Want to visit the Maroon Bells at sunrise? This guide shares everything you need to know about parking reservations, the shuttle system, and what to expect when you arrive so you can get the perfect shot of the Maroon Bells illuminated with alpenglow.
Maroon Bells Recreation Area in Aspen is one of the popular places to visit in Colorado, and for good reason. There aren’t many places where you can get a breathtaking view of the mountains rising behind an alpine lake without having to hike to it. It’s also a classic destination to see fall colors in Colorado thanks to the aspens that frame the lake.
The best time of day to visit the Maroon Bells (in my opinion) is at sunrise. Not only will you get the best light for photos, but you’ll also have the best chance of beating the crowds that tend to form later in the day (even with a shuttle system and parking reservations in place. I’ve been to the Maroon Bells for sunrise a few times and even when the conditions aren’t perfect, it never disappoints.
Unfortunately visiting the Maroon Bells at sunrise isn’t as simple as just spontaneously driving up (you’ll need a highly coveted parking reservation), which is why I put together this guide to help you plan your trip.
What Are the Maroon Bells?
The Maroon Bells are located in Colorado’s Elk Range and include Maroon and North Maroon peaks. Both mountains are Colorado 14’ers (aka peaks over 14,000 ft.) and have a distinct bell shape. The Bells are made from mudstone that is rich in hematite, which gives them their signature maroon hue. The sedimentary rock is incredibly crumbly, which makes climbing the peaks a formidable challenge.
When I talk about “visiting the Maroon Bells,” I’m specifically talking about visiting the Maroon Bells Recreation Area. This is where you’ll find the iconic view of the Bells from Maroon Lake.
If you’re interested in exploring the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness it’s going to require some hiking. There are a number of different trailheads that provide access to the Wilderness, including Maroon Lake. Day hiking in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness does not require a permit, but most areas require a backpacking permit that you have to obtain in advance. You can learn more about the permit reservation system HERE.
If you’re up for a short hike while visiting the Maroon Bells, I recommend hiking to Crater Lake. The trail is roughly 3.5 miles out-and-back with almost 700 ft. of elevation gain. While it’s a short hike up to the lake, it has a solid climb, making it a moderately difficult-difficult hike (especially if you’re not accustomed to hiking at altitude). It’s a pretty hike and I think it’s worth the trip to get an even closer view of the Maroon Bells.
Maroon Bells Recreation Area Parking & Shuttle Information
The Maroon Bells Recreation Area is an extremely popular and world-renowned location. Because parking infrastructure is limited, the U.S. Forest Service has limited parking hours and put a reservation system in place. In order to help provide additional access to the Maroon Bells, the Aspen Chamber of Commerce manages a shuttle system to take visitors up from the parking area at Aspen Highlands (parking is $7/hour with a $40 maximum).
If you want to park at the Maroon Lake trailhead you need a reservation between May 15-October 31, 2025 (the road up is typically closed outside of this window). There are a few different types of parking reservations available:
- Day Use Parking: 12am-4:30pm MST (you must arrive prior to 8am from May 24-October 20, 2025)
- Evening Parking: 5pm-12am MST
- Overnight Parking: Only permitted with an overnight Wilderness permit with a Maroon Lake entry/exit (a link to book parking is provided with your reservation).
IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to visit the Maroon Bells at sunrise you have to drive up to the trailhead early, which means making a day use parking reservation!
The shuttle does not starting running until 8am, which is too late to catch the sunrise. Once the shuttle starts running the area also starts getting crowded.
Parking reservations for May-July are currently available. Reservations for August-October go on sale on June 17th at 8:00 AM MST. You can make parking reservations HERE.
Cost:
- Trailhead Parking: $10
- Shuttle: $16/adults; $10/kids <12; $10/seniors >65
Recreating Responsibly
The Maroon Bells Recreation Area sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, mostly concentrated between July-September, so it’s incredibly important that everyone who visits does their part to recreate responsibly and minimize their impact on the environment.
Rules + Regulations for the Maroon Bells Recreation Area + the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
- Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. The entire Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness requires dogs to be leashed (it’s also home to some of the best dog-friendly hikes in Colorado!). Don’t forget to pack out pet waste!
- Fires are PROHIBITED above 10,800 ft. If you’re camping in an area where fires are permitted, make sure you’re aware of any fire bans or restrictions and always practice campfire safety.
- Approved bear canisters are required for overnight trips.
- There are bathrooms with running water next to the parking lot at the Maroon Bells Recreation Area. Packing out human waste with a WAG bag is recommended in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
Leave No Trace
The seven Leave No Trace principles are a set of guidelines to help people make responsible choices that minimize their impacts outdoors. Always remember to practice Leave No Trace when visiting Aspen to keep the area beautiful for future generations.
- Plan ahead and prepare. Research the trail you’re hiking ahead of time, check the weather, carry a map, and make sure you have the proper gear.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stay on developed trails and other durable surfaces, like rocks or gravel. Don’t hike through wildflower fields or meadows.
- Properly dispose of waste. This includes packing out all of your trash, including food scraps and pet waste.
- Leave what you find. Remember not to pick wildflowers or harm the aspens.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Use existing fire rings and be sure to check for fire restrictions before having a campfire. Make sure that campfires are completely extinguished, which means the ashes are cool.
- Respect wildlife. Maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Never feed or harass wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Remember uphill hikers have the right of way. Don’t blast music on the trail. Be sure to communicate with other trail users where appropriate.
The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Altitude Awareness
Maroon Lake sits at over 9,500 ft., and the elevation can often take visitors by surprise. If you’re visiting Aspen from sea level or a low elevation area, try to spend a day or two in a lower elevation city like Grand Junction or Denver before heading up to the mountains. Flying into Aspen? Be prepared to take it easy the first couple of days of your trip.
If you’re not acclimated to hiking at high altitudes, prepare to take things slowly and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Issues with coordination
If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, safely get back down to a lower elevation. If altitude sickness is left untreated it can develop into a more serious problem like HAPE (high-altitude pulmonary edema) or HACE (high-altitude cerebral edema), which can be deadly.
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