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Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

ALERTS:

Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.

Get Permits

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964. This Wilderness is located in Colorado within the Elk Mountains and spans the White River and Gunnison National Forests. The Wilderness area surrounds the extremely popular Maroon Bells Scenic Area which is a major access point for Wilderness travel.

Advance reservation overnight permits are required for the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness including Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake, and the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). 

The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip.  Use this Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Map to understand which areas require overnight permits.  If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone that you plan to camp.  Permits are available at recreation.gov.   The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. From early October to late June, campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible. 

In the Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. In all other zones, the permit holder and group should select a campsite within the zone that is already established, and is 70 big steps away from trails and water.

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zone Map
Conundrum Hot Springs Designated Campsites
Crater Lake Zone Designated Campsites
Capitol Lake Zone Designated Campsites
Geneva Lake Zone Recommended Campsites

General Information

  • Overnight Permit Requirement: A permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. This permit must be acquired in advance through recreation.gov.
  • For overnight trips outside of the permitted zones, self-registration is required at the trailhead. 

These regulations are in place to protect this special area:

  • Overnight permit required for overnight stays within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
  • Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant containerHuman food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave.
  • You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn more about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails.
  • Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group.
  • Dogs are prohibited. 

Fees are charged for high season overnight stays in permitted zones of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, and for parking and shuttle reservations at Maroon Bells Scenic Area.

Getting There

Elevation

11,200'

Directions

Popular Trails 

  • Four Pass Loop: The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route in the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure.  This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past alpine lakes and among high Elk Range peaks.
  • Conundrum Hot Springs: The Conundrum Creek Trail generally parallels Conundrum Creek weaving its way up the valley through the woods and meadows to three river crossings before the hot springs.
  • View a comprehensive list of Maroon Bells Wilderness Trails

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restroom information is not currently available for this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Groups

Holy Cross Wilderness, White River NF

The White River National Forest has eight wilderness areas

Last updated May 6th, 2025