ProTrails

Maroon Bells - Maroon Creek Trail to Maroon Lake and Crater Lake

The Aspen-Snowmass Wilderness area is one of Colorado's most beautiful and recognized landscapes. The Maroon Bells, a famous set of jagged 14,000' mountains frame Maroon Valley to the west and are a must-see for any visitors to Aspen or Snowmass. Two sparkling lakes, Maroon Lake and Crater Lake, are easly accessible from the Maroon Creek Trailhead and a short hike through striking terrain will lead you there.

  

«The Maroon Bells - South Maroon Peak (14,156') and North Maroon Peak (14,014')»
The Maroon Bells - South Maroon Peak (14,156') and North Maroon Peak (14,014')
The Maroon Bells - South Maroon Peak (14,156') and North Maroon Peak (14,014')The landscape becomes craggy and rocky about a mile into the hikeCrater Lake, accessible via a short walk through the Maroon BellsLooking down Maroon Valley at Maroon LakeAfter Maroon Lake, the trail heads through a healthy grove of aspen treesGlacial runoff contributes to gushing waterfalls on the West Maroon Creek TrailThe north shore of Crater Lake in the Maroon Bells WildernessSnowbanks remain late into the summer and can be fun for snowsliding Craggy, rust colored peaks dominate the Maroon Creek Trail to the northA Magpie, cousin to the Raven, calls to its mate on the Maroon Creek TrailClimbing the 'bells' is very dangerous - several people die each year from falling off the mountains' sheer facesWildflowers are abundant in the verdant meadows of the Maroon Bells Area