White River National Forest Silver Bell Campground

Overview

Located just outside Aspen, Colorado, Silver Bell Campground is hemmed in by aspen groves and subalpine forests on the banks of Maroon Creek. The campground sits at an elevation of 8,460 feet, allowing guests to experience warm summer days and cool evenings with probable afternoon thunderstorms. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Snow is possible even at the peak of summer.

Recreation

For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Deadly Bells Trailhead at Maroon Lake, the West Maroon Trail gains elevation through aspen groves and evergreens, traverses boulder fields, crosses streams, and leads hikers through high-elevation (10,000+ feet) mountain passes. Climbing through alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in mid-summer. Check specific regulations for camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. For day hikers and horseback riders, nearby Maroon Creek Trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak and the entire Maroon valley. The gentle, flat terrain offers scenic stops that are great for picnicking.

Facilities

Silver Bell Campground has 14 sites, including tent-only and walk-in sites. RVs and trailers are welcome at the standard sites. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, vault toilets, food storage lockers (bear boxes) and campfire rings. Drinking water and electrical hook-ups are not available. Silver Bell campsites 2-4 and 8-14 are not available for advanced reservation on Recreation.gov and are set aside as first-come, first-served for up to the five day stay limit. Please visit the welcome station on Maroon Creek Road during staffed hours 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the day of arrival to check availability. The campground is usually full before noon during peak Summer/Fall season.

Natural Features

The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This wilderness is one of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Its scenic value exudes from its aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers, and dark forests of spruce and fir that rise up from the valleys to alpine landscapes. Here, bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan find habitat above timberline. Towering over glacial valleys at over 14,000 feet in elevation, the Maroon Bells are the most recognizable peaks in the Elk Mountains. The Maroon Bells are unique in the Rockies in that they are made up of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that gives the peaks their maroon color and unstable nature for climbing.

Nearby Attractions

The nearby resort town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and shopping, there is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (970) 945-2521.