The Maroon Bells are beautiful to photograph and dangerous to climb

The Maroon Bells, southwest of Aspen, are two peaks that rise above Maroon Lake. Most visitors come for the famous view from the lakeshore, which is an easy, paved walk. That short stroll is very different from climbing the peaks themselves.

Both Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak stand above 14,000 feet, so they are “fourteeners.” But the Elk Mountains here are built from soft, layered rock that breaks loose under hand and foot. The Forest Service describes climbing these peaks as dangerous, even deadly, and urges people to be prepared and to know their limits. Rockfall, loose footing, and route-finding mistakes are common reasons climbers get hurt.

If you just want the postcard picture, you do not need to climb anything. The view from Maroon Lake is the one on the calendars, and you can enjoy it from the trail. If you do plan to climb, treat it as serious mountaineering: study the route, start early to beat afternoon storms, wear a helmet, and turn around if conditions feel wrong.

For current trail information, route warnings, and safety guidance, check the White River National Forest pages for the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness before you go.