While Aspen is rightfully known as a high-end ski town, we visited in July to tackle two of the area’s more renowned hikes. We even made the trip budget-friendly! If you’re like us and want to experience this region’s beauty without breaking the bank, we’ve got the recommendations for you.
Maroon Bells
The main reason we wanted to visit Aspen – the Maroon Bells had been near the top of our travel wish list for a while.
After seeing photo after photo of the towering peaks reflecting off the crystal Maroon Lake, we knew we had to visit for ourselves. Even with all the hype it did not disappoint.
Getting There: Normally, one would take the shuttle from Aspen to the Maroon Lake parking lot. In the COVID-19 era, though, shuttles are harder to come by, and sharing a backseat with strangers just doesn’t sound appealing. Luckily, there are spots available at the parking lot for self-drivers, but you will need to get a permit in advance with specified entry and departure windows. Some permits allow for entry throughout the day; others are specific to sunrise or sunset. Check out Aspen’s official website for reservation options well before your planned visit, as the more attractive times book quickly.
Best Lighting: If photography is your goal, an early start is your best bet. The sun rises opposite the Maroon Bells when you are standing across from them on Maroon Lake, so they’ll perfectly capture the light for some amazing colors at sunrise. For sunset, on the other hand, the light will be directly behind the Maroon Bells. This can create some cool effects if you have a professional camera, but otherwise it has the potential to ruin the photo and make it difficult to see the shaded areas. The middle of the day is likely fine since the sun is directly overhead. We opted to get a permit for the sunrise time frame to capture the better light. We also waited too long to get our permit, so the daytime entry options were sold out. Whoops.
What to Bring: Even in July, Maroon Lake is COLD in the early morning. We did not have appropriate attire since our road trip mostly went through desert regions, so we had to seriously layer up and each wear multiple shirts and jackets. Learn from our mistakes and pack appropriately. If you plan to relax at the lake and watch the sunrise, we also recommend bringing something to sit on. Standing is cool and all, but it gets a bit old if you’re just hanging out there for an hour or more.
When to Arrive for Sunrise: We were nervous that we would get to Maroon Lake only to find a crowd occupying all the prime photography spots. To better our odds of claiming some good real estate, we got there an hour before sunrise (~4:30am in July), so of course we ended up being there alone for 15-20 minutes. In hindsight, though, we would leave that early again. Yes, it was freezing that early in the morning, but we got a completely unobstructed view of the Maroon Bells centered over Maroon Lake as the sun rose from behind us.
Hiking Options: There are a variety of great hikes in the Maroon Bells region for all fitness levels. While we would have loved to do the longer, more challenging Crater Lake Trail or Maroon Creek Trail, we just didn’t have the time with our sunrise permit and mandatory departure by 7:30am. Instead, we did the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, which is about one mile and goes around the circumference of the lake. It’s worth noting that the view from the Maroon Lake observation area topped anything we saw along the hike, so don’t feel like you’re missing out too much if you don’t feel like doing this trail.
Hanging Lake Trail
One of the top 10 trails in Colorado according to AllTrails, Hanging Lake is pretty magical.
The hike itself is short but relatively challenging, as it climbs over 1,100 feet in 1.5 miles to the main attraction. Once you’re there, though, it is 1000% worth it.
Hanging Lake is a perfectly clear mixture of blues and greens constantly fed by falling water from up above. You’ll see fish swimming around the pond and ask yourself, how on earth did fish get to this isolated lake so far above sea level? There are also plenty of benches around the lake, so you’ll have the opportunity to relax comfortably while you admire the view.
Permit Reservations: Similar to the Maroon Bells, you need a permit to visit Hanging Lake. Rather than having a specified window for visiting the area, though, you’ll have a specific time by which you need to arrive at the trailhead’s parking lot. This system was implemented to protect the area’s ecosystem, and it also creates a more socially-distanced environment along the trail.
Getting There: Hanging Lake is about an hour from Aspen and weirdly close to the interstate. Map yourself to the Hanging Lake Rest Area off of I-70, and you’re pretty much there. After getting to the parking lot, it is just a short walk to the trailhead.
Spouting Rock: A climb to Hanging Lake wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Spouting Rock. This short detour is only 100 yards from the Hanging Lake boardwalk and takes you to exactly what you’d expect: a waterfall gushing through a large rock. While you’re not allowed to swim in Hanging Lake, you can effectively cool off after the hike by walking behind the Spouting Rock waterfall and catching the mist. There are also some rocks around the water that are great for lounging, so take your time to enjoy this underrated attraction.
Where to Eat
Admittedly, budget-friendly dining in Aspen is hard to come by. Still, we were able to find a few restaurants that hit the spot for a reasonable price.
- 520 Grill: This counter-service spot has some serious sandwiches. While we were tempted by the rolladillas, we definitely didn’t regret choosing the cheesesteak. So good. 520 also has a small patio to let you enjoy the mountain air while you eat.
- Big Wrap: Needing a quick snack before leaving town, we got some tacos and a smoothie from Big Wrap. We wouldn’t say it was anything to write home about, but it’s hard to beat two decent-sized tacos in Aspen for $5.75. Be warned that it is cash-only.
- CP Burger: This place is all about the milkshakes. The burgers are fine too, but they definitely paled in comparison. We recommend grabbing a frozen treat to enjoy after dinner as you walk around the town.
Other Tips & Tricks
- Where to Stay: Aspen is a very pedestrian-friendly town, so you can’t go wrong if you’re anywhere near the city center. For budget-friendly accommodation with great breakfast and free parking included, we’d recommend staying at the Mountain Chalet Aspen. The hotel is definitely dated, but it has a nice pool and is right in the middle of town. The breakfast is also legitimately good, with rotating specials depending on the day. If you’re visiting Aspen for skiing purposes, though, it may be worth looking into lodges that are right on the slopes.
- Paepcke Park: If you want to have yourself a picnic, look no further than the small Paepcke Park. It is very picturesque with a nice gazebo and mountain backdrop. You’ll also likely see plenty of dogs playing in the area.
Happy traveling!
Kitrina & Jordan
