The Maroon Bells opened up on May 26th, 2006 and if you have visitors coming in from out of town, or are planning to head over the Maroon Bells this summer to hike or take in a driving tour, be aware that the area has limited access by car from June through September.

From mid June, during the main part of the day, you will need to take a bus tour. Tours leave the Aspen Highlands ski area every 20 minutes from 9:05 am to 2:05 pm and then every hour and half until 4:30pm, last bus leaves at 5:00pm. If you are visiting the area from 7am – 9 am or from 5pm – 7pm then you can access the area with a $10 recreation use fee.

The area has been closed to private vehicles during the peak times of the day since 2000 because of the build up of pollution on the mountain. The aspen and the wildflowers, the reason everyone loves to travel to the area, were choking from all the pollution from the vehicles.

All non-motorized forms of transportation can go through at no charge at anytime. On the bus tours you can bring along Fido, so long he stays on the leash at all times and you keep him on the trails and be aware he can’t go swimming in the lakes.

Check out the Forest Service site for downloadable trail guides before heading out. There is something for everyone and every ability, such as the Maroon Lake Scenic trail an easy 1.5 mile (one way) trail that takes you across creeks, around an active beaver pond and loops back around the lake. You can turn back at any point to head back to the trailhead.

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