Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness - GMUG
ALERT
Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness encompasses 183,847 acres and spans the Gunnison and White River National Forests. The majority of the area is within White River National Forest. Elevations range from 9,000’ to 14,000’. There are more than 100 miles of trails for foot and horse travel through extremely rugged terrain.
Six peaks rising above 14,000 feet draw mountaineers to challenge themselves on the rugged terrain. These peaks are among the most difficult to scale in the state. Caution and skill are advised.
In midsummer, the wildflowers are abundant. Native Bighorn Sheep make their home in the rocky terrain. Elk and deer currently thrive in the Elk Mountains, but development threatens their habitat.
The Maroon Bells Scenic Area provides access to popular Wilderness trailheads. Due to the popularity of recreation in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, shuttle buses operate during the summer months (approximate mid-June through Labor Day, plus weekends in September) to Maroon Lake.
Active Alerts
General Information
Wilderness restrictions and permit restrictions apply.
- A permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones, which include the Conundrum Hot Springs. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov.
- For all other overnight trips to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, registration is required at the trailhead.
Getting There
Directions
Trailhead/trails that access Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness at Gunnison National Forest:
- Bellview Trail #598
- Copper Creek Trail #983 which junctions with Conundrum Trail #981.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.