Visiting the Maroon Bells is at the top of most summer visitors' bucket lists and people are certainly checking it off; last summer a record 320,000 people passed through the gateway to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area.
It's best to take the bus, and the majority of the time, it's your only option. From June 9 to October 8, between the hours of 8am - 5pm, the Maroon Bells can only be accessed by public bus ($8/person).
The Maroon Bells bus departs from the Aspen Highlands Visitor Center. Parking is available, but limited, from the center. On weekdays, it's $5 for 0-3 hours, $10 for 3-8 hours and $20/day; on weekends it's $10 for 0-3 hours, $15 for 3-8 hours and $25/day. A free bus also runs from Aspen to Aspen Highlands, labeled the Castle/Maroon bus. It leaves every 20 minutes on the hour.
Private vehicles can drive up to the Bells before 8am and after 5pm. Each vehicle must pay $10 by cash or check only, and there is no guarantee that there is parking once cars reach the Maroon Bells, as the lot often fills up early with overnight hikers. However, overnight parking is extremely limited.
Aspen Skiing Co. also offers a Sightseeing Package ($35), which includes up to three days of gondola and chairlift rides, a Maroon Bells bus ticket, $10 lunch credit and $5 Limelight Lounge credit, along with 20% off bike rentals and downhill clinics through Four Mountain Sports.
Maroon Lake sits in the natural amphitheater below the towering 14,000-foot Maroon Bells. There is a 1.7-mile nature loop that goes around the lake. Another popular hike is the 1.8-mile hike (3.6 miles roundtrip) to Crater Lake. Both of the these trails are heavily trafficked.
• Mountain bikes and all mechanized vehicles are prohibited on the trails and within the boundaries of the wilderness area.
• Do not approach or engage with wildlife.
• Dress appropriately and come prepared; weather changes quickly and often in the Rocky Mountains.
• There is no cell phone service.
• Dogs must be leashed and pick up their waste.
• Littering is prohibited and all trash must be packed out.