Recreation area

Maroon Lake Scenic #2197

Colorado — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

The trail starts at the Maroon Lake parking area traversing through a meadow to the far end of Maroon Lake and a Forest Service bulletin board. Take the trail to the left. There are several bridges crossing the creek. The trail skirts around an active beaver pond and loops back to Maroon Lake. The trail is not a complete loop around the lake so you will have to turn back the way you came.

Getting there

Located 10 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Coming to Aspen via Independence Pass: Take Highway 82 West from downtown Aspen 1 mile to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. You will pass Aspen High school and Aspen Highlands Ski Area on the way to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station, Independence Pass (Highway 82) is normally open from Memorial Day through mid-October, weather dependant. If you are planning an event during these times, please call the Colorado Department of Transportation Hotline for road updates at (877) 315-7623. Coming to Aspen via Glenwood Springs: Take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Welcome Station.

Activities

  • HIKING
  • FISHING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Colorado camping

Maroon Lake Scenic #2197 doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Colorado campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.