Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

Overview

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964 which now comprises of 183,847 acres.

You'll have plenty of human company in Colorado's fourth largest Wilderness. This area exemplifies Rocky Mountain splendor with over 175 miles of trail that take users over nine passes above 12,000 feet, vast regions lie above the treeline, and long glacial valleys pointing to glistening alpine lakes.

With six peaks rising above 14,000 feet, this area draws mountaineers and runners by the thousands annually. The awesome, jagged symmetry of the twin 14,000 ft. the Maroon Bells, reflected in Maroon Lake, is the most photographed peaks in all of North America.

Camping & Lodging

Use Permits: There are free self-registration Wilderness Use Permits available at the trailhead, one at the parking lot and one at the wilderness boundary on the way to Crater Lake. Be sure to include your camping locations for each night.

Food Storage: First is bear-proof storage. The Bells is in bear country and due to an increase in use, increase in bear activity and a focus on safety we have in place an order that requires overnight runners to use IGBC approved bear-proof food storage containers. As a reminder of proper use of the containers; all food (including alcohol), trash, and toiletries must fit in the container.