If you have already been to Maroon Bells, you probably know what I am talking about and why. If you have not, this is a must-visit place in Colorado. Maroon bells are one of the most photographed mountains in Colorado and I must say the picture does not do any justice. Maroon lake, with the mountains, is far more beautiful than the pictures. During the sunrise and sunset time, the water of the Maroon lake becomes so still that the reflection of the two-giant snow-striped mountain tops become prominent, and everything is so quiet that it creates a very stunning panoramic view. These two mountains on the back are known as Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak. Especially, right when the first ray of the sun hits the Maroon Peaks, the scene is amazingly beautiful. This iconic view changes with the season. During the wintertime, you will get a certain snow-covered view which is only accessible by snowmobile. Summer will give you the reflection view of the peak in the water of the lake. Fall is my favorite one. Just imagine, stripped mountain peak, gorgeous yellow fall trees at the bottom, and then the reflection on the Maroon lake- it’s such a beauty! The yellow-golden hues surrounding the lake make an out-of-the-world scene. You will understand why this is the most photographed mountain view in Colorado, probably in North America.
According to US Forest Service, the reason behind the Maroon color of the mountains is the weathering of hematite, which is an iron-bearing mineral, and the Maroon lake basin is one of those basins that were sculpted by Ice-Age Glacier. Geological activity including sedimentation, erosion, and uplift by ice, water, and wind for more than three hundred million years are the reasons behind the formation of the Maroon Valley. That’s why this natural landmark is so important to protect. Due to the high popularity and human activity, this area is restricted during the peak season- Summer and Fall. You have to make reservations to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic area. For Personal vehicles, you have to enter before 8 am even with reservations. After 8 am, you have to take the shuttle bus operated by Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) from mid-June through early October. If you want to avoid crowds, go on weekdays.
Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and Maroon Creek trail
While basking in the view of the lake, you can hike a little bit to make your visit more interesting. The reason I am saying this is that the view of the lake and Maroon Peaks changes dynamically with the distance. Go for the easy 1-mile (round trip) Maroon Lake Scenic trail that starts at the parking lot area and covers the circumference of the lake. You can enjoy lunch or little snacks here by the side of the lake. Around mid-way, the trail splits into two. You can take the left trail and continue your hike around the lakeshore. Or you can go for the right one, which leads towards Crater lake.
If you want to hike further and especially want to see wildlife such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, porcupines, red fox, moose, a variety of birds, etc., go for the Maroon Creek trail which is 6.4-mile (round trip). This trail starts at the out-stream of Maroon Lake and travels through the alpine meadows, aspen forests, and rocky slopes along the Maroon Creek.
Crater Lake
If you want to get a nice wide view of the Maroon bell with less crowd, you should hike the Crater Lake trail. The hike is short but the ascend is steep, uphill, and rocky, you will be accompanied by cooler temperatures and spontaneous thunderstorms. But at the end of the trail, you will find the breathtaking scene of Crater lake, Aspen woodlands, and Maroon Peaks.
The trail begins at the end of the Maroon lake, to the right. This trail passes through the meadow, aspen forest, scree field, and rocky terrain. The first part of the trail is the Aspen forest. This part of the trail is beautiful in fall. You have to go through a meadow, and you will come across a forest service bulletin board. Here the trail splits and from that point, you have to take the West Maroon or Crater Lake trail. Once you leave the forest, at a higher elevation you will cross a rocky steep area. This area is comparatively flat but no shades here though. Soon the trail will drop down and you will reach Crater lake. The view of the Crater lake with Maroon Bells is incredible. Unlike other alpine lakes, this lake is a dead lake; means is not stocked with fishes or you will not be able to catch any fish. We visited this lake around the end of August. The water level was really low and most parts of the lake were completely dry. Depending on the season and weather conditions, you may be able to see the lake view with the Maroon Peaks reflection. Overall, this hike is quite rocky, so I suggest wearing sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to look back while you start your return hike. The view is quite spectacular even with the rocky trail.
At a glance
- Location: Aspen, Colorado
- GPS Coordinate of Maroon lake: 39.095410, -106.948621
- Best time to Visit: late May to October
- Permit/Reservation: Reservations are required for both personal vehicle and shuttle service from May 14th to October 24th, 2021. For more information visit:
- Maroon Bells Reservations | Aspen (aspenchamber.org)
- Contact: 970-930-6442
- Email: info@visitmaroonbells.com
- Crater lake information:
- Hike length: 3.6 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: around 700 ft
- Difficulty: moderate
- For an overnight stay, you need permission. For more information check:
- Crater Lake - Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 (usda.gov)
- If you are backpacking, please camp maintaining all the backcountry rules and regulations.
- Know before you go. It’s important to have a proper idea about the place and the trail you are hiking.
- Please practice leave no trace and keep any place as beautiful as it is. Our combined effort only can make it possible.