Maroon Bells – Trailhead Parking Questions
Yes, Trailhead Parking Reservations are ideal for those who need to start their adventure early before the shuttle bus begins at 7:00 AM, or after it stops at 5:00 PM.
Parking Reservation Release Dates:
5/15 – 7/31 : February 18th @ 8:00 AM
8/1 – 10/31 : June 17th @ 8:00 AM
The cost is $10 per vehicle.
The shuttle departs from the Maroon Bells Welcome Center located at the Aspen Highlands Ski Area every 15 minutes between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM from May 23rd through Oct 19th.
Shuttle Prices
| Adult: | $16 |
| Children: | $10 (12 & Younger) |
| Seniors: | $10 (65+) |
You only need to print and display your reservation if you are staying overnight.
All other visitors will need to be prepared to show their reservation on arrival. There is no cell service or Wi-Fi available, so be sure your reservation is saved to your phone.
The maximum size vehicle allowed in the Maroon Lake Trailhead parking lot is 19 feet.
Day Visit Parking and Midnight to Midnight Parking MUST arrive before 8:00 AM.
Evening Parking MUST arrive after 5:00 PM.
Overnight Parking MUST arrive before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM on the first day of your reservation.
To protect the resource and ensure a quality experience, the road to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is closed to inbound private vehicles from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM between May 23rd and October 19th. Before May 23rd and after October 19th, private vehicles still require a reservation but may arrive at anytime during their parking reservation.
No, commercial transportation, including taxis and ride shares (Uber, Lyft, etc) are not allowed to buy a parking reservation.
No, your parking reservation covers your entry fee for everyone in your vehicle, there are no additional costs.
Cancellations and rescheduling require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations made within 48 hours or no-shows will not be refunded. If you wish to reschedule within 48 hours, a new booking at full price will be necessary.
You can cancel or modify your reservation online by clicking here.
At the Maroon Lake Trailhead there are restrooms (without running water). There is a potable water source, but there is no food or lodging.
Visitors who are traveling with children under 2 years old in a car seat, and those with a handicap placard are exempt from the road closure and may arrive after 8:00 AM.
However, without a parking reservation, there is no guarantee of an available parking space and you may be turned around at the entrance gate if the lot is full.
As an alternative, all shuttle buses are handicap accessible, and smaller children are able to sit on their parents laps while riding the shuttle.
1. Can I add my America the Beautiful Pass after making a parking reservation?
No, the America the Beautiful Pass number must be entered at the time of booking. It cannot be added or applied retroactively.
2. What can I use my America the Beautiful Pass for?
The pass is only valid for parking reservations. It does not provide discounts or access to the shuttle service.
3. Do I need to present my physical pass upon arrival?
Yes, you must present the original physical America the Beautiful Pass. Digital or paper copies are not accepted. Additionally, the signature on the pass must match the ID of the passholder.
4. What if my pass has expired since making my reservation?
You must present a valid, unexpired America the Beautiful Pass upon arrival. If your new pass has a different number than the one used during your reservation, it will still be accepted as long as it is valid.
5. Can I get a refund if I bring my pass but already paid for parking?
No, refunds will not be issued for reservations made without applying for the America the Beautiful Pass at the time of booking.