Maroon Lake

4.8(385)google

5.0(1)yelp

Per Vehicle $10·Per Person $16USD(Maroon Lake is within the Maroon Bells scenic area; its pricing (vehicle reservation or mandatory shuttle) is identical to the Maroon Bells system)

LakeHiking

Overview

The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, separated by about 0.3 miles (0.5 km). The mountains are on the border between Pitkin County and Gunnison County, Colorado, United States, about 19 kilometres (12 mi) southwest of Aspen. Both peaks are fourteeners.

Practical Info

Aspen, CO 81611, USA

Suggested Duration1-2 hours

Best TimeIdentical to the Maroon Bells, late September offers the finest view. The best hours are between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM when the lake's surface remains glassy and undisturbed, offering the world-famous, perfectly symmetrical reflection of the dual peaks framed by golden aspens.

Getting ThereLocated adjacent to the peaks, the transport is identical. Take the official shuttle from Aspen Highlands, which drops passengers just a short walk from the lakeshore. Outside peak shuttle hours (before 8 AM or after 5 PM), driving is permitted only with a pre-booked vehicle reservation.

(970) 948-1894

fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=81118

Travel Tips

The Maroon Bells Scenic Area Parking lots are reserved exclusively for vehicles holding validated 24/48-hour overnight permits or specific off-peak day-use vehicle passes. Vehicles lacking these explicit print-outs must not attempt to drive to the lake; you will be forced to U-turn at the checkpoint 10 miles out.
The lake sits at an elevation of 9,580 feet (2,920 meters), and the trails leading to Crater Lake are covered in loose, unstable talus. Flatland visitors are highly susceptible to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS); acclimatize in Aspen or lower elevations for 24 hours, and wear rigid-sole hiking boots to prevent ankle rolling.

Photo Tips

Best LightAfter 2:00 PM, the Maroon Bells peaks become severely backlit, leading to harsh glare, washed-out skies, and choppy water that ruins photography. Furthermore, afternoons bring severe lightning and sudden hail risks; evacuate the exposed shoreline immediately if cumulonimbus clouds form.

Reviews

Positive

It is only a few minutes' walk from the shuttle drop-off to the lake, making it incredibly accessible for seniors and kids.
The lake is dead calm in the early morning, perfectly capturing the golden sunrise on the tips of the Maroon Bells.
Wildlife sightings are common; if you are lucky, you might spot moose drinking or beavers building dams nearby.
Clear trail signs and multilingual educational plaques explain the lake's formation and local ecology well.

Heads up

The water level drops significantly in late summer, exposing muddy flats and making it look less impressive than photos.
Because it is so close to the transit point, the lake area gets intensely crowded, ruining the peaceful nature vibe.
There are no shelters or shaded rest areas nearby, leaving you completely exposed during sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
The mosquitoes around the water are thick and aggressive; you will get bitten all over without heavy-duty bug spray.