Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells — a pair of nearly identical fourteeners named Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak at 14,156 and 14,014 feet respectively — rise from Maroon Lake in the Elk Mountain range of west-central Colorado, 12 miles southwest of Aspen. The reflection of the two peaks in the still waters of the lake at dawn is among the most-photographed mountain scenes in North America, appearing on thousands of books, calendars, and travel publications. The surrounding Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness protects over 181,000 acres of high-country terrain.

The summits are notoriously dangerous to climb. The maroon-colored mudstone and sandstone — Maroon Formation rock approximately 315 million years old — is extremely friable and unreliable. Colorado mountaineering circles have dubbed the pair "The Deadly Bells," and multiple fatalities have occurred on their steep slopes. Recreational visitors are not required or expected to climb; the lake and lower trail network provide extraordinary mountain scenery without technical challenges.

Maroon Lake sits at 9,580 feet elevation, surrounded by aspen forest that turns gold and orange in late September, creating a second iconic view that draws autumn photographers in substantial numbers. The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, a 1.8-mile loop around the lake, is an easy walk appropriate for most fitness levels, offering continuously changing perspectives on the twin peaks. Longer trails extend into the wilderness, including the 9.5-mile West Maroon Pass trail that crosses a 12,500-foot saddle into the Crested Butte valley.

Access to Maroon Lake Road is restricted from 8 AM to 5 PM daily between late June and early October. During restricted hours, visitors must take the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority shuttle from the Aspen Highlands base area. Buses run approximately every 20 minutes and a small fee applies. Outside restricted hours, private vehicles may drive to the lake. Overnight camping at Maroon Lake Campground requires advance reservations.

Wildlife in the area includes Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, American black bears, pikas, and marmots. The high alpine terrain above treeline supports white-tailed ptarmigan and a variety of wildflowers blooming from July through August. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in mid-summer; hikers venturing beyond the lake should begin early and plan to descend before 2 PM.