Maroon Bells FAQ

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

The cost for each vehicle reservation is $10.

Overnight visitors will need to print and display their reservation on the dashboard of their vehicle. Daily and hourly visitors do not need to print their reservation.

At least a 48-hour notice is required for cancellations and rescheduling. If you cancel inside of 48 hours or do not show up, you will not be refunded. If you would like to reschedule inside of 48 hours, you will need to rebook paying full price.

Utilize the link in your confirmation email to cancel or reschedule online.  You can also reply to your confirmation email with your request, or email [email protected].

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Pass holders can select the "Pass Holders" option at check-out. Pass holders must have a valid pass ready to present when you enter the Maroon Bells scenic area and keep your pass displayed in your car. 

Accepted passes include: 

America the Beautiful- Annual

America the Beautiful- Senior

America the Beautiful- 4th Grade

America the Beautiful- Military

America the Beautiful- Access

Maroon Bells Annual Pass

Passes can be purchased at participating federal offices. For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm. 

Call 970-930-6442 for more information.

Parking at Maroon Lake is not available for vehicles larger than 20’.

The following are exempted from taking the RFTA shuttle to Maroon Lake during shuttle operations:

• Persons driving a vehicle with a valid handicap placard or license plate
• Persons driving a high occupancy vehicle with 11 or more passengers

Reservations to park at Maroon Lake are still required.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

The Four Pass Loop goes over four 12,500+ foot mountain passes and is 28 miles long. Most backpackers allot 3-4 days to complete the loop.