Maroon Bells Scenic Area - Maroon Valley Prohibitions

Associated Documents

Forest Order

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters in the Maroon Valley and Maroon Bells Scenic Area (the “Described Area”) and the segment of Maroon Creek Road (the “Described Road”) described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A. 

The Described Area and Described Road are in the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District of the White River National Forest in Pitkin County, Colorado and are located in Sections 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 32, and 33, Township 10 South, Range 85 West, 6th P.M.; Sections 5, 7,8 , and 18, Township 11 South, Range 85 West, 6th P.M.; and Sections 11, 12, 13, 14, and 24, Township 11 South, Range 86 West, 6th P.M. 

The Described Area includes Maroon Lake, the ½ mile from the edge of Maroon Lake, and ¼ mile on either side of the edge of Maroon Creek Road. 

The Described Road is the segment of Maroon Creek Road (also known as NFS Road 125 or Pitkin County Road 13) starting at the Aspen Highlands Transportation Center and ending at its terminus near Maroon Lake. 

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety, natural resources, and the scenic values of the Maroon Valley and Maroon Bells Scenic Area. 

PROHIBITIONS: 

1. Entering or being in Maroon Lake, including with any non-motor vehicles such as a kayak, canoe, raft, or fishing float tubes. 36 C.F.R. 261.58(k) 

2. Possessing or operating a motorboat on Maroon Lake. 36 C.F.R. 261.58(n)

3. Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions. 36 C.F.R. 261.58(g) 

4. Camping outside of developed recreation sites. 36 C.F.R. 261.58(e) 

5. Using any motor vehicle on the Described Road when the shuttle is operating on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. 261.54(b)Using any motor vehicle on the Described Road without a reservation to park at Maroon Lake when one is required. 36 C.F.R. 261.54(b) 

6. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire in the Described Area outside of a metal fire ring, stove, grill, or fireplace provided by the Forest Service. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(a)

 EXEMPTIONS: 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

1. Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 

2. Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 

3. The following persons are exempt only from Prohibition #6 above: 

• Persons driving or riding in a vehicle with a valid handicap placard or license plate.
• Persons driving or riding with children that require a restraining child seat per Colorado State law.
• Persons who have paid overnight camping in Silver Bar, Silver Bell, or Silver Queen campgrounds.
• Persons driving or riding in vehicles towing horse trailers that need access to the East or West Maroon parking lots.
• Persons driving or riding in a vehicle with 11 or more passengers.
• Persons leaving Maroon Lake and driving down Maroon Creek Road. 

This Order shall be in effect on April 26, 2022, and remain in effect until rescinded or until November 15, 2027, whichever event occurs first. 

Done at Glenwood Springs, Colorado this 26th day of April 2022.

Digitally signed 
Scott Fitzwilliams
Forest Supervisor
White River National Forest

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a corporation, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, 3581

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