Maroon Lake Trailhead

Hiking area · Pitkin County

Maroon Lake Trailhead

Hiking area · Pitkin County

Aspen, CO 81611

Highlights

Most photographed peaks in Colorado, stunning valley views

Aspen, CO 81611 Get directions

fs.usda.gov

@u.s.forestservice

@matadornetwork

Summer Activities in Aspen

"The Maroon Bells are said to be the most-photographed peaks in Colorado, and you probably won’t be able to resist snapping a photo the second you pull into the parking lot. Take the bus from the Aspen Highlands parking garage. Driving to the trailhead is often impossible as this is among the most-visited parts of the state. The good news is that most visitors don’t venture past the viewpoint near the parking area, and by heading out on the 1.9-mile loop hike near Snowmass Village, you’ll leave the majority of the crowd behind. The hike is generally open mid-May through September." - MATADOR_NETWORK

https://matadornetwork.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/aspen/summer-activities/

View Postcard for Maroon Lake Trailhead

Ashish K

Google

Maroon Lake Trailhead offers one of the most stunning views in Colorado — the Maroon Bells are absolutely breathtaking. The trail around the lake is easy and family-friendly, with tons of photo ops. Go early to beat the crowds and take the shuttle if you're visiting during peak season. A must-see if you're near Aspen!

A Farrell

Google

We grab some e bikes at Maroon Bells E bike on Maroon Creek Rd. Not being avid cyclists the e bike was a great help. We arrived and walk in to the bridge just inside the wilderness. Break taking views and sights all over. Great half day adventure.

Keegan O

Google

One of the most picturesque places in Colorado. You can either make a reservation to park near the lake or you can take a shuttle up, better yet you can ride your bike or rent one near Aspen and ride it up. The views at Maroon Lake are unbelievable

Robin Wang

Google

Fantastic views with snow on the mountain tops and golden leaves by the lake. Most of the hiking trails are relatively easy unless you’re looking to conquer the mountains. There is no water in the Crater Lake but the views still beautiful. We drove to the parking lot with parking permit reserved months ago. Got there around 7:30 and there were not too many people yet, easy to find good spots for photos.

Rebecca White

Google

Absolutely gorgeous trail. Like a fairytale - snowy peaks, serene lake and the fresh mountain air. A truly mesmerizing area to visit. The trail is well marked for hiking and is mostly melted/dry for all skill levels. Would rate the lake trail as easy, it's not long at all and is very simple to follow.

Joshua Thurman

Google

B E A Utiful!!!! I've seen photos of the Bells but they did not do it justice! You have to get here and see them for yourself. The whole valley is so picturesque. Definitely a must see! Lots of hiking trails and picnic areas to use.

Chandni Mathur

Google

Fell in love with the scenery here! Absolutely surreal! There are quite a few hiking trails here. Went for the crater lake hike, they say its just 3-4 miles in all - Noooo! Its more than that! The hike has some bumpy paths full of small rocks.

Jason Zhang

Google

Heavenly! Losing one star for the expensive shuttle and parking at Aspen highlands. We planned to park at a Park and Ride but bus was late so we decided to drive up and pay for the parking. Morning rush hour doubled our travel time and we almost missed the shuttle. Lots of stress-they say you will lose the spot if you are late, but if you have a reservation for that days shuttle, why can’t they slightly adjust? Some people might get there too early some might be late just fill up the earlier bus and go, which will reduce lots of stress for us wiry travelers.