How to Photograph the Maroon Bells in the Fall: 2026 Guide

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The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado are the most photographed landscape in Colorado. In the fall, golden aspens, calm reflections, and dramatic peaks combine into one of the most iconic scenes in the Rockies. 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.

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When to Visit the Maroon Bells for Peak Fall Colors?

Timing is one of the most important factors for photographing the Maroon Bells.

The best time to visit the Maroon Bells for peak fall colors is typically:

Late September to early October. Late September is most reliable, between September 22-30.
Exact timing varies slightly each year depending on elevation and weather

What to expect by season

Late September: Most reliable peak color window
Early October: Risk of color dropping or weather changes
Mid-October: Fewer crowds but reduced foliage

For photography, the ideal conditions are peak color, calm weather, and soft light. What's so hard about that? Right? LOL After years of chasing colors, I can tell you I still stress over this every single year, but sunrise will give you the best bet for those conditions.

How to Visit the Maroon Bells for Peak Fall Colors?

To visit the Maroon Bells during peak fall colors, you must plan ahead. The best window is typically late September, but exact timing shifts slightly each year depending on weather and elevation.

You’ll need to plan ahead for access and make a private vehicle reservation or shuttle reservation (see information below on how to book.) If you plan to shoot sunrise or sunset, you will need to book a private vehicle reservation, as the shuttle doesn't run during those times of day.

Private vehicle access into the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is restricted daily between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM from May 22 through October 18. Visitors with vehicle reservations must enter the area before 8:00 AM or wait until after 5:00 PM for access. You may still leave the area at any time during restricted hours.

Because fall is the busiest season, reservations often sell out quickly, so securing your shuttle or parking access early is essential as soon as you know your trip dates.

Where and When Do I Reserve My Maroon Bell Permit?

Reservations for the Maroon Bells are made through the official Aspen-Snowmass shuttle and parking reservation system. During peak season, you’ll need to book either a shuttle ticket or a private vehicle reservation in advance online, as walk-up access is extremely limited. Private vehicle reservations typically open ahead of the summer and fall seasons—mark your calendar for June 18 at 8am MST so you’re ready to book as soon as they become available. Reservations can sell out quickly, especially during peak fall foliage, so it’s best to book early through the official site before your trip. Shuttle reservations are already available for the upcoming fall.

How Much Does a Maroon Bells Permit Cost?

Private Vehicle Reservations

$10 per vehicle
Must park before 8am or after 5pm so you either book a morning permit or afternoon
Free with the America the Beautiful Pass, but a $2.40 service fee still applies. Need an America the Beautiful Pass? You can buy one in advance here.
Without the pass: $12.40 total per vehicle ($10 + $2.40)

If you arrive before 7:00 AM or after 6:00 PM you will need to be prepared to leave your reservation information on the dash of your car. You can either have your reservation email printed out, or write your reservation number on a sheet of paper, and leave it on your dashboard.

Shuttle Reservations

Advance shuttle pricing:

$16 Adults
$10 Children (12 and under)
$10 Seniors (65+)

Same-day shuttle pricing:

$20 Adults
$14 Children (12 and under)
$14 Seniors (65+)

Availability is limited and first-come, first-served, so tickets often sell out quickly during peak season—especially in the fall.

Fiery sunset behind Maroon Bells near Aspen, CO. Photo taken 9/28/25. 82mm.

Photography Guide

Best Time of Day for Photography

Sunrise (highly recommended for the classic shot with alpen glow hitting the Bells)

Sunrise is the best time to photograph the Maroon Bells if you ask most photographers.

Why it works:

Calm water for reflections
Softer, directional light on the peaks to get a beautiful alpen glow
Cooler, clearer conditions
High probability of wildlife (deer, elk, moose, waterfowl)

Sunset (backup option, and honestly, my favorite)

Sunset can still be beautiful, but:

Wind is more common in the afternoon so you might not get that perfect reflection
Reflections are less consistent
You won't get the classic alpen glow like you see in most photographs

BUT the crowds will be minimal, as the only access will be by private vehicle. Most photographers choose sunrise for the alpen glow, so there is a high chance it won't be busy.

Best Photography Spots at Maroon Bells

You don’t need to hike far for the famous composition.

Maroon Lake shoreline (classic view you always see looking towards the bells)

This is the most popular angle that will give you:

Full mountain reflection (if there is enough water)
Easy access
Best for wide landscape shots - I prefer my Sony 16-35mm GM for lake shots. The feature photo of this article was shot at 35mm.
Please, however, stay behind the rope. It is there for a reason to help preserve the shoreline and prevent erosion along the lake.

Crater Lake

If you want to experience the entire area beyond Maroon Lake, hike the 3.7 miles round-trip trail through an incredible aspen grove up to Crater Lake. Keep in mind that in a low moisture year, the lake will likely be dry, however, the hike itself is still beautiful. As of 2021, both a permit and a reservation are required to access this area by vehicle.

Photography Gear for the Maroon Bells

You don’t need a full professional kit, but a few items make a big difference:

Recommended gear

Wide-angle lens (landscape + reflection shots) The majority of my shots at Maroon Lake are shot between 24-35mm
Tripod (especially for sunrise or sunset, as it gets pretty dark at the lake)
Polarizing filter (reduces glare on water)
Extra layers (mornings and evenings can be very cold in fall, sometimes below freezing or very close to freezing so be sure to pack an extra layer, puffy jacket, beanie, and gloves)

Sunset at the Maroon Bells near Aspen, CO. 9/28/25. 29mm.

Photo Tips For Maroon Bells In The Fall

Arrive before sunrise and scout compositions early. You need to be there minimally 30 minutes prior to sunrise
Shoot multiple focal lengths (wide + tighter frames). I take both my 16-35mm and my 50-300mm.
Include foreground elements for depth. Sometimes the summer white daisies are still in late bloom the end of September, and can sometimes get a log in the foreground, too. (See image just above for the daisies)
Stay flexible — conditions change fast so don't cancel if it's raining or snowing. You might get some incredible fog or even a rainbow.
Aim for the beginning of peak versus end. By doing this, you avoid the aspens in the back dropping their leaves so only half the trees are peak near the lake.
If you shoot sunset, the sun dips behind the Bells about an hour before sunset. If you want a burst, you'll need to be there before 5:30pm (My sunburst shot was at 5:38pm) and I had to use a tripod earlier than expected because of this.

Crowds, Conditions & What to Expect

The Maroon Bells are not a hidden location or hidden gem. They are quite literally the most photographed place in Colorado, and fall is a high tourism time to see them.

Crowds

Expect a LOT of photographers at sunrise. Whatever number you're thinking, add 50-100 more. You will be shoulder to shoulder with photographers and tripods surrounding Maroon Lake.
Arrive early to secure a good viewing position. Minimally 30 minutes prior to sunrise.
Be patient. Everyone is there for the same reason and it's the most wonderful time of the year.

Conditions

Wind can impact reflections quickly, especially at sunset
Weather changes fast in the mountains so don't cancel if it's raining or snowing. My photos here? It was supposed to be 100% rain and it didn't rain on us at all. We just got incredible clouds, fog, and a rainbow
Cloud cover can improve or ruin light depending on timing. Go anyways. There is no bad day at the Maroon Bells.
Know the trees you see in the background do NOT turn uniformly. This is normal. They usually start at the highest elevation in the furthest back, and gradually change towards the lake. I've shot here more times that I can count, and not once, has every tree been at peak at the same time.
Knowing that, it's better to go early once you see a change versus late. When the aspens are at peak closest to the lake, the ones in the back will likely be dropped.

Looking towards Sievers Mountain in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area near Aspen, Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions for Visiting the Maroon Bells During Fall:

Do you need reservations or a permit to visit the Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado?

Yes. During peak season (typically May 15–October 31), access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area is strictly managed and requires either a shuttle reservation or a private vehicle reservation. This system is in place to protect the area and manage heavy visitor demand.

How does access to the Maroon Bells work?

From mid-May through late October, private vehicle access is restricted for most of the day. Visitors must use the shuttle system from Aspen Highlands during peak hours (generally 7 AM–3 PM). A limited number of private vehicle reservations are available outside shuttle hours, but sunrise and peak fall visits require advance booking.

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?

Only in limited situations. 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 have a reservation, your only option is same-day shuttle availability, which is not guaranteed. During peak season, visitors without valid reservations are typically turned away or unable to park at the shuttle lot. Enforcement is strict throughout the day.

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 take photographs of the Maroon Bells?

Sunrise is going to be the photographer's choice so you catch alpen glow on top of the bells. This will also be the most crowded time of day, and you will need to arrive EARLY, minimally 30 minutes prior to sunrise. All that said, I prefer sunset for minimal crowds and explosive color (if the clouds are right, of course)

Rainbow following a storm just before sunset at Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado. Always go even when there is a chance of rain. This is why.

Final Thoughts:

Photographing the Maroon Bells in the fall isn’t complicated, but it does reward preparation. If you time your visit right, plan for rservations in advance, and show up early to shoot, you give yourself the best chance at your ideal shot and peak color. Even with crowds and changing conditions, it’s still one of those places that is always worth it, even if it's not the most ideal conditions.

Planning a photography trip to Colorado for fall colors?

If you want 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.

See you out there!

Mallory

Fall Colors in Colorado

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