Maroon Bells, Aspen
Colorado's most photographed view: twin maroon fourteeners mirrored in Maroon Lake outside Aspen.
About Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, rise about 12 miles southwest of Aspen in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of White River National Forest. Seen from Maroon Lake, the pair stand directly up-valley, and on calm mornings the reflection makes one of the most heavily photographed scenes in North America.
Access is tightly managed. Reservations are required to visit by private vehicle or shuttle, with shuttles running from Aspen Highlands for most of the summer and fall. From the lake, an easy scenic trail loops the shore and the Crater Lake trail climbs about 1.8 miles to a closer view of the peaks.
The classic shot is crowded at peak times, but nothing quite matches the first sun turning the Bells red.
Widely considered the most photographed mountains in Colorado, and for good reason — the reflection of the two maroon-red peaks in Maroon Lake, with aspens turning gold around the shoreline in fall, is about as close to a perfect Colorado postcard as it gets. Reservations are required for vehicle access in season, so plan ahead; sunrise is worth the early alarm, since the crowds are thinner and the light hits the peaks first, well before it reaches the lake itself.
History
The peaks are made of Maroon Formation mudstone, which gives them their color but is weak and fractures easily, leaving loose rock on nearly every route. In 1965 eight climbers died in five accidents, cementing the nickname 'The Deadly Bells,' and a Forest Service sign still warns of rock that kills without warning.
Maroon Lake sits at about 9,580 feet in a basin carved by Ice Age glaciers and dammed by landslide and rockfall debris from Sievers Mountain. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was among the original areas designated under the 1964 Wilderness Act.
Photographing Maroon Bells
Best light: Sunrise. The Bells face northeast toward Maroon Lake, so first light paints them red and orange while the lake is still calm. Aspen around the lake usually peak in late September; early summer brings snow on the peaks and green meadows.
Shots to look for
- The iconic reflection from the east shore of Maroon Lake, wide angle low over the water
- Gold aspen framing the Bells from the scenic loop trail in late September
- A telephoto of the summit ridges glowing with alpenglow
- Maroon Creek and its beaver ponds below the lake with the Bells reflected
- Crater Lake with the peaks looming closer and the Bells' rock layers in detail
Photo tips
- Private vehicles with a parking reservation must arrive before 8 a.m. and leave by 4:30 p.m., which suits sunrise shooters; check current rules.
- The prime shoreline spots fill early; arrive in the dark to claim a tripod position.
- Wind usually ruffles the lake by mid-morning; reflections are best right after dawn.
- Drones are prohibited in the wilderness.
- Bring your own water; none may be available at the scenic area.
Know before you go
- Reservations are required to visit by shuttle or car during the season; book through visitmaroonbells.com.
- In 2026 vehicle access ran May 15 to October 31, with RFTA shuttles from Aspen Highlands May 22 to October 18; check current dates.
- The road is not plowed past T-Lazy-7 Ranch in winter.
- Climbing the Bells is dangerous due to loose rock; it is not a hike.
Prints from Maroon Bells
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a reservation for the Maroon Bells?
Yes. In season you need a parking reservation or a shuttle ticket, booked in advance through visitmaroonbells.com.
What is the best time to photograph the Maroon Bells?
Sunrise, when the peaks catch first light and the lake is calm. Late September adds peak aspen color.
How long is the hike to Crater Lake?
About 1.8 miles one way, or roughly 3.6 miles round trip from Maroon Lake.
Featured in: Best Fall Color Spots in Colorado · Best Sunrise Photography Spots in Colorado
Combine it with
Crater Lake · Aspen · Independence Pass · Snowmass Village
More Colorado spots
Ohio Pass (The Castles Overlook) · Crystal Mill, Marble · Willow Lakes Trail (Gore Range)
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · fs.usda.gov · aspensnowmass.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.