🏔 Wilderness
Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness
About This Permit
The Maroon Bells — Colorado's most photographed peaks — anchor a wilderness of jagged summits, wildflower basins, and high alpine lakes in the Elk Mountains near Aspen. The classic 26-mile Maroon-Snowmass traverse is one of the finest multi-day loops in the Rocky Mountain region, passing beneath five 14,000-foot peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for day hiking near Maroon Bells?
Day hikers do not need a wilderness permit but must take a mandatory shuttle from Aspen (no private vehicles past the gate in season). Only overnight backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit.
When do Maroon Bells–Snowmass wilderness permits open?
Advance reservations open on recreation.gov in spring for the summer/fall permit season. Check recreation.gov for exact opening dates — permits for peak traverse weekends fill quickly.
Key Facts
- State
- CO
- Season
- July – September
- Quota
- Zone-based overnight permits; Maroon-Snowmass traverse corridor most limited
- Trailhead
- Maroon Lake, Snowmass Lake, Conundrum Creek, East Maroon Portal
- Entry Point
- Maroon Lake Trailhead (via mandatory shuttle from Aspen)
- Difficulty
- 4/5(Very hard)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
Set an Alert for This Permit