ASPEN, Colo. -- Have you ever wanted to take one of the most famous pictures of Colorado - the Maroon Bells' mountains with Aspen trees turning in the fall? You can't just drive up to Maroon Lake and take the photo.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October 2, all visitors to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area must take the shuttle bus.
The shuttle bus is $8 for adults, $6 for children 6-16 and seniors, and free for children under 6. Bus tickets are sold at the base of Aspen Highlands Ski Resort at Four Mountain Sports.
Limited parking for shuttle riders is available at Aspen Highlands Ski Area for $5.
If the Highlands lot is full, alternative parking is available in the City of Aspen's parking garage at 427 Rio Grande Place in Aspen.
If you visit before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m., you may drive to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, but there is a $10 use fee or you must have a National Park pass.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 3, the Maroon Bells Shuttle buses will no longer be running and the road will be open to vehicles 24 hours a day. Again, visitors will have to pay the $10 day use fee or use a National Park pass.
Once you arrive at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, Maroon Lake is a short, easy walk away from the bus stop. Many visitors stand near the lake to get a photo of the mountains and the trees reflecting in the water.
Learn more about shuttle buses on the White River National Forest's website.
---------
Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.
