MAROON BELLS

If you only have to choose one outing in the vicinity of Aspen, take a walk in the picturesque Maroon Bells. 20 kilometres south of Aspen, in the Elk Mountains, the Maroon Bells (meaning burgundy coloured bells) consist of two peaks about 500 metres apart. With a height of 4,272 metres for North Maroon Peak and 4,315 metres for Maroon Peak, the two peaks are known as "fourteeners" (peaks reaching more than 14,000 feet or 4,267 metres in altitude). The view of the Maroon Bells from the Maroon Creek Valley is particularly panoramic. Another must-see is Maroon Lake. At an altitude of 2,920 metres, the water point shaped by ancient glaciers is most picturesque. The mountains are also famous for their autumn colours when the aspens are adorned with bright golden reflections and for observing wildlife. You may have the chance to meet beavers (especially around lakes), deer, elk, but also groundhogs and bighorn sheep.

Several hiking trails allow you to explore the rugged peaks dotted with pretty little mountain lakes. It is not for nothing that the Maroon Bells are the most photogenic and photographed peaks in the region. Among the markets the popular ones:

Maroon Lake Scenic Trail. Easy level. One-way distance: 1.2 kilometres. The most popular and popular trail allows you to discover the pretty lake of Maroon Lake through a very short and easy walk.

Crater Lake. Moderate level. One-way distance: 2.8 kilometres. The trail begins with a walk to Maroon Lake before climbing to the picturesque Crater Lake. The climbing walk oscillates between sheltered passages under trees and open valleys.

East Maroon Trail. Moderate level - long. One-way distance: 16.8 kilometres. A walk through the wild landscapes of Snowmass. At the top, the East Maroon Trail offers a beautiful view of Copper Lake.