Maroon Bells in Fall: Photography Guide + Permit Information

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The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado are one of the most photographed landscapes in the American Southwest. In the fall, golden aspens, calm reflections, and dramatic peaks combine into one of the most iconic scenes in the Rockies. Timing, permits, and conditions all play a major role in getting this fall bucket-list shot.

When to Visit the Maroon Bells for Peak Fall Colors?

The best time to see fall colors at Maroon Bells is typically late September into early October, with September 22–30 generally being the most reliable window for peak color.

Exact timing changes every year depending on temperatures, weather, and elevation, so I never recommend planning around one exact date.

What to expect:

• Late September: The most reliable window for peak fall colors. I've personally photographed some of the best color here between September 25–30.
• Early October: You may still catch beautiful color, but there's a greater risk of leaves beginning to drop. You also have a better chance of seeing fresh snow on the peaks.
• Mid-October: Most of the aspens beneath the Bells are typically past peak, with significantly fewer leaves remaining.

For photography, the dream combination is peak color, calm water, soft light, and maybe even fresh snow on the peaks. Easy, right? LOL. After years of chasing fall colors here, I still stress about which dates to reserve every single year. If photography is your priority, sunrise generally gives you the best chance for calm conditions and that classic Maroon Bells reflection.

Planning to photograph the Maroon Bells in 2027?

Important changes are planned for 2027, including higher entrance fees and a new management structure. Final parking reservation dates, access hours, and other details have not yet been announced.

Read my Maroon Bells 2027: New Fees, Reservations & Changes article for the latest information before planning your visit.

The Aspens at Maroon Bells Don't Change Color at the Same Time

One thing that's really important to understand when you're trying to time peak fall colors at Maroon Bells is that all of those aspens you see underneath the Bells do NOT change at the same time. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Because the groves change at different times, you can have great color here for longer than if everything changed at once, giving you more opportunities to photograph Maroon Bells during your Colorado fall colors trip.

They're growing at different elevations, so the color generally starts with the higher groves farther back and gradually works its way down toward Maroon Lake. Even when I consider Maroon Bells to be at peak, you'll usually see a mix of yellow, lime green, and even some dark green.

I've photographed Maroon Bells in the fall more times than I can count, and I've never seen every single aspen underneath the Bells perfectly yellow at the same time.

This is also why I would rather photograph Maroon Bells a little early than a little late. Early in peak, you may still have some green closer to the lake, but the higher aspens usually still have their leaves. Wait too long for those lower trees to turn, and the aspens higher up may already be bare.

How to Visit Maroon Bells During Peak Fall Colors

If photographing Maroon Bells during peak fall colors is on your bucket list, this is one place you need to plan ahead. Reservations during the late-September peak window go FAST.

You'll need either a private vehicle reservation or shuttle reservation to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. If you're visiting specifically for sunrise or sunset, you'll want a private vehicle reservation since the shuttle doesn't operate during those times. I've included exactly how to book both options below.

Private vehicle access is restricted daily between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM from May 22 through October 18. With a vehicle reservation, you'll need to enter before 8:00 AM or wait until after 5:00 PM. You can leave the area at any time.

My biggest advice for fall: don't wait to make your reservation. Once you know your dates, book it. Peak fall weekends are extremely popular, and parking reservations can disappear quickly. With the new no-show fee, there's a better chance last-minute reservations may become available when people cancel, but they can go FAST. If you're trying to snag one last minute, you'll want to keep checking the reservation website.

Where and When Do I Make a Maroon Bells Reservation?

Maroon Bells parking and shuttle reservations are made online through the official Aspen-Snowmass reservation system.

2026 parking reservations open June 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM MT. If you're planning to visit during peak fall colors, mark this date. Parking reservations for late September can sell out quickly.

Shuttle reservations are already available for the 2026 season.

If you're visiting for sunrise or sunset, you'll want a private vehicle reservation since the shuttle does not operate during those times. If you're visiting during the day, the shuttle is another option.

→ Reserve Maroon Bells Parking

→ Reserve the Maroon Bells Shuttle

How Much Do Maroon Bells Parking and Shuttle Reservations Cost?

The cost to visit Maroon Bells depends on whether you drive your own vehicle or take the shuttle.

Private Vehicle Reservations

• $10 per vehicle
• You must enter before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM with your reservation.
• The $10 amenity fee is covered by an America the Beautiful Pass, but you'll still pay the $2.40 reservation service fee.
• Without an America the Beautiful Pass, the total is $12.40 per vehicle.

If you arrive before 7:00 AM or after 6:00 PM, be prepared to leave your reservation information visible on your dashboard. You can either print your reservation confirmation or write your reservation number on a piece of paper.

Maroon Bells Shuttle Reservations

Advance shuttle tickets:

• $16 adults
• $10 children 12 and under
• $10 seniors 65+

Limited day-of shuttle tickets:

• $20 adults
• $14 children 12 and under
• $14 seniors 65+

Day-of tickets are limited and aren't guaranteed, especially during peak fall colors. If you know when you're visiting, I recommend reserving the shuttle in advance.

Maroon Bells Fall Photography Guide

Best Time of Day to Photograph Maroon Bells

Sunrise

Ask most photographers and they'll tell you sunrise is the best time to photograph the Maroon Bells, and there's a reason it's the classic shot.

Why sunrise is preferred:

• Calmer water, giving you the best chance of getting that classic reflection of the Bells
• Alpenglow on the peaks, when the first morning light turns the Bells pink/orange
• Cooler, clearer conditions, with less wind than you typically see later in the day
• More wildlife activity, with a good chance of seeing deer, elk, moose, bear, or waterfowl

If you're photographing Maroon Bells for the first time and want that classic shot you've seen in photographs, I'd choose sunrise.

Sunset

Sunset can still be absolutely beautiful at Maroon Bells, and honestly, I think it's underrated.

• Wind is more common in the afternoon, so you're less likely to get that perfectly still reflection you see in classic Maroon Bells photos. That doesn't bother me as much anymore. With the ropes keeping photographers back from the water and lower water levels, getting that perfect reflection isn't as much of a priority for me.
• You won't get the classic alpenglow that Maroon Bells is famous for at sunrise. BUT the sun sets directly behind the Bells, so if you get lucky with clouds, you can get some incredible color in the sky behind the peaks.
• Crowds are usually minimal. By sunset, access is limited to private vehicles, and most photographers choose sunrise for the classic alpenglow. There's a good chance you'll have far fewer photographers around and much more freedom to choose the composition you want.

If your goal is the classic Maroon Bells shot, choose sunrise. If you care more about fewer crowds, flexibility with your composition, and the chance for a dramatic sky, don't completely rule out sunset.

Best Photography Spots at Maroon Bells

You don't need to hike far for the classic Maroon Bells composition, but don't stop at the shoreline. Some of my favorite photo spots are farther along the trail, and the aspens don't peak at the same time in each location.

These are the three photography spots I recommend checking:

• Maroon Lake Shoreline for the classic reflection of the Bells
• Maroon Bells Lake Bridge for closer aspens and one of my favorite compositions
• Crater Lake if you want to hike farther into the landscape

Maroon Lake Shoreline

Photo Location: 39.098201, -106.942931

This is the most popular photography spot at Maroon Bells and where you'll capture the classic view you've probably seen in photographs.

• The classic mountain reflection, if the lake is high enough and the water is calm
• Easy access from the parking and shuttle area
• A great wide-angle composition. I prefer my Sony 16–35mm GM here, and the feature photo in this article was shot at 35mm.
• Please stay behind the rope. It's there to protect the shoreline and prevent erosion around Maroon Lake.

Maroon Bells Lake Bridge

Photo Location: 39.096219, -106.948423

This is one of my favorite photography spots at Maroon Bells and one that is easy to miss if you stay near the shoreline. Continue along the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to the bridge, where you'll find a beautiful view surrounded by aspens.

One important thing to know for fall: the aspens around the bridge can change earlier than the trees near the Maroon Lake shoreline. In my experience, I've seen incredible color here while the aspens closer to the lake still needed more time.

If the shoreline isn't quite at peak when you visit, don't assume you missed the fall colors. Keep walking toward the bridge because conditions can look completely different just a short distance down the trail.

This is also one of my favorite spots for photographing the aspens themselves rather than focusing only on the classic Maroon Bells reflection.

Trail Details

• Distance: ~1.5 miles round trip along the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation/Terrain: Mostly flat, well-maintained dirt path
• Time: About 30 to 45 minutes excluding photography time

Crater Lake

Photo Location: 39.087314, -106.965563

If you want to explore beyond Maroon Lake, hike the 3.7-mile round-trip trail to Crater Lake. The trail takes you through a beautiful aspen grove beneath the Bells, making the hike especially worth doing during fall.

In a low-moisture year, Crater Lake may be very low or even dry, but the hike itself still offers plenty of fall photography opportunities along the way.

Trail Details

• Distance: Approximately 3.7 miles round trip via the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop and Crater Lake trails
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 feet
• Terrain: Rocky and uneven with steady elevation gain
• Time: Allow about 2–3 hours, plus additional time for photography

Photography tip: I prefer doing this hike after photographing sunrise at Maroon Lake. If you're visiting for sunset, I wouldn't recommend starting the hike late in the day since you'll be working against daylight on the return.

Photography Gear for the Maroon Bells

You don't need a full professional photography kit for Maroon Bells, but there are a few things I recommend bringing:

• Wide-angle lens: This is what I use for the classic Maroon Lake landscape and reflection shots. I bring my Sony 16–35mm GM, although the majority of my photos from the Maroon Lake shoreline are shot between 24–35mm.
• Telephoto lens: I also bring my 50–300mm so I can isolate the peaks, aspens, and smaller details throughout the landscape.
• Tripod: Especially important for sunrise and sunset when it can get surprisingly dark around the lake.
• Polarizing filter: Helpful for reducing glare on the water and managing reflections.
• Warm layers: Fall mornings and evenings at Maroon Bells can be very cold and sometimes near or below freezing. I always recommend bringing an extra layer, puffy jacket, beanie, and gloves.

Photography Tips for Maroon Bells in the Fall

• Arrive early for sunrise. I recommend being at Maroon Lake at least 30 minutes before sunrise. This is the busiest time of day, and photographers start lining up along the shoreline early.
• Shoot multiple focal lengths. I bring both my 16–35mm and 50–300mm lenses so I can capture the classic wide-angle view as well as tighter shots of the Bells and aspens.
• Look for foreground elements. Depending on the year, you may still find white daisies blooming in late September. Fallen logs, colorful aspens, and reflections can also add depth to your composition.
• Don't cancel because of bad weather. Conditions change incredibly fast in the mountains. Rain, snow, clouds, and fog can create some of the most dramatic conditions at Maroon Bells. I've even photographed a rainbow here after a storm. Moody days at the Bells are some of my favorites.
• I'd rather arrive a little early for peak than a little late. The higher aspens farther from the lake tend to change first. If you wait until the trees closest to Maroon Lake are completely yellow, some of the aspens higher up may already be bare.
• Plan earlier than expected for sunset. The sun drops behind the Bells well before the official sunset time. If you want a sunburst, plan to be in position before 5:30 PM in late September. My sunburst photo from September 28 was taken at 5:38 PM. Once the sun disappears behind the peaks, the lake gets dark quickly, so you'll likely want a tripod.

Crowds, Conditions & What to Expect

Maroon Bells is not a hidden gem. It's one of the most photographed places in Colorado, and fall is one of the busiest times of year to visit.

Crowds

• Expect a LOT of photographers at sunrise. Whatever number you're imagining, add another 50–100. During peak fall colors, photographers and tripods can line the shoreline around Maroon Lake.
• Arrive early if you want a specific composition. I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before sunrise.
• Be patient and respectful of other photographers. Everyone is there for the same reason, and it's the most wonderful time of the year.
• Want fewer crowds? Go for sunset. In my experience, sunset is dramatically quieter than sunrise and gives you much more freedom to move around and try different compositions.

Conditions

Fall conditions at Maroon Bells can change incredibly fast.

• Wind: Even a small amount of wind can eliminate the classic reflection on Maroon Lake. Sunrise usually gives you the best chance for calm water.
• Weather: Don't automatically cancel because rain, snow, or clouds are in the forecast. Mountain weather changes quickly, and dramatic conditions can make for some of the best photographs.
• Clouds: Cloud cover can completely change the light. I've photographed Maroon Bells when rain was forecast and ended up with incredible clouds, fog, and even a rainbow.
• Cold: Sunrise temperatures in late September can be near or below freezing, so bring warm layers even if the daytime forecast looks comfortable.

You can't control the conditions at Maroon Bells, so don't wait for a perfect forecast. Some of my favorite photographs here have come from days when the weather looked less than ideal.

Maroon Bells Fall FAQs

Do you need a reservation to visit Maroon Bells?

Yes. During the main visitor season, you'll need either a parking reservation or shuttle reservation to access the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. If you're visiting for sunrise or sunset when the shuttle isn't operating, you'll need a private vehicle reservation.

How does access to Maroon Bells work?

Access to Maroon Bells is managed through parking and shuttle reservations during the main visitor season. The shuttle operates during daytime hours, while a limited number of private vehicle reservations allow access outside shuttle hours, including sunrise and sunset.

Where do you book Maroon Bells reservations?

Private vehicle and shuttle reservations are made through the official site:
Parking reservations can be made here: https://www.visitmaroonbells.com/maroon-bells-parking-reservations/

Shuttle reservations can be made here: https://www.visitmaroonbells.com/maroon-bells-shuttle-reservations/

How much does a Maroon Bells permit cost?

Private vehicle reservations:

• $10 per vehicle
• Free with the America the Beautiful Pass (plus $2.40 service fee)
• Without pass: $12.40 total ($10 + $2.40)

Shuttle reservations:

• Advance: $16 adults / $10 children / $10 seniors
• Same-day: $20 adults / $14 children / $14 seniors
  Availability is limited and often sells out in fall.)

Can you visit the Maroon Bells without a reservation?

During peak season, reservations are required 24/7. Same-day shuttle tickets may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but lines are common and tickets often sell out quickly, especially during fall colors.

What happens if you don’t book ahead?

If you don’t book ahead, you may still have a couple of options. Same-day shuttle tickets can sometimes be available, but they aren’t guaranteed. You can also watch for last-minute parking cancellations, especially now that the new no-show fee gives people more incentive to cancel reservations they aren't going to use. These can go FAST during peak fall colors, so you’ll need to keep checking the reservation website.

Can I ride my bike or e-bike to the Maroon Bells?

Yes. Standard bikes are allowed, and e-bikes are permitted but classified as motorized vehicles. E-bike entry requires a $5 amenity fee per visit, but this fee is covered by the Maroon Bells Season Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. Entry does not sell out, so you can purchase it when your plans are confirmed.

When is the best time to photograph Maroon Bells during fall?

Sunrise is the best time to photograph Maroon Bells if you want the classic shot. Morning generally gives you the best chance for calm water, reflections, and alpenglow on the peaks.

Sunset is usually much less crowded and can produce dramatic skies behind the Bells, making it a great option if you care more about fewer crowds and flexibility with your composition.

Final Thoughts

I've photographed the Maroon Bells in the fall in all kinds of conditions, and you're not always going to get the perfect combination of peak color, calm water, alpenglow, and clear skies.

Make your reservations early, but be flexible once you're there. If the classic view isn't quite at peak, walk farther back toward the bridge. If it's windy and you aren't getting a reflection, try a different composition. And don't skip it just because the conditions don't look perfect.

I've been here when the aspens were still green, when some were already dropping, when the lake was low, and when the weather didn't cooperate. I've still never regretted going.

Planning a photography trip to Colorado for fall colors?

If you want my 150+ exact locations, drives, and photo spots already mapped out (with time of day to shoot them): Check out my Colorado Fall Colors Guide and be sure to join my Fall Colors Channel on Instagram where I update live color changes on the West Slope.

Fall Colors in Colorado

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