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Maroon Bells Fall

Maroon Bells FAQ

Maroon Creek Road is Closed for the Winter

As of 7 PM on Friday, November 8, Maroon Creek Road is closed to car traffic for the winter season. 

Maroon Creek Road will reopen in May 2025. 

Parking and shuttle reservations are required May-October. 

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  5. Maroon Bells FAQ

Maroon Bells Frequently Asked Questions

For Maroon Bells transportation and parking reservation questions, call 970-930-6442 or email [email protected].

For Maroon Bells camping, backpacking & trail condition questions, contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District at 970-963-2266. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. 

Transportation & Parking Reservation FAQ

For additional information about planning your trip to the Maroon Bells, visit VisitMaroonBells.com for FAQ and essential tips to help you prepare for your visit. 

 

What is the cost of a reservation?
Shuttle

Advance Purchase Round-Trip Shuttle Tickets

$16 Adults

$10 Seniors over 65

$10 Children under 12

 

One-Way Downhill Shuttle Tickets

$10

 

Limited, Day-Of Tickets

Limited no-show tickets may be available the day-of for a higher price. 

$20 Adults

$14 Seniors over 65

$14 Children under 12

Private Vehicle

The cost for each vehicle reservation is $10.

Do I need a reservation to bike up the road?

Reservations are not required to bike up the road. Be cautious of cars and busses while riding. 

All bikes are encouraged and expected to adhere to proper bicycling etiquette, including riding single file on the right side of the road (in the direction of traffic) and wearing helmets. Bikes are available to rent in downtown Aspen or at the Aspen Highlands Base Camp.

Is a reservation required for one-way RFTA shuttle trips to the Maroon Bells?

Yes, reservations are required for one-way trips to or from the Maroon Bells.

Can I get dropped off or picked up by a friend from the scenic area?

Drop-offs are allowed before 8 am and after 5 pm. A $10 fee is required at the Welcome Center Entrance Self-Pay Station.

Can I get dropped off by a Taxi, Limo or Ride Share Service?

No. Taxi, limo, commercial ride-share services are not allowed to drop-off passengers in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area at any time. 

What if I want to be dropped off but don’t have a friend to drive me?

Contact Blazing Adventures for early morning, pre-shuttle drop-offs.

www.blazingadventures.com/trip/maroon-bells-shuttle/

What if I’m hiking over from Crested Butte?

One-way downhill tickets will be required from the Maroon Bells Scenic Area to Aspen Highlands. 

Can I take my dog on the shuttle bus?

Dogs are allowed on the RFTA shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands to the Maroon Bells. 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.

Do I need a reservation for a wedding?

Wedding reservations are separate and must be booked through recreation.gov. Wedding parties are issued 5 parking passes for cars to park at the Maroon Bells. You're able to drop-off and then park in overflow or where there is space. For more information about planning your Maroon Bells Wedding click here. 

Start planning your Aspen wedding here.

Scenic Area FAQ
What services are available when I arrive? Food, lodging, restrooms, etc.

At the Maroon Bells Scenic Area there are restrooms (without running water). There is no food or lodging.

What should I bring with me?

Bring rain gear and warm clothing in case of sudden thunderstorms. Bring water bottles and snacks as well. 

Is there cell service?

There is no cell phone service in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. In case of an emergency contact the nearest Forest Service personnel.

Can I fish in Maroon Lake?

Fishing is allowed in Maroon Lake with a valid Colorado Fishing License. Fishing Licenses can be purchased at City Market, Wal-Mart, and local fishing shops. Access Maroon Lake at the inlet. Only bank fishing is allowed, people are not allowed in Maroon Lake. For more information on fishing regulations contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Can I swim in Maroon Lake?

Swimming, wading, boating, kayaking, and rafting are not permitted in Maroon Lake in order to preserve the outdoor experience for all guests and the scenic nature of the area.

Can I kayak/SUP on Maroon Lake?

Boating, kayaking, and rafting are not permitted in Maroon Lake in order to preserve the outdoor experience for all guests and the scenic nature of the area.

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

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.

Camping & Backpacking FAQ

For Maroon Bells camping, backpacking & trail condition questions, contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District at 970-945-3201. The office is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

Where can I camp near the Maroon Bells?

The nearest campgrounds to the Maroon Bells are Silver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen. They can be reserved at recreation.gov.

Difficult Campground is approximately 5 miles east of Aspen. There are several more campgrounds across the District. Please visit here for more information.

Advance reservation overnight permits are required for the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, including all sections of the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). Permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. 

Are bear resistant food canisters required?

Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in bear resistant canisters in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. Canisters must be Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Courtesy Inspection Program approved. You may purchase or rent bear resistant food canisters at local sporting goods stores, online, or borrow a canister from the Forest Service if one is available.

Do I need a permit for the Four Pass Loop?

Advance reservation overnight permits are required for the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, including all sections of the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). Permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. 

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Aspen Chamber Resort Association
130 S Galena Street
Aspen, CO 81611

Local Phone: 970.925.1940
Toll-Free Phone: 877.702.7736
Email: [email protected]

ASPEN - Defy Ordinary The Official Online Guide to Aspen