Aspen and Maroon Bells: tours, shuttle and reservations
Aspen and Maroon Bells trips in 2026 need a reservation, whether you ride the shuttle or drive in. Below are the shuttle dates, fares and parking rules, plus tours from Aspen.
Updated October 31, 2026 · We may earn a commission
Status update, October 31, 2026.
- Maroon Bells: today, Saturday, October 31, is the last day you need a parking reservation to drive in (the shuttle ended October 18). From November 1 parking is first come, first served, November 9 is the last day to visit, and Maroon Creek Road closes for winter on November 10 (Visit Maroon Bells).
- Cottonwood Pass between Buena Vista and Taylor Park closes for the winter at 9 a.m. on Monday, November 2, when the gates on both the Chaffee and Gunnison County sides are locked (Chaffee County, Gunnison County). Independence Pass (CO 82 between Aspen and Twin Lakes) closed at 8 a.m. today, October 31, ahead of a winter storm. CDOT will decide after the storm whether it reopens or stays closed for the winter; from Denver, the alternate route to Aspen is I-70 to Glenwood Springs, then CO 82 (CDOT, Independence Pass Foundation). Check COtrip.org the morning you drive.
Reservations are required
You need a reservation to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area by car or by shuttle, and you book both at visitmaroonbells.com. The rules for 2026:
- RFTA runs the shuttle from May 22 to October 18, 2026, from the Maroon Bells Welcome Center at Aspen Highlands. Fares are $16 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under and seniors 65+. The ride takes about 15 minutes each way (RFTA).
- Drivers need a trailhead parking reservation, which costs $10 per vehicle and is required from May 15 to October 31. Between May 22 and October 18 the road is closed to inbound private cars from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., so drivers arrive before 8 or after 5. That limit ended on October 19, so through October 31 you can arrive any time your parking reservation allows.
- If you take the shuttle, the Aspen Highlands garage charges by the hour, and RFTA buses connect Aspen Highlands with Aspen, Snowmass Village and towns down the valley.
Getting to Aspen
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is about 10 minutes from town. From Denver it's about 3.5-4 hours by road, and Eagle County Airport (EGE) is another option about 1.75 hours away.
Rules and dates come from RFTA and the official reservation site and can change; check before you go. See also rides from ASE.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for Maroon Bells?
Yes. Reservations are required by car or shuttle. Trailhead parking ($10 per vehicle) is required May 15 to October 31, 2026, and shuttle seats are booked at visitmaroonbells.com.
When does the Maroon Bells shuttle run in 2026?
May 22 to October 18, 2026, from the Maroon Bells Welcome Center at Aspen Highlands. Adults pay $16; kids 12 and under and seniors 65+ pay $10.
Can I drive to Maroon Bells?
Yes, with a $10 parking reservation, but from May 22 to October 18 private cars can't drive in between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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