Car Camp at Maroon Lake

Maybe you've seen the photos a million times before - it's for good reason. Maroon Bells is just stunning. Watching the first rays of sunlight scratch the very top of Maroon Bells and slowly crawl their way down the massive slabs of granite is simply a must for the checklist. Taking in the sunrise is great, no doubt, but you won't be alone. Chances are you will be on the shores of the lake throwing elbows to get prime real estate. To experience this landscape in a different way, choose a clear night (preferably as close to a new moon as possible) and watch the Milky Way traverse the night sky.

To start it off, head out from Aspen on the Maroon Creek Road. There are only a couple of turns to be made and you will easily find yourself at the lake by following the signs. Chances are you will miss the park employees at the gate as they leave for the day at 5 PM. So, you will want to self-administer your day pass fee, which is $10. You'll also want to get an overnight parking pass set up which doesn't cost extra and can be grabbed from boxes in the parking lots. The parking lot you want is not the one at the very top - this will have explicit signs prohibiting car camping. However, there is a lot just beneath this one off of the Maroon Creek Road where overnight camping is allowed. You will likely see other cars here for people that are planning on hiking early or going for the Maroon Bells summit.

If you arrive before nightfall, make yourself comfortable and maybe bring a meal to eat to sustain you through stargazing. Then, wait for the stars to come out. To get to the lake walk a little ways up to the day use lot and you will find a short trail at the other end that will take you to Maroon Lake. From here it's only a 0.3 mile walk. Plop your chair down on the shore and take in the view. If you have hot chocolate, now would be a good time to make it (it's chilly, even in the summer).

The next morning, make sure you get out there well before sunrise to get a good spot. Watch the peaks glow orange and make sure you stay long enough for the sun to hit the water and reflect Maroon Bells perfectly. Cheers!

If you prefer to tent camp, head to the Forest Service Website for more information on the local campgrounds.