Hiking The Maroon Bells Loop

Southwest of Aspen, the 29 mile Maroon Bells Loop is a challenging hiking trek mainly above 11,000 feet crossing four alpine passes above 12,000. This 4-5 day route is best traversed clockwise and starts from Maroon Lake. These Elk Mountains have seen a resurgence of the protected Lynx.

There are two primary access points. In the east, the trailhead is at Maroon Lake, known as West Maroon Pass Trailhead. The trailhead is at the end of CR13. In the west, the trailhead is at West Maroon Trailhead off CR317 on the north side of Schofield Pass. A permit is required for overnight backpacking and all backpackers must have a bearproof container with them.

Overall, Maroon Bells Loop is the 9th most popular hiking trail of all 66 hikes in Colorado. Several of the better hiking trails are nearby Maroon Bells Loop including Independence Pass Trail, East Maroon Creek Trail, Conundrum Creek Trail and 10th Mountain Huts - West.