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The Maroon Bells are two peaks in the Elk Mountains 12 miles south of Aspen, Colorado. The two peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak are counted fourteeners (peaks over 14 thousand feet in elevation). Maroon Peak, at 14,156 feet, is the 27th highest peak in Colorado; North Maroon Peak, at 14,014 feet, is the 50th highest. The peaks themselves are located within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness managed by the White River National Forest. The wilderness preserves the pristine nature of the area by forbidding motorized vehicle use or the building of roads or structures. The view of the Maroon Bells from Maroon Lake in the Maroon Creek valley is one of the most photographed scenes in Colorado.
Visiting the Bells
Due to traffic congestion problems, access to the Maroon Bells during the summer months is via tour bus from the Aspen Highlands Ski area off of Maroon Creek Road. Tickets are available at the ski shop at the ski resort.
Links to More Information
Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness (ColoradosWildAreas)
Maroon Bells Scenic Area (White River National Forest page)