Secret Views on the Maroon Bells Hike

This is your local, in-depth guide to the Maroon Bells hike. You'll get insider info on parking permits, secret views, and more!

As always, visit wild spaces responsibly! Always pack out your trash including water bottles, fruit peels, toilet paper, and anything else you bring with you. Leave only footprints.

Follow all closures, fire bans, drone regulations (no drones at the Maroon Bells), and dog rules (dogs must be leashed at all times).

If you are backpacking in the Maroon Bells Wilderness, you are required to carry a hard-sided, bear canister to store your trash and food. Rangers do check that you have this before you set out, so come prepared.

✨Edits and updates:
In the video, I mention “Trailrider Pass,” the correct name of the pass is “Freerider Pass.”

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✨ Additional Resources ✨

**Please note: when the shuttles are closed for the season, this website changes, be sure to check back before March for the current year’s reservation information.
**NOTE: Permits sell out almost immediately when they are released - especially for weekends and Crater Lake sites. See the “important dates” section for permit release dates.

✨Things to do near the Maroon Bells:

✨Discover more about visiting Colorado like a local:

✨Packing Lists and Gear:

✨About the Photos and Video:
Transparency is important to me when it comes to photography. There is Instagram and there is reality. And you should be inspired by BOTH.

I intentionally use photos and videos that have been edited for color and lighting, and ones that haven’t.

All the photos and videos you see of Hanging Lake were taken by me. I rarely edit other people out of photos (and I would make a note here if I did!).

✨Time stamps:
Intro: 00:00:00
Getting there: 1:16:03
Rules & Regulations: 1:33:07
Winter Closure Info: 2:16:14
Biking to Maroon Lake Trailhead: 2:55:18
Parking Permit Information: 3:50:11
Shuttle Bus Reservation Info: 5:08:16
Maroon Lake Trail Information: 6:56:20
Maroon Scenic Loop Trail Info: 7:41:07
Crater Lake Trail Info: 8:14:13
West Maroon Pass Trail Info: 9:39:01
Crested Butte to Aspen Hike Info: 9:55:13
Willow Lakes Trail Info: 10:23:10
Four Passes Loop Info: 10:50:21
Additional things to do nearby: 11:39:14
Best time to visit: 12:21:11

[KhurshidsChannel]

Beautiful views. Great video. Thanks for sharing. 👍3

[JP-jnyx]

Thank You for the video. I'm doing a 3 night trip beginning 9/22. Unfortunately, all the parking passes are gone. 4 days parking at Aspen Highlands is going to be $160+. It looks like the park and rides are only up to 24 hours.

I found a Rio Grande parking garage that is $12/day. But i can't figure out if I can take public transportation from there to Aspen Highlands? Do you know?

And do you have any other lower cost alternatives you can suggest?