Colorado Loves the Maroon Bells—and It's Easy to See Why

Have you ever driven to a scenic destination in Colorado only to be surprised that you can’t access the area without a reservation? The mountains near Aspen’s Maroon Valley are some of the most photographed peaks in our state, but accessing them without a reservation can be a total headache.

If you’ve never been to the Maroon Bells, I would say that the legwork needed for a stress-free trip is well worth it. Keep scrolling to learn more about parking, water, and safety on the trail in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness.

LOOK: It's Easy To See Why Colorado Loves the Maroon Bells

The twin 14,000-foot peaks overlooking Maroon Lake draw visitors from around the world, but understanding the shuttle system, parking rules, and mountain safety tips can make the experience far more enjoyable.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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Maroon Lake Shuttle vs. Driving and Parking

Driving yourself to the trailhead means arriving early and jumping through a few hoops. The buses take about 20-25 minutes to take you to the trailhead, and they’ll share a bunch of cool info about the wilderness area during your ride. Parking reservations (if you drive) must be made in advance. Shuttle tickets can sometimes sell out, so I recommend purchasing them in advance too. Shuttle service means you are also paying for parking at Aspen Highlands, and it ain’t cheap.

Why You Should Never Drink Water From West Maroon Creek

Pro tip: I saw lots of people (international travelers) reaching their hands into West Maroon Creek and drinking the crystal-clear mountain water during the weekend of my visit. If you pay attention, the forest service attempts to warn you several times not to do this. West Maroon Creek sometimes contains Giardia and Cryptosporidium, parasites commonly found in wilderness waters contaminated by wildlife and human activity. If you drink from the creek, you had better boil or filter the water first.

Why AED Defibrillators Are Located Near Maroon Lake

It's Easy To See Why Colorado Loves the Maroon Bells — TSM GJ W Adams

The Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness area sits at an elevation of 9,500 feet. With just a short hike, it’s easy to wander above 10,000 feet before you know it. If you are not acclimated to Colorado’s altitude, this can be a very unforgiving play area. Hikes in the Maroon Bell Snowmass Wilderness can be strenuous, and hiking with heart conditions can create a real emergency in a remote mountain environment. The AED defibrillators stationed near Maroon Lake are both a “last warning” to hikers and a welcome tool for emergency crews. Hike safely, friends.

MORE: See All 43 of Colorado's Beautiful State Parks

There are 43 State Parks open to the public in Colorado. We also include the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area as an unofficial State Park. Scroll through the photos to learn more about each one of these popular destinations.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

Colorado Mountain Lions: 10 Counties With The Most Activity

A mountain lion sighting can happen almost anywhere in Colorado, but some parts of the state consistently see more lion activity than others. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has identified several Increased-conflict zones where mountain lions and humans are more likely to cross paths. Many of those zones are in the following counties.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams