Maroon Creek Area

Copyright: Marshall Hall-Interactive Outdoors, Inc. Maroon Bells reflected in Maroon Lake in the early morning

The wildflowers are perfuse and peak in late July to mid August. Abundant wildlife inhabits the area, much of which has been set aside as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

The Bells are well known and attract crowds. From mid June through September Maroon Creek Road is closed to automobile traffic from 8:30 a.m. unit 5:00 p.m. You will need to catch a shuttle bus from Ruby Park in Aspen which includes an informative guided tour of the valley. Contact the Roaring Fork Transit Agency at 925-8484 for more information.

Attractions - The scenic drive up Maroon Creek Road and Maroon Lake, which is located at the end of the road, are the most popular attractions in this area. Numerous trails lead from the East and West Maroon Trail Portals. Most trails lead into the spectacular Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Several 14,000 foot peaks, Pyramid, North Maroon and South Maroon are found in this area.

Recreation - Some of the recreation opportunities available in this area include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, picnicking, viewing scenery and mountain climbing.

Climate - In the valley bottoms, summer high temperatures extend into the 70's and mid 80s, with cool evenings that can often dip into the 30s. Winter lows occasionally dip to minus 30 degrees, though daytime temperatures are often in the 20s to 30s. The relative humidity is quite low throughout the year. Much of the area and its recreation facilities lie at higher elevations where significantly lower temperatures and more precipitation can be expected. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are common. Snow is possible at any time of year in the highest elevations. The high elevation roads and trails are often not clear of snow until mid-July.

Location - This area is located southwest of Aspen and is accessed by Maroon Creek Road. The road is closed during the day to automobile traffic and access is provided by shuttle bus.

Directions from Aspen: Drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82. Turn onto Maroon Creek Road at the roundabout. Continue 9 1/2 miles to the Maroon Lake Parking Area.From mid-June through September, the Maroon Creek Road is closed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and you will need to take a shuttle bus from Ruby Park in Aspen. The bus includes an informative guided tour of the valley. Contact the Roaring Fork Transit Agency at 925-8484 for more information.