Hopefully you have taken a spring vacation with the family. If not, there is still time before the crowds and the heat limit privacy and comfort. But it’s not too early to be thinking about a special summer vacation in the Colorado Rockies. But where?
If you’re a native of Colorado, you already know that you have lots of options; If funds are not a problem, you can choose from amusement and theme parks in the city, swimming and slides at Glenwood Springs, cave excursions, white-water rafting, zoos, mountain climbing, hiking one or more of the many 14,000 foot peaks, jeeping, 4 wheeling, and many, many other options.
Of course, Colorado offers hundreds of camping, hiking, and mountain climbing locations ranging from primitive and secluded to purely touristy. May I suggest an inspirational area that is somewhere in the middle of that range, but definitely a number 10 in beauty and variety – Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area?
Maroon Bells is a popular summer attraction and you’ll meet lots of people, but you all have something in common, and your shared desire to revel in the splendor of mountain peaks, lakes, streams, and wildlife will add an exciting dimension of human connection.
The most popular access to Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, which totals more than 174,000 acres in two national forests, White River and Gunnison, ascends from the popular ski resort of Aspen, Colorado. Motorized travel from Aspen to Maroon Lake is restricted, and you’ll want to check the times and exceptions. A convenient bus makes regular trips up the valley to the lake for a nominal fee, thus attempting to curtail traffic and pollution. Bus drivers provide an interesting and entertaining tour dialog for the short drive. The trip up the road is free of charge for non-motorized travel including biking and hiking.
Activities in the area include: