Visiting the Maroon Bells: Shuttle Reservations, E-Bike Access & Hiking to Crater Lake

Towering to 4,317 metres (14,163 feet, Maroon Peak) and 4,273 metres (14,019 feet, North Maroon Peak) just 16 kilometres (10 miles) southwest of Downtown Aspen, the Maroon Bells owe their deep burgundy colour to 300-million-year-old mudstone stained with iron oxide. Because over 300,000 visitors arrive between mid-May and 31 October, the U.S. Forest Service enforces a reservation system.

1. The 3 Ways to Visit the Maroon Bells (Mid-May to October, Book at 'aspenchamber.org')

1. Mandatory RFTA Shuttle Bus from Aspen Highlands (Daytime Hours): ride the free RFTA 'Castle/Maroon' Bus from Rubey Park in Downtown Aspen 10 minutes to Aspen Highlands Village (or use the paid Highlands car park). Board your pre-booked electric Maroon Bells Shuttle (check current fares on the official site), which climbs 20 minutes to Maroon Lake (2,920m / 9,580 ft). Return shuttles run every 15 minutes until late afternoon with no fixed return slot required.
2. Personal Car Parking Permit (Enter Before Morning Restrictions or in the Evening): to photograph the orange 'Alpenglow' sunrise reflection at Maroon Lake, book a morning or evening parking permit online (which sells out months ahead for September foliage) and pass the entrance gate before morning restrictions begin.
3. Rent a Class-1 E-Bike (No Reservation Needed): even when shuttle and car permits sell out, cyclists on pedal-assist e-bikes may ride up Maroon Creek Road at any time without a reservation (a small day-use entry fee applies at the booth, often included with rentals at Four Mountain Sports).

2. The 2 Best Walks: Scenic Loop vs Crater Lake Trail

• Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail (2.4 km / 1.5 Miles Round-Trip | 45 Mins, Flat): winds past Maroon Lake along crystal-clear Maroon Creek through beaver ponds and wildflower meadows where moose frequently wade.
• Crater Lake Trail (5.8 km / 3.6 Miles Round-Trip | 180m / 600 ft Gain | 2 to 2.5 Hours): climbs through white-barked aspens and across a boulder field into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, ending at Crater Lake (3,071m / 10,076 ft) directly beneath the 1,200-metre north face of the Maroon Bells. Compare more routes in our Aspen hiking guide.