Experiences · May 22 – October 18
Maroon Bells reservations
The most photographed mountains in North America run on a reservation system. How it works, what it costs and how to time the visit.
The most photographed mountains in North America run on a reservation system. How it works, what it costs and how to time the visit.
You can't simply drive to the Maroon Bells in season. From May 22 to October 18 almost everyone arrives on a reserved shuttle from Aspen Highlands, or in a private car before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. with one of the very limited parking reservations. Everything else is planning around those two rules.
Figures below are from the official reservation site and RFTA for the 2026 season, checked September 2026. 2027 details are published in spring.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026
The classic photograph is at first light. That means a parking reservation and arriving before 8 a.m., which also avoids the shuttle crowds. These spaces are the scarcest of all.
For families, the shuttle is simplest: book a time, park at Highlands (or take the bus), and be at Maroon Lake in 15 minutes. Leave room for the 5 p.m. last return.
Late September is peak aspen colour and peak demand. Book the moment reservations for your date open, and have a second date in mind.
The walk to Crater Lake is the step up for fit walkers; a picnic at Maroon Lake is the easier version. Weather turns quickly above 9,500 feet, even in summer.
The reservation system covers late May to October. Outside those dates, access and road conditions are set by the White River National Forest and the weather; check current alerts before going, and don't treat winter access as a summer walk.
Yes, in season. From May 22 to October 18, 2026, visitors arrive on a reserved shuttle from Aspen Highlands or with a limited parking reservation before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
$16 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and seniors 65+ in 2026, plus parking at Aspen Highlands if you drive there.
Only before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. during the shuttle season, with a $10 parking reservation, and spaces are very limited. Outside May 22 – October 18 the car rule doesn't apply, but check conditions.
Sunrise for the photograph and the quietest visit; late September for autumn colour, which is also the busiest time to book.
We arrange the day around the reservation: the shuttle or sunrise parking, a driver to Highlands, and a picnic packed from Aspen for the lake.
Reservations, timing, a driver and a picnic for Maroon Bells or a day in the valley, arranged around your group.
A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
The kitchen stocked to your list before you land.
Maroon Bells reservations (official) · RFTA: Maroon Bells bus · White River National Forest: recreation — checked September 28, 2026.
Tell us the group and how early you're willing to start. We'll secure the reservation that fits and plan the rest of the day.
Plan the Maroon Bells