Visit the Maroon Bells

Aspen, Colorado Summer 2008
Maroon Bells Aspen Colorado

Maroon Bells Information

The Maroon Bells, surrounded by pristine National Forest lands, are the most photographed peaks in all of North America. Here you can explore the glacial valley while surrounded by 14,000 - foot peaks. Maroon Lake, surrounded by fields of wildflowers, mirrors images of the Maroon Bells in it's waters.

Maroon Bells has limited accessibility by car but there are bus tours running throughout the day for the summer season. The road is open to all Non-Motorized forms of transportation at no charge. (bicycles, skateboarders, hikers, rollerbladers, etc...)

Opens: May 30, 2008
Closes: TBA (varies with weather)

How to get there from Aspen, Snowmass or Downvalley

From either Aspen or Snowmass the easiest way to get to the Maroon Bells is by bus. From Aspen take the Castle/Maroon bus from Rubey Park to Highlands. If you are coming from Snowmass or Downvalley just go directly to Highlands and park for free. At Highlands you will need to buy tickets at Pro Mountain Sports for the bus tour to Maroon Bells. The bus will pick you up right outside Pro Mountain Sports and drive you to the Maroon Bells.

Bus Information

Castle Ridge / Maroon Bells Bus from Aspen to Highlands
Bus Season: Year Round
Departure Location: Ruby Park, Aspen
Departure Time: Three times every hour, :00 :20 :40
2008 Rates: Free
Maroon Bells Bus Tour from Highlands to Maroon Bells
Bus Season: June 14 - August 31, 2008 daily
September 5 - 30, 2008 Weekends Only! Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Departure Location: Outside Pro Mountain Sports at the base of Aspen Highlands
Departure Time: From 9:05 am to 2:00 pm: Every 20 minutes
From 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm: On the hour and half hour
Last Bus departs Maroon Lake Day Use Area at 5:00 pm
2008 Rates: Adults $6; Children 6-16 $4; Seniors $4; Children 6 and under are Free
A $0.50 Forest Service recreation fee is part of the $6 adult and $4 senior RFTA bus fee. This fee goes towards repairs, maintenance, improvements, and education.
Ticket Purchase: Pro Mountain Sports in Aspen Highlands Village
Ruby Park Transit in Aspen
Aspen Mountain Gondola Ticket Office in Aspen
Where to Park: All vehicles may park for free at Aspen Highlands Village Parking Lot

Vehicle Pass Information

National Parks pass WITH a Golden Eagle Sticker, Golden Access, America the Beautiful and Maroon Bells Passes allow access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for the season. Passes are not valid when the road is restricted to motorized vehicles from 9am - 5pm.

*Exceptions Apply which are:

  • From 7:00 am - 9:00 am and again at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm road is open to vehicles with $10 recreation use fee.
  • Before 7:00 am and after 7:00 pm road is open to vehicles with no charge.
  • Vehicles with people with disabilities or with a valid Handicap placard or license plate.
  • Vehicles with 11 people or more.
  • Vehicles with infants that require a restraining child seat (not a booster seat)
  • People camping at Silver Bar, Silver Bell & Silver Queen Campgrounds
  • Holders with Special Use Permits issued by the Forest Service
  • Overnight Backpackers
  • Horse trailers