Maroon Bells
One of North America's most photographed mountain views. Two purple-red peaks over 4,300 m tall are reflected in Maroon Lake, and aspens turn gold in autumn.
The Maroon Bells are two peaks about 4,300 m high in the Elk Mountains, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, both among the “fourteeners.” They take their name from the maroon-colored mudstone and their bell-like shape, and are said to be the most photographed mountains in North America. Most visitors shoot reflections at Maroon Lake at the foot of the peaks, where the rising sun turns the mountains golden red. Fit hikers can continue about 3 km uphill to Crater Lake. From mid-June to early October, Maroon Creek Road is closed to private cars during the day. You must take the RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands, which requires an advance online reservation, or drive in during the sunrise and night windows with a reserved parking spot. The road is closed in winter, and access is only by skiing, snowshoe or snowmobile. Watch out for sun exposure at high altitude and afternoon thunderstorms. Climbing the peaks is very dangerous, and they are known as the “Death Bells.”
Opening hours
Summer and autumn shuttle approx. 08:00–17:00 (reservation required); road closed in winter
Nearby sights
- Snowmass
- Aspen Highlands
- Buttermilk
- Aspen Mountain (Ajax) & Silver Queen Gondola
- Ashcroft Ghost Town
- Downtown Aspen
- Wheeler Opera House
- Aspen Music Festival (Music Tent)