The Awe-Inspiring Natural Wonder Every Coloradan Should See At Least Once
Any true Coloradan will recognize a photo of this natural landmark without a second glance. Many have daydreamed of visiting and taking in its epic beauty in person. However, fewer people have actually carved out the time and made the effort to get to Maroon Bells. Have you? If not, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail to experience this Colorado natural wonder as soon as possible.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Maroon Bells is located near Aspen and is arguably the most photographed and drop-dead gorgeous natural wonder in all of Colorado.
Though Maroon Bells’ two 14,000-foot peaks aren’t unusual for Colorado, they stand out as a particularly breathtaking backdrop to the pristine meadow and the crystal-clear Maroon Lake.
While we all may recognize them from photos, far fewer people have actually witnessed them in person. Why? Because you’ll need to take on a 12-mile (round-trip) hike to get to them.
You know that saying about hard work paying off? It definitely applies when it comes to hiking to Maroon Bells. Make sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
If you want to stretch your visit into a multi-day adventure, you can also camp at one of the three small campsites nestled in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area.
Needless to say, these sites are in high demand and reservations fill up very quickly. Book yours as early as possible by calling (877) 444-6777.
With views this epic, it should come as no surprise that the parking lot fills up on weekends. If you’re looking for a less crowded experience, try to visit during the week.
On particularly busy weekends, the road up to Maroon Bells will sometimes be closed due to overcrowding. Before you head out, call the Maroon Bells hotline at (970) 945-3319 to check on current conditions and possible closures.
While these views are utterly priceless, there is a charge for parking, which varies from $5 to $20 on weekdays and $10 to $25 on the weekends.
To get to Maroon Bells, head west on Highway 82 from Aspen. When you reach a roundabout, take the exit for Maroon Creek Road. From there, drive for 4.7 miles until you reach the welcome station.
