Maroon Bells Tips: Plan Your Visit to Colorado's Most Iconic Peaks

How To Aspen Guides

The Maroon Bells rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level, forming one of Aspen’s most distinctive mountain landscapes. Whether you’re visiting Maroon Lake, hiking into the surrounding wilderness, or cycling Maroon Creek Road, a little planning goes a long way. Use these tips to help you get there, explore responsibly, and make the most of your visit.

Getting to the Maroon Bells

Getting to the Maroon Bells is best done by bus.
Read this Getting to the Maroon Bells blog post for bus and car information.

Cycling to the Maroon Bells

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.
Please note that beginning summer 2026 e-bikes will incur a $5 amenity fee (the same as motorcycles). The fee is not imposed on regular bikes. Purchase your e-bike entry ticket online prior to your ride here.

Hiking around the Maroon Bells

With six scenic hiking trails beginning at the base of the Bells, there is a variety of terrain easily accessed from the parking lot at Maroon Lake.
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 limited drinking water at this site, but there are bathrooms.

Maroon Bells to the Backcountry

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.

Top 5 Insider’s Tips for the Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells, bell-shaped, wine-colored peaks towering 14,000 ft. above the serene Maroon Creek Valley, offer some of the most spectacular views in the world.