Maroon Bells & Maroon Lake
Reservations are required this year to visit the Maroon Bells Recreational Area by personal vehicle or shuttle. When buses are not in operation, vehicle reservations are still required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area.
More information or Reservations
The Maroon Bells are stunningly beautiful, well worth experiencing. Vehicle access begins June 8 and the shuttle system from Aspen Highlands begins June 28, at which point vehicle traffic is prohibited between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The road is closed for cars in the winter months, but walking and cross country skiing can be excellent alternatives. Snowmobile tours from T Lazy Seven Ranch are also available. There are no vending machines or restaurants at the Bells so be sure to bring what you need. Many Aspen restaurants offer a box lunch with advance notice.
Getting to Aspen Highlands To go to the Bells between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. either drive to Aspen Highlands parking lot or catch the RFTA Castle/Maroon from Main Street, the bus stop is just one block east from the Tyrolean Lodge. The bus from town runs every 20 minutes starting at 8:02 a.m. The Tyrolean Lodge to Aspen Highlands is a short 7 minute drive.
Maroon Bells Bus Tour Bus shuttles depart from Aspen Highlands Ski Area. The reservations includes park entry, bus ride and, depending on the driver, some interesting narrative on the eight mile ride up to the Bells. The buses run about every 20-30 minutes and the last bus down is 5:00 p.m., so don’t miss it!
Driving Directions to the Bells Take 82 west about one mile to the roundabout, then take the second exit onto Maroon Creek Road. Follow Maroon Creek Road about 1 mile to Aspen Highlands Ski Area or continue on past the T-7-Lazy Ranch until you reach the parking lot, 9 miles up. The season begins June 8 and runs through September as weather permits. During the off season, cars are permitted as weather allows until the winter closure.
INSIDER TIP: Be prepared! Bring a raincoat, and maybe binoculars for spotting wildlife. Moose are known to frequent Maroon Lake and Maroon Creek. Red Fox are also known to frequent the area and for the keen observer, mountain goats and big horn sheep up on the rocky slopes.