Maroon Bells, Mountain peaks in Pitkin County, Colorado, United States

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 comes from the peaks' chestnut-brown, bell-like appearance, as the German name "kastanienbraune Glocken" states. The view from the Maroon Creek valley is described as the most photographed spot in Colorado, drawing photographers and hikers who arrive before dawn for the first light on the summits and their reflection in Maroon Lake.

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.