Overview

Natural Features:

The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is one of the 5 original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Its scenic value exudes from its aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers, and dark forests of spruce and fir that rise up from the valleys to alpine landscapes. Here, bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan find habitat above timberline.

Towering over glacial valleys at over 14,000 feet in elevation, the Maroon Bells are the most recognizable peaks in the Elk Mountains. The Maroon Bells are unique in the Rockies in that they are made up of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that gives the peaks their maroon color and unstable nature for climbing.

Recreation:

For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Snowmass Creek Trailhead, the trail winds through aspen groves, crosses streams, and switchbacks through forests. Climbing to alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in early summer.

Designated camping sites are located at Crater Lake or Maroon Lake about 6 miles from the trailhead. Check regulations for camping in Colorado wilderness areas.

Facilities:

Designed for interpretive programs, the amphitheatre can be reserved by the general public for private events. Receptions can be held at the nearby East Maroon Portal Picnic site. The small, developed area is situated near the shore of Maroon Lake and can accommodate up to 65 people for a maximum of 4 hours.

Parking is available at the day use parking area, 200 yards from the site. Accessible parking is available 50 yards away. Accessible vault toilets are available at this site; however, drinking water and electrical outlets are not.

Vehicle traffic is restricted on Maroon Creek Road from 9:00am until 5:00pm past the Maroon Bells Visitor Center. Individuals who reserve this site are issued 5 vehicle passes which allow travel in a motorized vehicle past this point. These passes may be picked up at the Visitor Center individually or all at once. Remind the attendant to radio an employee to assist with the set-up, if possible.

Vehicles may drive through the bus access gate double barricade, marked "buses only," to unload. Please do not block bus traffic. Gate can be lifted by hand if it is closed. No vehicles can drive from the bus stop to the amphitheatre. Park all vehicles in the day use parking area downhill of the Maroon Plaza area. One vehicle may be parked on the south side of the bus turnaround loop.

Other options for access to the site include parking at Aspen Highlands Ski Area and shuttling guests in cars possessing vehicle permits, renting 1 or more high occupancy vehicle, or riding the Maroon Bells Shuttle Bus. Operating hours for the shuttle bus are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for a fee of $6.00 per adult, and $3.00 per child/senior.

Details of the recreation event or wedding must be disclosed and approved prior to day of the event. This includes items to be brought onto the site. Bird seed, confetti, electric music and public address systems prohibited at the site.

Guests are required to remove or dispose of decorations after events. Dumpsters are located in nearby campgrounds.