Maroon Bells is proof that the very best things in life take time. This natural wonder in Colorado is the culmination of more than 300 million years of geologic activity, including sedimentation, weathering, and erosion by wind, water, and ice. It’s one of Mother Nature’s finest masterpieces, and anyone who visits is utterly blown away. And Maroon Bells gets a lot of visitors – about 300,000 a year, all coming with cameras in hand to capture a truly spectacular sight. But while this attraction is touted as the most photographed place in Colorado, pictures simply don’t do it justice; Maroon Bells is something you must experience for yourself.
Located in a gaping glacial valley in central Colorado, there exists a place of pure, profound perfection.
Sierralara/RooM Collection via Getty Images Maroon Bells is the ultimate nature postcard: a startlingly blue lake, abundant meadows, and two 14,000-foot peaks. The peaks reflect perfectly in the pristine waters for a panorama that’s absolutely flawless.
Maroon Bells’ iconic twin peaks are located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of Colorado’s White River National Forest.
Xsandra/E+ Collection via Getty Images This high-mountain oasis makes for a picture-perfect day trip or weekend adventure.
Though holding the title of the most photographed place in Colorado is impressive, what makes Maroon Bells even more special is that everyone can experience its splendor.
krblokhin/iStock via Getty Images Plus The overlook for this stunning vista is handicap accessible: flat, fully paved, and just 80 yards from the parking lot.
In the fall, when the leaves begin to change, Maroon Bells transforms into a visual symphony of color that will make you weak in the knees.
Robin Wilson Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images With daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, as well as clear blue skies for miles upon miles, Colorado is absolute perfection in the fall.
Of course, the hiking here is extraordinary.
Xsandra/E+ Collection via Getty Images The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is perfect for hikers of all abilities - especially families. The 1.9-mile trek starts at the parking area and follows the circumference of the lake for a 360-degree experience of Maroon Bells.
And the Crater Lake Trail is 3.6 miles of Colorado resplendence.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images This trail winds through some of the lushest and most scenic parts of the park, and it’s the perfect length for an afternoon hike.
This trek also gives explorers an up-close look at Crater Lake.
Photography By Teri A. Virbickis/Royalty-free Collection via Getty Images One of Colorado’s most magnificent mountain lakes, Crater Lake is an essential part of what makes Maroon Bells so utterly beautiful.
If you want to stop and stay awhile, Maroon Bells offers some absolutely glorious camping.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images You’ll need to make reservations to camp here, but that’s all. Those with campground reservations do not need a reservation for parking at Maroon Lake.
While autumn is a popular time to visit Maroon Bells, the park turns into a dreamy winter wonderland after the first snowfall.
beklaus/E+ Collection via Getty Images The roads in the park are closed during the winter months, but the park is open for a variety of outdoor recreation, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
And those looking for a particularly memorable activity at Maroon Bells can opt to take a snowmobile tour of the park.
T-Lazy-7 Ranch T-Lazy-7 Ranch’s snowmobile tours are the ultimate way to experience White River National Forest. The tours range anywhere from 2-3 hours, and certain tours are open to passengers as young as four. Snowmobiling in Maroon Bells is a truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And in true Colorado fashion, White River National Forest is a popular destination for skiing.
Tyler Stableford/Stone Collection via Getty Images The variable terrain of this national park makes for some pretty epic skiing conditions!
In fact, Maroon Bells sits just 10 miles from Aspen, one of the most popular destinations for outdoor recreation in the country.
Walter Bibikow/DigitalVision Collection via Getty Images Aspen also has some particularly swoon-worthy accommodations, like the historic Hotel Jerome. This hotel opened in 1889 during Aspen’s early “boom” years and is the town’s oldest hotel. Staying here is an utterly charming experience.
Here’s the thing: Maroon Bells has been photographed countless times by countless photographers around the world, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular when you see it in person.
Brad McGinley Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images If you think it’s enticing in photos, just imagine how surreal the experience of standing here and seeing it for yourself will feel.
This vista is the most photographed place in Colorado, but the irony is that photos don’t begin to do it justice.
Steve Whiston - Fallen Log Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
This natural beauty belongs on everybody’s bucket list, as it’s one of the most sublimely scenic places in the world.
Ron and Patty Thomas/E+ via Getty Images
Maroon Bells is the epitome of “Colorful Colorado” — a place so vibrant and beautiful that it simply doesn’t seem real. This is some of Mother Nature’s very best work; a truly awe-inspiring, indescribably beautiful place that simply needs to be experienced.
Sierralara/RooM Collection via Getty Images
Maroon Bells is the ultimate nature postcard: a startlingly blue lake, abundant meadows, and two 14,000-foot peaks. The peaks reflect perfectly in the pristine waters for a panorama that’s absolutely flawless.
Xsandra/E+ Collection via Getty Images
This high-mountain oasis makes for a picture-perfect day trip or weekend adventure.
krblokhin/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The overlook for this stunning vista is handicap accessible: flat, fully paved, and just 80 yards from the parking lot.
Robin Wilson Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
With daytime highs in the 60s and 70s, as well as clear blue skies for miles upon miles, Colorado is absolute perfection in the fall.
The Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is perfect for hikers of all abilities - especially families. The 1.9-mile trek starts at the parking area and follows the circumference of the lake for a 360-degree experience of Maroon Bells.
Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images
This trail winds through some of the lushest and most scenic parts of the park, and it’s the perfect length for an afternoon hike.
Photography By Teri A. Virbickis/Royalty-free Collection via Getty Images
One of Colorado’s most magnificent mountain lakes, Crater Lake is an essential part of what makes Maroon Bells so utterly beautiful.
You’ll need to make reservations to camp here, but that’s all. Those with campground reservations do not need a reservation for parking at Maroon Lake.
beklaus/E+ Collection via Getty Images
The roads in the park are closed during the winter months, but the park is open for a variety of outdoor recreation, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
T-Lazy-7 Ranch
T-Lazy-7 Ranch’s snowmobile tours are the ultimate way to experience White River National Forest. The tours range anywhere from 2-3 hours, and certain tours are open to passengers as young as four. Snowmobiling in Maroon Bells is a truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tyler Stableford/Stone Collection via Getty Images
The variable terrain of this national park makes for some pretty epic skiing conditions!
Walter Bibikow/DigitalVision Collection via Getty Images
Aspen also has some particularly swoon-worthy accommodations, like the historic Hotel Jerome. This hotel opened in 1889 during Aspen’s early “boom” years and is the town’s oldest hotel. Staying here is an utterly charming experience.
Brad McGinley Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
If you think it’s enticing in photos, just imagine how surreal the experience of standing here and seeing it for yourself will feel.
Steve Whiston - Fallen Log Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Ron and Patty Thomas/E+ via Getty Images
General Information:
Accessibility: Maroon Bells is a place everyone can enjoy; the 40-yard trail leading up to the Maroon Lake shoreline is flat and wheelchair friendly. Additionally, Maroon Creek Road ends in a large, paved parking area that offers plenty of maneuverability for vehicles of all sizes.
Pet Friendly: Dogs are welcome on the trails (and are allowed on the park’s shuttle bus), provided they remain on a leash.
Parking: The Aspen Highlands parking garage is free for the first 30 minutes, after which you’ll pay by the hour. To cut down on traffic, visitors are encouraged to take the park’s shuttle.
Seasonal Access: Maroon Creek Road is closed to vehicular traffic in cold-weather months, but you can hike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile throughout the area during the winter season.
Cost: Reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area by personal vehicle or shuttle. There is a $10/vehicle fee; and, during the summer, all visitors are required to use the shuttle service ($15.95) during daytime hours. (Vehicles carrying people with disabilities or with a valid handicap placard or license plate are exempt from this policy.)
Maroon Bells really is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to spectacular Colorado wonders; there’s a whole world of beauty just waiting to be explored in Colorful Colorado!
Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous features of Ruby Falls in Tennessee, Hoh Rain Forest in Washington, and the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.
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Address: Maroon Bells, Colorado 81654, USA
