Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells are the most photographed mountains in North America, a pair of strikingly beautiful, maroon-hued peaks — Maroon Peak (14,163 feet) and North Maroon Peak (14,019 feet) — that rise in perfect, symmetrical splendor above the shimmering waters of Maroon Lake in the Elk Mountains of the White River National Forest, near Aspen, Colorado. Reflected in the still lake and framed by aspen groves, wildflower meadows and the deep green of the valley, the Bells form one of the most iconic and breathtaking mountain scenes on Earth.

The distinctive maroon color of the peaks comes from the weathering of their mudstone rock, unusual among Colorado’s mountains. Set within the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, the Bells are a paradise for hikers, photographers and nature lovers, who come to walk the lakeshore, hike to alpine Crater Lake, and witness the scene in dawn light, summer wildflower bloom and the golden blaze of autumn aspens. So popular and fragile that access is carefully managed with reservations and a shuttle, the Maroon Bells are a treasured and unforgettable icon of the Colorado Rockies.

The Maroon Bells offer spectacular recreation — walking the easy Maroon Lake Scenic Trail along the lakeshore beneath the peaks, hiking to alpine Crater Lake and deeper into the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, photographing the iconic reflection (especially at dawn and in fall), wildflower viewing in summer, backpacking the wilderness, and (for experienced, prepared mountaineers only) climbing the notoriously dangerous peaks. Photography, hiking and savoring the breathtaking scene are the main draws. The combination of the iconic peaks, the mirror lake, the aspens and the wilderness makes the Maroon Bells a premier and beloved Colorado destination.

Fall is the celebrated season, when the aspen groves blaze gold against the maroon peaks — one of the most spectacular autumn scenes in America, drawing crowds in late September to early October — while summer brings wildflower meadows and lush green, and dawn light any season sets the peaks glowing in the reflection. Spring has lingering snow, and winter deep snow and limited access. A reservation and shuttle are required in the busy season. The fall aspens, the summer wildflowers, and the dawn reflection are highlights; reserve ahead and come early for the best light and parking.

The Maroon Bells, long admired for their beauty in the Elk Mountains near the silver-mining town of Aspen, became one of the most beloved and photographed mountain scenes in America. Protected within the White River National Forest and the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness (among the first wilderness areas designated in 1964), the Bells have drawn generations of photographers, hikers and nature lovers. Their immense popularity led to a managed-access system with reservations and a shuttle to protect the fragile setting. The Maroon Bells remain a treasured icon of the Colorado Rockies and the Aspen high country.

The Maroon Bells’ distinctive maroon color comes from their rock — the Maroon Formation, layers of mudstone and shale that weather to a reddish-maroon hue, unusual among Colorado’s typically gray granite and limestone peaks. These sedimentary rocks, laid down some 300 million years ago and later uplifted with the Elk Mountains, are also relatively weak and crumbly, which makes the peaks notoriously loose and dangerous to climb. Glaciers sculpted the valley, carving the basin that holds Maroon Lake and the cirques below the peaks. The maroon mudstone and the glacial carving created the iconic, colorful Bells and their breathtaking setting.

The valley, forests, meadows and high country of the Maroon Bells host elk, mule deer, black bears, marmots and pikas in the high rocks, beavers in the wetlands, and a rich community of birds, while the surrounding wilderness shelters varied Rocky Mountain wildlife. The range from aspen and conifer forest to alpine tundra creates diverse habitat. Visitors at Maroon Lake and on the trails may glimpse wildlife in this beautiful high valley, and should be bear-aware. The Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness is a fine place for wildlife watching and birding in the Colorado high country.

The Maroon Bells lie within the biodiverse Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness of the White River National Forest, where the elevation gradient from the valley’s aspen and conifer forests and wildflower meadows up through subalpine forest to the alpine tundra of the high peaks creates a rich range of Rocky Mountain ecosystems. Maroon Lake, the wetlands and the streams add aquatic habitat, and the famous aspen groves are a glory in fall. Protecting the wilderness, the forests, the meadows, the lake and the fragile high country sustains both the ecology and the breathtaking scenery of this iconic Colorado landscape.

The Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America, hold an iconic and beloved place among the natural wonders of Colorado and the American West, their twin maroon peaks mirrored in Maroon Lake a symbol of Rocky Mountain beauty known the world over. Drawing photographers, hikers and nature lovers especially for the golden aspens of fall and the glowing light of dawn, the Bells embody the breathtaking grandeur of the Colorado high country. The Maroon Bells are a treasured icon of the Aspen region and the Rockies, cherished as one of the most beautiful mountain scenes on Earth.

The Maroon Bells are in the White River National Forest near Aspen, Colorado, at the end of Maroon Creek Road off State Route 82, in the Elk Mountains. In the busy season (roughly late spring through fall), private vehicle access is restricted, and visitors must take a shuttle (with timed reservations) or have a parking reservation — book in advance, as it is carefully managed. The site offers the Maroon Lake area, the scenic and Crater Lake trails, and wilderness access. The road and shuttle are seasonal. Check the U.S. Forest Service (White River National Forest) and the reservation system before visiting.

The U.S. Forest Service protects the Maroon Bells and the surrounding Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness within the White River National Forest, managing the heavily visited site with reservations and a shuttle to protect the fragile valley. Visitors help by staying on trails (protecting the fragile meadows, lakeshore and tundra), packing out everything, protecting Maroon Lake and the streams, respecting wildlife and being bear-aware, following the reservation and shuttle system, and practicing Leave No Trace. Protecting the wilderness, the lake, the forests and the high country sustains both the ecology and the iconic beauty of this treasured Colorado landscape.

The Maroon Bells peaks are notoriously dangerous to climb — their loose, crumbly maroon rock has killed many climbers, earning them the nickname the ‘Deadly Bells,’ so the summits are for experienced, well-prepared mountaineers only, not casual hikers. For everyone, the high altitude (the lake is around 9,600 feet) can cause altitude sickness, so acclimatize and hydrate; afternoon thunderstorms bring lightning to the high country, so hike early; and mountain weather changes fast (snow possible any month). Carry layers and water, be bear-aware, watch footing on the trails, and respect the altitude, weather and the deadly peaks.

In the busy season, a reservation and shuttle (or parking reservation) are required — book in advance. Stay on trails to protect the fragile meadows, lakeshore and tundra. Camp only with a wilderness permit at designated areas; follow wilderness rules. Store food in bear country; never feed wildlife. Mechanized use is prohibited in the wilderness. Pets must be leashed. Drones are prohibited. Collecting is prohibited. Pack out all trash. Check the U.S. Forest Service (White River National Forest) and the reservation system for current rules and access before visiting.

The world-famous resort town of Aspen, with its skiing, culture and dining, lies near the Bells, with the Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness, the Elk Mountains, the Independence Pass scenic drive, and the Roaring Fork Valley in the surrounding region. The towns of Snowmass and Glenwood Springs are within reach. The Elk Mountains and the Aspen high country define the region. The Maroon Bells anchor a spectacular high-mountain region of the Colorado Rockies, a centerpiece of a hiking, photography and fall-color adventure near Aspen.

Reserve a shuttle or parking spot in advance (required in the busy season) and come at dawn for the iconic reflection of the maroon peaks in Maroon Lake in the best light — or in late September to early October for the spectacular golden aspens, one of America’s great fall scenes. Walk the easy lakeshore trail or hike to alpine Crater Lake, but leave the deadly, loose-rock peaks to experienced mountaineers. Acclimatize to the altitude, hike early to beat afternoon storms, bring layers, be bear-aware, and savor the most photographed mountains in North America.