Short and Easy Hikes in Maroon Bells, Colorado

With its snow striped mountaintops surrounded by golden aspens, Maroon Bells is perhaps the most photographed mountain in the Rockies.  Visiting the Maroon Bells had been on my wishlist for a while and on a recent college reunion trip, I convinced my friends to make the 2 plus hour drive from Breckenridge to Aspen.  It didn’t really take a lot of convincing – I just had to forward a few photos of the very photogenic Bells and they were on board and ready to tackle some short and easy hikes in Maroon Bells, Colorado!

Maroon Bells Colorado in Summer #MaroonBells
A snowcapped Maroon Bells in May

Why is it called Maroon Bells?

The red mudstone layers give the mountains their unique maroon coloring and its name.  When the light is right, the peaks reflect in the lake, and this image is on prints and postcards for sale at most gift shops in Colorado.  10 miles from Aspen up Maroon Creek Road, the Maroon Bells put on quite a show in Fall, when the aspen groves turn shades of yellow and gold. 

Many visitors come to Aspen to take pictures, sunrise is a popular time when the rising sun hits the east-facing peaks. This is also the best time to catch the bells reflection on the lake.  It was a little windy when we were there and we couldn’t see the reflection.

Maroon Bells Colorado in Summer #MaroonBells

We were there in May just when the park was opening for the season and had most of the trails to ourselves.  Come early if you want to see the reflection on the lake.  The blissful panorama of the reflective lake along with Peaks engulfed in shades of spring green was a sight to behold. 

It seems like regardless of the season, the views at Maroon Bells Colorado are breathtaking –  it is not to be missed during a visit to Colorado! It is sure to be a highlight of your trip!

3 Short and Easy Hikes in Maroon Bells, Colorado - Photo by Outside Suburbia

More than 300 million years of geologic activity, including sedimentation, uplift, and erosion by wind, water and ice, are credited to the creation of Maroon Valley. According to the US Forest Service, the mountains received their distinctive maroon coloring from the weathering of hematite, an iron-bearing mineral, while Maroon Lake occupies a basin that was sculpted by Ice-Age glaciers. 

Glaciers cut valleys and lakes, like Maroon Lake and Crater Lake. The Maroon Bells are considered Colorado Fourteeners with North Maroon at 14,014′ and the summit of South Maroon Peak at 14,156′. They are called “the bells” because the shape of the mountains resembles church bells. The surrounding Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area was one of the first US Wilderness areas established in 1964.

Maroon Bells Colorado in Summer #MaroonBells
A Bench with a view!

See these other short and easy hikes in US National Parks

3 Short and Easy Hikes in Maroon Bells, Colorado
A rocky Hike up to Crater Lake
Maroon Bells Colorado in Summer #MaroonBells
Isn’t the watercolor stunning? Should we call this Emerald Lake?
Aspen Groves ready to put on some leaves for spring

3 Short and Easy Hikes in Maroon Bells

The most popular viewpoint of the Maroon Bells are from the shores of Maroon Lake, a pristine alpine lake. Hiking at the relatively easy trails is the best way to enjoy them. Here are three short and easy hiking trails at Maroon Bells with rewarding views. Allow for plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and dress in warm layers. 

If you coming from flat land like me, give yourself enough time to get acclimated to the altitude before hiking.  Keep in mind that climbing the Maroon Bells is fatal since the Mudstone is very fragile, causing loose rock on the climbing routes – these twin peaks are rightfully known as the “Deadly Bells.”

3 Short and Easy Hikes in Maroon Bells, Colorado

Maroon Lake Scenic Trail

Miles one way: 1.3. Elevation: 9,500 ft. – 10,000 ft.

This easy 1-mile round-trip trek starts at the parking area and follows the circumference of the lake. The trail follows the lake to the far side and meanders along the creek flowing into the lake.  This easy to do trail is very scenic and is a great place for pictures and picnics. 

Perfect for families with little kids. Plan to come early if you want to see the reflection of the Bells in the lake.  It gets pretty crowded during peak season! It was my favorite and we stopped every few minutes for photos!

Maroon Creek Trail

Start at the outlet of Maroon Lake and travel along Maroon Creek to encounter alpine meadows, aspen forests and rocky slopes. This 3.2-mile one-way trail is an excellent place to spot wildlife such as mule deer, red fox, bighorn sheep, porcupines and a variety of birds.

Crater Lake Trail

This 3.6-mile round-trip trail rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas of Aspen woodlands and Crater Lake. Start at the Maroon Bells Kiosk from Maroon Lake Trail and be prepared for a steep and rocky ascent, cooler temperatures. The Maroon-Snowmass Trail climbs through the Aspens to the lake.  The left trail or the scenic trail follows a river and crosses two bridges, then climbs steeply to meet with the Maroon-Snowmass Trail.

The trail is relatively easy but a little rocky and with all the elevation changes it feels a lot longer than the 3.8 miles. It is not as scenic as the Maroon Lake trail since most of the time you are looking behind to see the Bells. If you are short on time I would recommend sticking to the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail. There were some patches of snow, so do wear some sturdy shoes.

Photos from our hikes in Maroon Bells on Lake Scenic Trail & Crater Lake Trail

We spent our entire day at the foot of these imposing bells and only left when the sun was about to set and it was time for dinner – reminiscing our college days together and catching up with each other’s lives and of course taking lots of photos.  The only thing grander than the vistas were the memories we made together!

Maroon Bells on Lake Scenic Trail & Crater Lake Trail | Outside Suburbia
Maroon Bells Crater Lake Trail Hike | Outside Suburbia
Maroon Bells on Lake Scenic Trail & Crater Lake Trail | Outside Suburbia
Maroon Bells on Lake Scenic Trail & Crater Lake Trail | Outside Suburbia
Maroon Bells Lake Scenic Trail & Crater Lake Trail Hike | Outside Suburbia
Maroon Bells on Lake Scenic Trail & Crater Lake Trail | Outside Suburbia
Maroon Bells on Lake Scenic Trail & Crater Lake Trail | Outside Suburbia
Maroon Bells on Lake Scenic Trail & Crater Lake Trail | Outside Suburbia

Photos by my friends Arun, John Dhanraj and Panneer

See this post if you need some help packing for a mountain adventure.

Getting to the Maroon Bells

We drove from Breckenridge to Aspen via I-70 to Highway 82  through Glenwood Springs.  It is a shorter drive if you coming from Aspen and that is where we stopped for lunch before heading back.  Another beautiful Ski town in Aspen has lots of things to do during summer as well.

We were visiting on a Friday in May and were able to drive all the way to the parking lot at the Maroon Bells Trailhead.  Because the natural landmark is so popular, there is restricted access to the area during the popular summer and fall months.

Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit when the Maroon Bells are cradled by golden-hued aspen groves. It is a popular spot for leaf peepers and the best way to see the Maroon Bells is to take the public bus operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and visit mid-week when there are fewer crowds. The bus operates between 8 am to 5 pm from mid-June through early October.  More information here

Maroon Bells in Summer #MaroonBells #Colorado

In Late-Spring: From when Maroon Creek road opens, which is historically mid-May, and until mid-June (when the shuttle bus service starts) you are allowed to drive the road from 8am-5pm. You still have to pay the access fee.

From about mid-June until early October, you can drive Maroon Creek road to the Maroon Bells trailhead before 8 am and after 5 pm. There is a $10 fee for driving the road, which–especially in Autumn–is one of the more beautiful drives in the country. From 8 am to 5 pm, visitors must take a 10-15-minute shuttle bus ride to the trailhead from the Maroon Bell parking lot

Early October to Mid-November: You can drive Maroon Creek road to the trailhead any day and any time of the week. Again, the access fee applies.

Maroon Bells During the Winter Months: Maroon Creek road is closed during the winter months, beginning in mid-November. Until the road reopens around mid-May of each year, the trailhead is only accessible by hiking in, cross-country skis, or via snowmobile tours.

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PIN IT FOR LATER

Having made this trip, I still couldn’t scratch it off my list, I would love to make it back to Maroon Bells in Fall to see it in all its golden glory!

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