Best Hikes in the Maroon Bells
I’ve written about the Maroon Bells before, in an article on great Colorado road trips: they were my final stop on a tour of fall’s changing colors. In a state filled with staggering mountain views ~ the Bells still stand out. When standing in front of Maroon Lake gazing up at these majestic peaks, it’s easy to realize in that moment that you’re witnessing one of nature’s finest displays. To get you right up close to all that lovely wildness, here are some of the “Best Hikes in the Maroon Bells.”
Simply beautiful.
Aspen
Maroon Bells
Overview of Top 5 Hikes by Maroon Bells
1) The Maroon Lake Trail, 1 Mile, Flat = If you’re visiting the Maroon Bells with kids ~ this is a great choice. The easy walk next to Maroon Lake passes thru lush aspen groves & pretty meadows. If you want to walk longer, continue onto the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, which goes just a little further. Hiking Time: 20-30 minutes.
2) Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail, 1.9 Mile Loop, Mainly Flat = This hike also follows right along Maroon Lake, starting right by the main parking area. You gain less than 200 feet of elevation, so it’s still kid-friendly. Dogs aren’t allowed here, as it’s a very popular route. Hiking Time: 45 minutes.
3) Crater Lake Trail, 3.5 Mile Out-&-Back, Moderately Challenging = This hike requires a 700-foot elevation gain on rocky terrain (wear shoes with good tread) ~ so it’s definitely better for more experienced hikers. But pretty wildflowers, peaceful aspen groves, & a sparkling lake are your rewards. Dogs allowed on-leash. Hiking Time: 2 hours.
4) Maroon Creek Trail, 6.9 Mile Out-&-Back, More Challenging = You follow the creek nearly the whole way on this hike, making it great for dogs (on-leash). You’ll see mountain bikers & horses on this trail, which gains over 1,100 feet ~ making it longer & slightly more challenging than Crater Lake Trail. Hiking Time: 3 hours.
5) The Willow Lake Trail, 11.6 Mile Out-&-Back, Very Challenging = You’re gaining almost 4,000 feet of elevation here, which is a monster: so you may want to break this hike up into two days & bring camping gear. You’ve got river crossings, a few waterfalls, valleys filled with wildflowers, & amazing summit views. Not for the faint of heart! Hiking Time: 8 hours.
**6) Aspen-to-Crested Butte via West Maroon Pass, 20.6 miles Round-Trip, VERY Challenging = If you drove from Aspen to Crested Butte, it would take over two hours & 100+ miles. If you were to hike between the two: it’s only 10-miles!! Pretty wild. Most people do this hike as a one-way & arrange for transport back to Aspen ~ or bring camping gear & do it as a round-trip hike. The elevation gain is about 2,500 feet from Aspen to Crested Butte, & less going back down to Aspen. Hiking Time: 12+ hours.
Photos of Maroon Bells Hikes
Both the Maroon Lake trail & Maroon Scenic Loop trail start by the main parking lot ~ then follow along the right side of the lake (if you’re looking at the Bells).
Make sure to walk around the various lake(s) for different views.
Crater Lake, which is at the end of the 3.5 mile Crater Lake Trail.
The Maroon Creek trail starts in the main parking lot, then heads AWAY from the Bells; it’s usually less busy than other hikes.
The Willow Lake Trail takes you high up in the mountains surrounding the Bells, on a 10+ mile trek that gains over 3,500 feet of elevation.
The final hike on this list includes hiking from the Maroon Bells up to Crested Butte (pictured here) ~ which is 10 miles one-way, or 20 miles round-trip.
Where to Stay in Aspen
After hiking, one way to take the edge off is by checking into one of Aspen’s legendary luxury hotels, such as The Little Nell or Hotel Jerome ~ where you’ll be pampered a’plenty. For those on a budget, try the more-than-adequate Mountain Chalet Aspen (located right across from the St. Regis), or St. Moritz Lodge & Condos, which is the cheapest accommodation in Aspen.
The Little Nell, in Aspen.
Best Hikes in the Maroon Bells
That’s it for beautiful hikes in the Maroon Bells….for all fitness levels! For more articles on Colorado, check out some of my favorite ski resorts in Vail & Breckenridge….
Read Next: Best Ski-in/Ski-Out Hotels in Aspen
xoxo Noelia
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Took our young kids on the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop trail and it was a hit. When they get a little older, we’re going to try taking them on some of the longer hikes in the area! Thanks for the article.
Great to hear ~ thanks for your comment, Tanya!
For avid hikers, the Aspen-to-Crested Butte trail is once in a lifetime! My partner and I hiked it last summer, and it was one of our favorite memories of the whole year. Highly recommend for other fitness enthusiasts. Cheers, Sheila
Thanks so much for your feedback, Sheila! My friend Jill & I have been wanting to do this hike for awhile ~ hopefully we’ll make it happen in the next few years! xoxo