Maroon Bells might be THE most popular shot for fall colors in Colorado, and its evident on the why. The most popular time to shoot the Bells is for sunrise to get the alpen glow hitting the top of the peaks, but hear me out, I actually prefer sunset. The sun sets behind the bells so if there are clouds and conditions are right, the color explodes over the bells. For me, the experience is also way better for sunset, as the crowds are SO much more manageable and less.
The shot above was for sunset after a storm and there were only 8 TOTAL people there versus the hundreds for sunrise.
Reservations are required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and related amenities. Choose between private vehicle trailhead parking permits from May 15 through October 31, 2024, or RFTA shuttle reservations from May 24 through October 20, 2024. The website to book reservations is attached to this guide.
Exact dates for release are always announced via their website, so follow along closely. For reference, in 2025, fall permits were released on June 17. When booking, you will have options to book sunrise or sunset parking. For sunrise you MUST park before 8am, and for sunset, after 5pm. Sunset makes it hard to do Crater Lake if that's on the agenda.
Cost of self-parking permit:
$2.65 (if you have an America the Beautiful Pass - they're technically free, but you must pay a fee)
$10 without a pass
Permits are required to self-park at the Maroon Bells Trailhead, but sell out quickly. Permit information found here: https://aspenchamber.org/plan-trip/trip-highlights/maroon-bells/reservations
Parking Permits Found Here: https://www.visitmaroonbells.com/maroon-bells-parking-reservations/
If you don't already have a parking permit, you will need to take a shuttle and make reservations via the first link shared above. Standby is permitted, but GO EARLY.
