Maroon Bells Aspen Colorado Crater Lake Trail

The Maroon Bells are a pair of 14,000 foot peaks in the Elk Mountains of Colorado's White River National Forest. They're often called the most photographed mountains in Colorado. But we're not just here for the postcard view. With trails for every skill level, there's a way for everyone to enjoy this breathtaking wilderness. Get ready, because we're gearing up to uncover the best ways to enjoy Aspen's iconic Maroon Bells. Because it's such a popular destination, permits and reservations are required to access the limited parking spaces at the Maroon Lake Trailhead, and spots fill up fast. You can also take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Resort, which runs from late May through late October. An added bonus of the shuttle is they give you a bit of history and background trivia along the way. We suggest going mid-week for less chance of crowds, while the weekends tend to be far busier. Once you reach the Maroon Bells scenic area, you have a few options to explore. The easiest is to simply enjoy the views of the valley from the side of the gorgeous Maroon Lake, which sits in a basin carved by Ice Age glaciers. The imposing Maroon Peak, rising 14,163 feet, and North Maroon Peak at 14,019 feet, and their stunning snowy striations stand guard over the valley, and our especially impressive mirrored and glassy Maroon Lake. There's the 1-mile Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, which besides the lake and the bells, gives you great views of Seavers Mountain South and Pyramid Peak on opposing sides of the valley. If you look closely, you might be able to see evidence of past avalanches and rock slides. If you're up to venture further into the wilderness and get a closer view of the Maroon Bells, try the 3.6-mile Crater Lake Trail. The Crater Lake Trail is a moderate hike, but it's worth every step, and don't let the snow fool you. It was a beautiful 70 degrees and sunny for our hike in late May. The Crater Lake Trail starts at the Deadly Bells kiosk near Maroon Lake, and winds through beautiful aspen groves with the soothing sound of a rushing creek accompanying you along the way. The views constantly change, and while the final stretch is steep, rocky, and slippery, the reward is incredible. The mountains here get their distinct maroon color from an iron-rich mineral called hematite. The forests that line the valley are full of aspen trees, which interestingly share a single root system, and are basically all clones of each other. While a single trunk may live 100 years, the root system can be hundreds or thousands of years old. Keep an eye out for wildlife. We spotted a mother moose and her baby getting water from a creek, and even saw snakes along the trail. You also might come across foxes, coyotes, elk, and black bears. The Crater Lake Trail winds up in, you guessed it, Crater Lake. The enormous maroon bells towering above, their prominent striations reflecting in the pristine waters. It's absolutely magical. Crater Lake is the perfect place to take a break, have a snack, and soak in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. If you like this content, check out one of our other videos, and click the nice buttons. Love you all, and have a great day.