Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells are twin mountain peaks in Pitkin County, Colorado, rising to 14,156 feet (4,315 meters) and composed of steep mudstone slopes that form distinctive bell shapes. The two summits stand close together above Maroon Lake, creating one of the most photographed natural scenes in the White River National Forest.

The area became protected wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964, placing it within the White River National Forest management system. In the following decades, growing visitor numbers led to the introduction of a shuttle system to limit vehicle impact on the environment.

The name "Bells" refers to the bell-shaped silhouette created by erosion of the reddish rock, which displays different hues in changing light. Local photographers and hikers often arrive before dawn to see the first rays illuminating the peaks and their reflection in the lake below.

A shuttle bus runs from mid-June through early October, operating between 8 AM and 5 PM and providing the main access to the lake and trailheads. Outside these months, the road opens to private vehicles but may close depending on snow conditions.

The mountains' composition of weak, fractured mudstone creates challenging conditions for climbers, requiring specific technical skills and safety measures. Rockfall occurs frequently, leading many experienced climbers to avoid the routes and consider the summits particularly dangerous.

Location: Pitkin County

Elevation above the sea: 4,315 m

Made from material: mudstone

GPS coordinates: 39.07080,-106.98900

Latest update: December 11, 2025 23:08