Maroon Bells, often hailed as “the most photogenic mountains in North America,” is a stunning sight that tops many travelers’ must-see lists. While Colorado has countless breathtaking landscapes, the Maroon Bells is particularly special. You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy the beauty of Maroon Bells. A convenient shuttle from downtown Aspen brings you right to this scenic spot, making it ideal for those who prefer an easy stroll, have only a little time, or are bringing a stroller.
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THE LOCATION OF MAROON BELLS
Maroon Bells is located about a 20-minute drive from Aspen, Colorado, in the United States. If you’re coming from Denver Airport, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive to Aspen. Since It’s a bit far for a day trip, I recommend staying overnight nearby when you visit Maroon Bells.
HOW TO GET TO MAROON BELLS FROM ASPEN
Here’s how to get to Maroon Bells, which is generally accessible by car, or shuttle bus.
1. Walking:
Walking from Aspen is quite a distance (about 10 miles) and the path includes uphill sections, so it would be quite challenging. This option might be viable only if you have plenty of time and energy.
2. Bike:
You can bike to Maroon Bells and park your bike at the bike racks available in the parking area.
3. Car:
During the busy season from mid-May to the end of October, you have to reserve a parking spot and get there before 8 AM. It’s too early for my family, I mean, me, we chose not to drive ourselves.
4. Shuttle Bus:
The shuttle bus operates only during the high season and requires a reservation. Although there are some walk-in seats available, I highly recommend booking in advance to avoid waiting in the standby line. When we got there, we saw a quite long line for the standby.
Also, pre-booking can give you a slight discount on the shuttle fare. For more detailed information and to make reservations, you can visit the Aspen Chamber of Commerce website.
Next, I will explain in more detail about taking the shuttle bus to Maroon Bells.
SHUTTLE BUS TO MAROON BELLS
Please note that the shuttle bus to Maroon Bells leaves from Aspen Highlands, not from downtown Aspen. Make sure to head to the right spot.
How to Get to the Maroon Bells Shuttle Bus Stop from Downtown
From downtown Aspen, you can catch a free bus operated by RFTA that will take you directly to the Maroon Bells shuttle stop at Aspen Highlands. Look for buses departing from the Rubey Park Transit Center, as they provide a straightforward route to the shuttle stop. To check the bus schedules and travel times, simply use Google Maps to search the route from downtown Aspen to Aspen Highlands.
Although the shuttle stop is called “Aspen Highlands, “ the bus itself will be marked as “Castle/Maroon.” Be sure to board the correct bus to ensure a smooth journey to your destination.
Keep in mind to board the bus heading to Castle/Maroon and get off at the final stop.
Aspen Highlands – Shuttle Bus Terminal
The Aspen Highlands stop is the final bus stop for services coming from Aspen. From here, you can board the shuttle bus that will take you to your ultimate destination, Maroon Bells.
Check-in & Bus Ticket Collection
When you reach the bus terminal, head inside to collect your shuttle bus ticket. Although the ticket may resemble a thin receipt, be sure to keep it safe. You’ll need it to get on the shuttle bus. A good tip is to snap a photo of our ticket with your phone just in case.
Remember, your ticket is good for both the trip there and the trip back.
Gift Shop
The bus terminal also includes a gift shop and restrooms inside.
SHUTTLE BUS TO MAROON BELLS
The shuttle buses leave on time. Keep in mind that getting a seat is not always guaranteed. After you board the shuttle, it will head straight to Maroon Bells.
The Parking lot of Maroon Bells
You’ll immediately see a parking area when you step off the shuttle. This lot is for visitors who drive their own car.
During the off-peak season, there’s no need to reserve a parking spot as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember that the availability of parking spaces and road conditions can change based on the weather and time of year, so check the official website for the latest updates before your trip.
Near the parking area, you’ll find vaulted toilets. Just a heads up—you’re in the mountains, and these are not flush toilets, so come prepared! It’s not unusual for facilities in mountainous areas or campsites like Maroon Bells to occasionally run out of toilet paper.
This happened during our visit too. I always pack tissues and sanitize wipes for outdoor adventures. They’re essential items that come in handy when you’re enjoying nature!
THIS IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST STUNNING VIEWS—MAROON BELLS!
The moment you get off the bus, you’re met with the gorgeous sight of Maroon Bells, blanketed in fresh snow. Visiting in mid-October, we were thrilled to witness the first snowfalls of the season in the Colorado mountains.
We were just so lucky to catch this spectacular panorama on a crisp, clear fall day. Although the recent snow had caused most of the Aspen leaves to fall, leaving little of the famed golden foliage, the scenery was still breathtaking. It’s the kind of view that captures your heart, making you want to linger and soak it in for as long as possible.
HIKING TRAILS AT MAROON BELLS
Maroon Bells offers several hiking trails, and this article highlights the two main ones.
1. Maroon Lake Scenic Trail: This is an easy, short trail that circles Maroon Lake, providing stunning views of the Maroon Bells and the surrounding landscape. It’s ideal for a leisurely walk and for taking in the breathtaking scenery.
2. Crater Lake Trail: The Crater Lake Trail is a moderately strenuous hike that leads to Crater Lake, offering exceptional views of the Maroon Bells reflecting in the lake. The trail is about 3.6 miles round trip.
Scenic Loop Trail
The easiest hiking trail at Maroon Bells is the Scenic Loop Trail. This 1.94-mile (3.1 km) trail has an elevation gain of just 161 feet (49 meters) and loops around the lake. A casual stroll along this trail offers breathtaking scenery, making it perfect for all visitors.
Crater Lake Trail
Another trail worth exploring is the Crater Lake Trail.
Distance: 3.54 miles (5.7 km)
Elevation Gain: 689 feet (210 meters)
This trail features changes in elevation and rocky paths. Hikers must navigate uneven terrain, so wearing sturdy hiking shoes is essential to prevent slips and injuries. We enjoyed this hike immensely and found it to be a rewarding challenge.
Slippery Trail
After it snowed, parts of the trail turned icy. In retrospect, packing shoe spikes would have been smart. While we managed to climb up okay, going down was trickier because of the slippery path. Trekking poles would have really helped.
Since we didn’t have any trekking poles, we used branches we found along the trail as makeshift ones.
Breathtaking Hike
The highlight of the hike to Crater Lake is unbelievable scenery, offering spectacular views as you trek.
Crater Lake
Crater Lake! Wait, where’s the lake? During this season, all that remains is the dry bed of what was once the lake. I saw several people backpacking in this area. To do backpacking here, you need a permit. Check the official website for details.
DON’T MISS THE RETURN SHUTTLE BUS
Although you might feel like staying as much as you want, don’t forget about the last return shuttle bus from Maroon Bells to Aspen Highlands, which departs at 5 PM. Missing this bus means a long walk back without any cell phone service, so make sure to watch the time carefully.
When planning your hike, make sure to check the shuttle bus schedules. Booking your outbound bus while keeping the return times in mind will give you ample time to enjoy your hike and ensure a stress-free return.
ASPEN’S RENTAL BIKES – WE CYCLE
From the Aspen Highlands shuttle drop-off point, it takes about 15 minutes to get back to downtown Aspen by shuttle bus. The ride back down the mountain takes about the same amount of time by bike.
When you get off the shuttle bus, you’ll see rows of bicycles. These are rental bikes that you can ride from Aspen Highlands to downtown Aspen. Surprisingly, the first 30 minutes of rental are free! You can use these bikes in both Aspen and Snowmass.
We Cycle
Pedal Bike: $0.50/min
E-Bike: $5.00/min
REWARD TIME AFTER THE HIKE
After a long walk, what better reward than some ice cream? Even if it means indulging in more calories than you just burned off! Lol
Located in downtown Aspen, Paradise Bakery & Café offers gelato, coffee, and freshly baked goods. It’s the perfect spot to treat yourself after a day of adventure.
Paradise Bakery & Café is mainly a takeout ice cream shop, so there’s no indoor seating, but you can still enjoy your treat on the benches outside. With a wide variety of flavors available, I couldn’t resist getting a double scoop. Treats like this keep my hiking motivation high, even if it’s a bit indulgent. It’s all part of the fun!
Paradise Bakery & Cafe
320 S Galena St, Aspen, CO 81611
FINAL THOUGHTS
Maroon Bells is a dream destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors, offering serene walking paths, challenging hikes, and picturesque spots for picnicking. The convenient shuttle bus service makes this Colorado gem readily accessible for visitors of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents.
During the peak season, which spans from early summer to early fall, remember to book your parking and shuttle spots in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
On our trip, we were incredibly fortunate to witness a rare and enchanting blend of Maroon Bells’ golden fall foliage intertwined with early snowscapes all in one day! I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit and experience the magical allure of Maroon Bells for yourself.
ESSENTIAL GEAR AND CLOTHING TO BRING
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