Silver Queen Campground
Silver Queen Campground
Part of White River National Forest
Overview
Located just outside Aspen, Colorado, Silver Queen Campground is hemmed in by aspen groves, a short walk from Maroon Creek, with views of 14,018 foot Pyramid Peak.The campground sits at an elevation of 8,460 feet, allowing guests to experience warm summer days and cool evenings with probable afternoon thunderstorms. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Snow is possible even at the peak of summer.
Facilities
Silver Queen Campground has five campsites available for advanced reservation which are able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, vault toilets, food storage lockers (bear boxes), campfire rings and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Horses are not allowed in the campground.
Natural Features
The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This wilderness is one of the five 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 Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Deadly Bells Trailhead at Maroon Lake, the West Maroon Trail gains elevation through aspen groves and evergreens, traverses boulder fields, crosses streams, and leads hikers through high-elevation (10,000+ feet) mountain passes. Climbing through alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in mid-summer. Check specific regulations for camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area.For day hikers and horseback riders, nearby Maroon Creek Trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak and the entire Maroon valley. The gentle, flat terrain offers scenic stops that are great for picnicking.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby resort town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (970) 945-2521.Important Notices
- Maroon Bells Scenic Area campgrounds have a five day total stay limit.
Check out time is 11:00 a.m.
- Camping permitted in developed campgrounds and/or designated campsites only.
$10 car pass is required in addition to camping fee and will be collected as you enter the area. The car pass gives you unrestricted access to your campsite and the Maroon Bells.
- Welcome station is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Independence Pass (Highway 82) is normally open from Memorial Day through mid-October, weather dependent. If you are planning an event during these times, please call the Colorado Department of Transportation Hotline for road updates at (877) 315-7623.
- This area provides access to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times while visiting Maroon Bells Scenic Area, and within designated Wilderness.
- Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 tents that fit within the defined footprint of the campsite. You may not expand campsite into surrounding vegetation.
- All food, beverages, trash, and scented items must be properly stored when not attended. Bear-proof food lockers are provided at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles are provided at the campground.
- Horses are not allowed in Campgrounds.
- Camping overnight in wilderness areas requires registration (proper food storage is required in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in an approved bear cannister).
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- Click here for more information about White River National Forest.
Reservations must check-in at the Welcome Station within 24 hours of their check-in day and time or their site will be forfeited.
Available Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- HORSEBACK RIDING - Horseback Riding
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
Coming to Aspen via Independence Pass: Take Highway 82 West from downtown Aspen, 1 mile to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Continue past the Welcome Station 1.5 miles. Silver Queen Campground is on the left hand side. Silver Queen Campground is approximately 6.5 miles from Highway 82 at the roundabout.<br /><br /> Coming to Aspen via Glenwood Springs: Take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Continue past the Welcome Station 1.5 miles. Silver Queen Campground is on the left hand side. Silver Queen Campground is approximately 6.5 miles from Highway 82 at the roundabout.
Contact Information
Phone: (970)963-2266
Aspen Sopris Ranger District PO Box 309Carbondale, CO 81623
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 003, Loop SILVER QUEEN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop SILV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop SILV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop SILV, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop SILV, Type Standard Nonelectric
