Sky Aspen Hotel is your base-camp for the Maroon Bells

Welcome to the Sky Hotel's information regarding some of the great outdoors recreational areas in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.

Some outdoor tips & tricks:

Remember to bring water with you, sunscreen, an extra layer, and a snack or two: bringing a pack is always a good idea.
When in the wilderness remember to practice Leave No Trace, meaning, what you bring with you (please don't pick the flowers), you leave with as well (such as gum wrappers, food scraps).
We are so lucky to have so many visitors here in the Valley, but we want to make sure that everyone leaves the wilderness as pristine as possible, or even better than you found it (picking up a piece of trash that is not yours only helps the ecosystem).
If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at the hotel, or visit the Forest Service's website!
See our webcam »

Independence Pass more

Independence Pass is a road way that connects the Roaring Fork Valley to the Front Range. Like the Maroon Bells, the road closes during the winter, though when it is open (usually in late May) the drive (or bike or hike) provides some spectacular views and access to some great recreational areas and trails. The pass usually closes after the first snow fall in autumn.

Activities

Hiking - Summer
Rock climbing - Summer
Road biking - Summer
Camping - Summer
Wild life viewing - All seasons
Cross country skiing - Winter
Snowmobiling - Winter
Skiing - Winter

History
The area is steeped in mining history. Once well inhabited, the bust of the gold boom in the 1880's caused the inhabitants to move away, creating virtual ghost towns. Abandoned towns, such as the town of Independence, as well as mining structures, shafts, and roads dot the land around the roadway and the peaks.

The White River and Pike-San Isabel National Forest make up some of the area around this road way, which are maintained by the Forest Service. Though the road is paved, it still can be narrow, in some places only enough so for one car at time. Caution is advised. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) maintains the paved roadway. For more information visit them at www.coloradodot.info.

Maroon Bells Information more

The Maroon Bells are noted by many as the most photographed mountains in Colorado; their jagged tops and the dramatic presence make visiting them a must-do while in the Roaring Fork Valley. There is a great deal of wildlife in the area, as well as breath-taking and unique wildflowers.

The area is very popular to visit: the hiking is unbeatable as are the views. The road closes in the winter, and opens in the summer.

There are multiple ways of getting to the Bells. If you don't feel like driving, buses are available from Rubey Park to Highlands. Bus tickets may be purchased at Four Mountain Sports to take a bus tour. We suggest asking our concierge for more information.

2011 Vehicle Access & Bus Schedule
Maroon Bells Scenic Area Guide

Activities

Camping - Summer
Hiking - Summer
Horseback Riding - Summer
Wild life viewing - All seasons