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One of the best hikes in the world is the
MAROON BELLS LOOP
Hikes here also known as:
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Some claim the Maroon Bells the most photographed peaks in North America.
 AT A GLANCE
- 4 days, 3 nights recommended
- 29.1mi (46.8km) plus side trips
- high altitude
- best months late July-Sept
- medium difficulty hiking
- very popular, very crowded on weekends
- conveniently close to Aspen
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
Circumambulate photogenic Maroon Peak 14,156ft (4315m) & North Maroon 14,014ft (4271m).
- wonderful views of the peaks
- some lovely campsites, if they are still available when you get there
- sidetrip to Siberia Lake and above
- public transport to the trailhead
- lovely alpine meadows
- wildflowers late June to early August
- leashed dogs still allowed on the trails and on the shuttle
- visiting nearby Conundrum Hot Springs
- looking for celebrities in Aspen
- great fishing nearby, licence required
- convenient hiker's shuttle bus from Aspen
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CONSIDERATIONS
- most of the hike is above 11,000ft (3343m) so you may feel some symptoms of altitude sickness
- certainly you will be short of breath crossing 4 high passes
- snow may close the pass in July and September
- lightning is a risk some afternoons
- creek crossing early in the season can be dangerous
- parking can be a hassle. Take the shuttle bus from Aspen.
- expect some muddy trails
- though summer days can be hot, perhaps 70°F (21C), lows still can fall below freezing. It can snow any day of the year.
- biting insects (including ticks in the early season)
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LOGISTICS
- most hikers come via Aspen, Colorado
- it's over-popular and expensive, but at least there is good public transport
- many hikers come from Denver airport via a number of transport options to Aspen
- Aspen even has it's own small airport
- Greyhound bus and Amtrak rail stop at Glenwood Springs, Colorado. From there you can catch public transport to Aspen.
- from Aspen, shuttles run about every 20min to deliver you to the trailhead for Maroon Bells
- shuttles run some time in June through late Sept
- pick up your free Backcountry Permits at the USFS entrance gate on arrival
- if you drive, you must pay for a vehicle pass
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INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
Almost everyone hikes independently, but you may be able to hire a guide through one of the firms above.
LOCAL INFORMATION
BEST HIKING GUIDEBOOKS
If you are hiking elsewhere in the Rockies, invest in the Lonely Planet. For just this hike, get the Falcon guide.
What a shame that the guidebook with the best format we've ever seen (binder) did not include our favourite hike in the region, Maroon Bells. Next edition, we hope:
OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS
- Colorado Recreation Map
 - David Rockwell
- Wild at Heart - Urquhart, 2004, local field guide
- Colorado's Fourteeners - Gerry Roach, 1999
- 100 Classic Hikes in Colorado - Warren, 2001
- Exploring Colorado's Wild Areas: A Guide for Hikers, Backpackers, Climbers, Cross-Country Skiers, Paddlers - Scott Warren, 2002
- The Complete Guide to Colorado's Wilderness Areas - Fielder & Pearson, 1994
- Colorado - James Frank, 1999
- Best Hikes With Dogs Colorado - Savage, 2005
- Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance - Herrero
- The Backpacker's Handbook - Chris Townsend, 2004
- Mammals of the Rocky Mountains - Pattie, Fisher & Hartson
- Plants of the Rocky Mountains - Kershaw, Pojar & MacKinnon
- Colorado Campgrounds: The 100 Best and All the Rest - 2000
- ... add a recommendation here
BEST MAPS
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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