Fall Trip to Maroon Bells & Aspen, Colorado

  1. Denver
  2. Aspen
  3. Maroon Bells Basecamp
  4. Independence Pass
  5. Ashcroft Ghost Town
  6. Denver
Departure
Days total
4
Day(s) away
—
Destination
5

Trip Notes:

  • book maroon bells access early - shuttle or timed parking, cars only before 8am or after 5pm

  • book lodging in aspen and dinner reservations

  • check independence pass status - typically closes early nov

  • arrange transport to aspen highlands - rfta bus from downtown

  • download offline maps - no cell service at maroon lake

  • altitude plan - hydrate, go easy day 1, electrolytes

  • packing - layering - base layers, fleece, insulated jacket, light rain shell

  • packing - beanie, gloves, liner gloves, scarf, warm socks, jeans, leggings, hiking pants

  • packing - hiking boots with traction, town shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat

  • check 2027 maroon bells shuttle and parking dates and prices when released - do not use 2026 dates or prices as 2027 facts.

  • packing - reusable water bottle, snacks, daypack, camera, headlamp for sunrise

Itinerary

0/11 tasks

  1. Denver

    Colorado, United States

  2. Aspen

    Aspen, Colorado, United States

    0 day(s)
    By:
    • Car
    Preference(s):
    • Outdoors
    • Wildlife
    • Adventure

    Destination Notes:

    • day 1 - sat sep 25 - drive denver to aspen, about 200 miles, 3.5-4.5 hours via i-70 and glenwood springs in good conditions. arrive aspen, easy evening, short stroll, hydrate and acclimate, no major hike today.

  3. Maroon Bells Basecamp

    Boomerang Rd, Aspen, Colorado 81611, United States

    0 day(s)
    By:
    • Car
    Preference(s):
    • Culture
    • Outdoors
    • Historic Sites
    • Shopping

    Destination Notes:

    • day 2 - sun sep 26 - maroon bells, maroon lake - sunrise at maroon lake, scenic loop, maroon lake to crater lake hike, 3.6-3.8 miles round trip, 500-700 ft gain, from 9,580 ft. return to aspen, rest. access - reservations required - parking permit or shuttle reservation. permit holders must arrive before 8am or after 5pm. shuttle from aspen highlands, about 15-min ride. for sunrise, realistic option is a pre-8am permitted private vehicle. no cell service at maroon lake.

  4. Independence Pass

    Aspen, Colorado 81611, United States

    0 day(s)
    By:
    • Car
    Preference(s):
    • Outdoors
    • Relaxing

    Destination Notes:

    • day 3 - mon sep 27 - independence pass and twin lakes - aspen to pass summit about 20 miles, 45 min without stops, 90 min with stops. continue to twin lakes, stops at the grottos and continental divide overlook. return to aspen back over the same pass.

  5. Ashcroft Ghost Town

    Aspen, Colorado 81612, United States

    0 day(s)
    By:
    • Car
    Preference(s):
    • Culture
    • Outdoors
    • Relaxing
    • Historic Sites

    Destination Notes:

    • day 4 - tue sep 28 - relaxed aspen and ashcroft - ashcroft ghost town, separate short detour south of aspen on castle creek road, not part of independence pass route. plus north star nature preserve, rio grande trail, downtown galleries and shops, aspen mountain gondola if operating. slow pace, dinner in town.

  6. Denver

    Denver, Colorado, United States

    By:
    • Car

    Destination Notes:

    • day 5 - wed sep 29 - easy morning in aspen, then drive aspen to denver, about 200 miles, 3.5-4.5 hours via i-70 and glenwood springs in good conditions.

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