Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permits

White River National Forest

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permits are for remote areas that involve backpacking a significant distance from a trailhead and all development and roads. Wilderness permits should not be confused with campground reservations.

The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip. Use this Overnight Permit Zone Map to understand which zones in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness require a permit. If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone for each night that you camp.

If you plan to start your trip at the Maroon Scenic Area, you will need to reserve a parking or bus reservation. You will receive a link in your confirmation email to reserve parking or bus transportation. There are a limited number of parking spaces available so you may need to reserve a bus ticket.

The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September.

From early October to late June in the Rocky Mountains, campsites, trails and mountan passes are snow covered and trailheads may be inaccessible. Avalanche hazards exist in the mountains. Snow makes route finding difficult. If you’re not prepared to travel and camp in snow, plan your trip for summer.   

Why Do I Need a Permit?  

We’re excited that you want to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and thank you in advance for being a good steward. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness carries special legal designation to protect its natural, undeveloped and untrammeled qualities as well as to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation. 

The camping permit system, and the regulations, are in place to help protect this unique Wilderness treasure. Remember, you’ll need to bring a bear canister or Ursack. There are no toilets so now’s the time to brush up on backcountry bathroom etiquette. As a visitor to the area, it’s up to you to help protect this amazing place, and we know that you will!

Permit & Season Information

The permit allows the permit holder (and group) to camp in the Overnight Permit Zone they select within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The permit holder must reserve a zone for each night of their trip. Most permits allow up to 4 people per group. See section below for more.

Permits are required year-round, but the best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September. From early October to late June campsites, trails, and mountain passes are snow covered and the trailheads may be inaccessible. 

In Conundrum Hot Springs, Crater Lake, and Capitol Lake Zones, the permit holder and group are required to camp in their reserved campsite. In all other zones, permit holder and group should select a campsite within the zone that is already established and is 70 big steps away from trails and water.

View maps of:

Overnight Permit Zones 

Conundrum Hot Springs Zone reserveable campsites 

Crater Lake Zone reserveable campsites 

Capitol Lake Zone reserveable campsites 

Need to Know

When planning your trip, please keep the following in mind:  

A few more items to agree to and consider when planning include:  

Fee Policy

Cancellation Policy

Change Policy:

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Contact Information

Mailing Address

PO Box 309 Carbondale CO 81623

Phone Number

White River National Forest Supervisors Office: (970) 945-3201

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