Maroon Bells

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Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells With Aspens, September 2003
Elevation	14,156 ft (4,315 m)
Location	Colorado, USA
Range	Rocky Mountains
Coordinates	39°04′15″N, 106°59′19″W
Topo map	USGS Maroon Bells
First ascent	1890's by C. Wilson

The Maroon Bells is a mountain in the Elk Mountains that consists of two peaks, South Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, separated by about a third of a mile. The mountain is on the border between Pitkin County and Gunnison County, Colorado, United States, about 12 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado. Both peaks are counted as fourteeners. Maroon Peak, at 14,156 feet, is the 27th highest peak in Colorado; North Maroon Peak, at 14,014 feet, is the 50th highest. The view of the Maroon Bells from the Maroon Creek valley to the northeast is one of the most famous scenes in Colorado, and is reputed to be the "most-photographed spot in Colorado".

A National Park Service sign on the access trail refers to these mountains as "The Deadly Bells" and warns would-be climbers of "downsloping, loose, rotten and unstable" rock that "kills without warning". Unlike other mountains in the Rockies that are composed of granite and limestone, the Bells are composed of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that has hardened into rock over millions of years. Mudstone is weak and fractures readily, giving rise to dangerously loose rock along almost any route. The mudstone is responsible for the Bells' distinctive maroon color. The Bells got their "deadly" name in 1965 when eight people died in five separate accidents.

Maroon Bells, November 2005

Maroon Lake (9,580') provides one of the most memorable scenes in the Rockies. The lake occupies a basin that was sculpted by Ice-Age glaciers and later dammed by landslide and rockfall debris from the steep slopes above the valley floor. Here you can picnic, fish, photograph, hike, stroll or simply breathe in the beauty.

[edit] Wilderness Safety

Maroon Lake is at an altitude of 9,580 feet of 2880 meters. Compared to sea level, there is less oxygen available, the air is very dry and the sun's rays are stronger. So, drink lots of water to keep hydrated, wear sun screen and protective clothing including a hat, and listen to your body.

Symptoms and effects of altitude such as nausea, headache, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, and restlessness can be minimized by eating lightly and drinking plenty of water. Also, while a t-shirt and shorts may feel comfortable in Aspen, the weather can be dramatically differrent at the Maroon Bells. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and dress in layers.

If you need help, let others know immediately. The nearest phone will be a hike to the parking lot and a drive to the entrance station. Cellular phones do not work here! Forest Service personnel have radios that can reach out of the valley in cases of emergency.