traffic is restricted past the Maroon Bells Welcome Station from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- When bus service is available, motorized travel on Maroon Creek Road is limited to vehicles carrying those with disabilities, children ages 2 or younger in car seats, and campers occupying the Silver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen Campgrounds.
- If you drive, be prepared to pay a $10 vehicle fee by cash or check.
- Taking the bus is easy. The Castle/Maroon bus leaves downtown Aspen at the Ruby Park Bus Station every 20 minutes and connects with the Maroon Bells shuttle at Aspen Highlands.
- You may also park at Aspen Highlands for a fee ($5-$10) and begin your journey to the Bells from there.
- The fee to ride from Aspen Highlands to the Bells is $8 per person and includes information on points of interest along the route.
- Dogs are allowed on the bus to the Maroon Bells from Aspen Highlands for free. They must be leashed at all times in the Maroon Bells Wilderness and Scenic area.
- The road to the Maroon Bells is also a popular cycling route.
- With a steady eight-mile climb to the Maroon Bells’ parking lot, this ride is a perfect intermediate to advanced experience, with local tour groups offering daily trips throughout summer.
- With six scenic hiking trails beginning at the base of the Bells, there is a variety of terrain easily accessed from the parking lot or the RFTA bus drop off.
- The trails surrounding Maroon Lake are fairly flat and are wheelchair and stroller accessible. These lead to more challenging routes in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area.
- Upon arrival to the Bells, be mindful of preparation, as there is no drinking water at this site, but there are bathrooms.
- The Maroon Bells is a perfect starting point for many backcountry hikes including the popular West Maroon Pass to Crested Butte, Buckskin Pass and the Four Pass Loop.
- The peaks of the Maroon Bells themselves – Maroon and North Maroon – are rated 3 and 4 degrees of hiking difficulty, respectively.
- They are extremely exposed and unstable routes, giving them the notorious moniker, “The Deadly Bells.” Please be realistic with your abilities, and when in doubt, hire a guide.
Visit our Trip Highlights section for more detailed information on this beautiful location.