Maroon Bells Scenic Area
The Maroon Bells Scenic Area features several hiking trails ranging from short hikes near Maroon Lake to longer overnight backpacking trips into the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness. Special regulations apply, and overnight permits are required in some areas. See Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness for detailed information.
Maroon Bells Access: Reservations are required to visit Maroon Bells Scenic Area and associated trailheads on the shuttle or in your personal vehicle. Reservations are available at www.visitmaroonbells.com. This includes overnight parking for those backpacking into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. If you obtain a reservation to camp overnight at Silver Bar, Silver Bell, or Silver Queen campground, you will not need a reservation for parking at Maroon Lake.
Maroon Creek Road is open to bicycles and e-bikes. All bike riders are expected to adhere to proper bicycling etiquette, including riding single file on the right side of the road (in the direction of traffic) and wearing helmets.
Be prepared: Conditions can change rapidly in the mountains so dress in layers and have a rain jacket.
Drink water: You need more water at higher elevations, and staying hydrated will help you manage altitude challenges. No water is available this season at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, so bring plenty!
Pack it in, Pack it out: Please plan to pack out your trash.
Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.
Active Alerts
General Information
Campgrounds:
Reservations for Silver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen campgrounds can be made at www.recreation.gov. Those with campground reservations do not need a reservation for parking at Maroon Lake. For additional information, please contact the Supervisor's Office at 970-945-2521.
Silver Bar Campground (reserve now) - 4 sites available at this small primitive campground.
Silver Bell Campground (reserve now) - 14 sites available on the banks of Maroon Creek.
Silver Queen Campground (reserve now) - 5 campsites available, near Maroon Creek.
Reservations:
Call Toll Free 1 (877) 444-6777 (International (518) 885-3639 or TDD (877) 833-6777) or reserve on-line at www.recreation.gov.
Food Storage:
Storing food properly is required when camping in the developed campgrounds in the Maroon Bells area. Please seal and store food in a container inside a vehicle or in bear boxes provided at the campsite.
Day Use Picnic Area:
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site is situated next to Maroon Creek, offering spectacular views of towering red stone cliffs, lush wetlands and evergreen forests. The area is an excellent gathering spot for families, group gatherings and parties.
The picnic area is available for use by the general public but can be reserved for private events. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions. For more information regarding the site or to make your reservation please visit recreation.gov.
Maroon Bells Amphitheatre
The Amphitheater is a venue with a view, tucked behind the visitor center and overlooking a vast meadow (speckled with wildflowers mid-summer), Maroon Lake, and the Maroon Bells. It’s the perfect space for interpretive programs, weddings, spoken-word poetry performances, contemplate thought, or a picnic!
The Amphitheater can be rented for private gatherings most days of the week throughout the summer, with some exceptions. For more information or to make your reservation visit recreation.gov.
- Review the Forest Order to protect the Maroon Bells Scenic Area
- Review Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness regulations
- 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.
Fees are charged for high season overnight stays in permitted zones of the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, and for parking and shuttle reservations.
Day Use Picnic Area:
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site is situated next to Maroon Creek. The picnic area is available for use by the general public but can be reserved for private events. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions. For more information regarding the site or to make your reservation please visit recreation.gov.
Maroon Bells Amphitheatre
The Amphitheater is a popular venue for interpretive programs, weddings, spoken-word poetry performances, contemplate thought, or a picnic. It has great views of Maroon Lake and the Maroon Bells.
The Amphitheater can be rented for private gatherings most days of the week throughout the summer, with some exceptions. Visit recreation.gov.
Getting There
Parking
Parking reservations are required.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
