Maroon Bells Amphitheatre

2 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Available for reserv...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Maroon Bells Amphitheatre site

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Quick Facts

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Available for reserv...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Maroon Bells Amphitheatre site

Get Directions

Maroon Bells Amphitheatre

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Amphitheater rental: $200 per day; reservations open one year in advance on a rolling basis. Cancellation and change fees apply (see...

Standard Site Fee$200.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$200.00

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Provider

(970) 945-2521

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

51 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerypeacefullakefriendly

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Maroon Bells Amphitheatre, describing it as breathtaking, magical, and one of the most beautiful venues they’ve ever seen. It’s especially praised as an incredible spot for weddings and events, with stunning mountain and lake views that look “better than the pictures.” Many consider it a must‑see destination when visiting Colorado or Aspen."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Maroon Bells Amphitheatre

$200/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$200/night

Stay Limit: Maximum number of people allowed at the amphitheater is 50; receptions are not allowed at this location.

Cancellation: Changes: $10 change fee if new stay dates are completely different from original stay dates. Cancell...

Prices verified December 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Maroon Bells Amphitheatre website.

Best Time to Camp at Maroon Bells Amphitheatre

Summer transforms the amphitheater's surroundings into a botanical showcase, with wildflowers painting the meadows in brilliant colors from early to mid-summer. The venue's popularity peaks during the warmer months, and if you're planning a weekend visit during summer or fall, be sure to check reservation restrictions—this is when the Maroon Bells draw their largest crowds, and for good reason.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June–August (summer). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Available for reservation most days throughout the summer. Reservations are not accepted on Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and August; reservations are not accepted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October.

About Maroon Bells Amphitheatre

Nestled behind the visitor center, this intimate amphitheater offers front-row seats to one of Colorado's most photographed views—Maroon Lake reflecting the iconic Maroon Bells peaks. Available for interpretive programs and private gatherings of up to 50 guests, the venue provides accessible vault toilets and drinking water, though you'll truly disconnect here with no electrical outlets or phone service.

Maroon Bells Amphitheater is a reservable event venue and interpretive site rather than a traditional campground with campsites.

Historical SignificanceYou're standing in a place that helped define wilderness preservation in America. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness earned its protected status as one of five original Colorado wilderness areas under the landmark 1964 Wilderness Act. The peaks themselves tell an ancient story written in maroon-colored metamorphic mudstone—sedimentary rock that gives these mountains their distinctive burgundy hue and sets them apart from their neighbors in the Elk Mountains.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms the amphitheater's surroundings into a botanical showcase, with wildflowers painting the meadows in brilliant colors from early to mid-summer. The venue's popularity peaks during the warmer months, and if you're planning a weekend visit during summer or fall, be sure to check reservation restrictions—this is when the Maroon Bells draw their largest crowds, and for good reason.

ElevationThe amphitheater sits in a dramatic glacial valley carved by ancient ice, where you're cradled by alpine terrain while gazing up at the Maroon Bells soaring above 14,000 feet. Positioned right alongside Maroon Lake, you'll experience the rare sensation of being nestled in mountain comfort while surrounded by some of Colorado's most commanding peaks.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself surrounded by nature's perfect composition: Maroon Lake's mirror-smooth waters in the foreground, stands of quaking aspen that shimmer gold in autumn, and wildflower meadows that burst with color each summer. Dense evergreen forests of spruce and fir climb the slopes around you, gradually giving way to rocky alpine terrain as your eyes travel upward to those magnificent 14,000-foot summits. The amphitheater serves as your gateway view into the vast Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, where wilderness protection ensures these vistas remain unchanged for generations to come.

Geological RegionMaroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Elk Mountains, Rocky Mountains of Colorado

Campsite details

AccessibilityTrails next to Maroon Lake are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible; the amphitheater has accessible vault toilets. Handicapped individuals are exempt from certain road restrictions and reservation requirements for vehicle access.

Sites SizeMaximum capacity 50 people; amphitheater reservations include five vehicle passes.

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Recommended CampsitesPick up the five included vehicle passes at the Welcome Station five days prior to the event. Park in the day-use parking area (200 yards from the site); do not enter the bus loop. Reserve shuttle seats well ahead of time via the Aspen Chamber shuttle website. Use the East Maroon Portal Picnic site for receptions and use its bear-proof food locker for unattended food, beverages, and scented items.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum number of people allowed at the amphitheater is 50
receptions are not allowed at this location.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of people allowed at the amphitheater is 50.

Groups

The amphitheater can be reserved for private gatherings and holds a maximum of 50 people. Reservations open one year in advance on a rolling basis and are $200 per day.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutAmphitheater is tucked behind the visitor center overlooking a meadow and Maroon Lake. Day-use parking is approximately 200 yards from the site; shuttle drop is about 25 yards from the amphitheater. Vehicle passes control access past the Welcome Station; no vehicles allowed in the bus loop.

Open and Closed SeasonAvailable for reservation most days throughout the summer. Reservations are not accepted on Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and August; reservations are not accepted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not accepted on specified weekend days in summer and fall (see open_and_closed_season); the amphitheater is available for use by the general public.

Cancellation PolicyChanges: $10 change fee if new stay dates are completely different from original stay dates. Cancellations: refund available any time before scheduled arrival minus a $10 cancellation fee, any reservation fees (only if paid when booking), and any previous change fees. Late cancellation penalties may also apply.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The amphitheater is used for interpretive talks, educational programs, weddings, and other small public or private gatherings. The surrounding area provides walking and hiking opportunities, access to scenic Maroon Lake, and wildlife viewing in the adjacent Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.

Hiking

There are hiking trails of varying length and difficulty. Trails next to Maroon Lake are fairly flat and wheelchair- and stroller-accessible; beyond the lake trails become steeper and rockier. The West Maroon Trail starts from the scenic area and leads through aspen groves to alpine terrain and high mountain lakes; backpackers should check wilderness camping regulations.

Wildlife viewing

The adjacent Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness supports wildlife such as bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan; the area includes meadows, aspen groves, and alpine habitat good for wildlife observation.

Cultural and Educational Programs

The amphitheater is designed for interpretive talks and programs and is commonly used for educational presentations, spoken-word performances, and other interpretive events.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Floating lanterns and fireworks are prohibited. (No general campfire/fire policy provided.)

Hazards

General hazardsTrails beyond Maroon Lake become steeper and rocky. The Maroon Bells peaks are composed of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that is unstable and hazardous for climbing.

Weather at Maroon Bells Amphitheatre

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 48%

Wind: 6.5 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Good to know

Peak season datesJune–August (summer)

Trash and recyclingEast Maroon Portal Picnic site has a bear-proof food locker for storing food and scented items when not attended.

Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Maroon Lake; East Maroon Portal Picnic site is situated along Maroon Creek and shares a parking lot/path with the East Maroon Creek Trailhead.

Campground Map

Maroon Bells Amphitheatre

Driving directionsFrom downtown Aspen (via Independence Pass): Take Highway 82 West 1 mile to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Continue past the Welcome Station; the amphitheater is 5 miles beyond the Welcome Station at the end of the road. The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is approximately 9 miles from Highway 82 at the roundabout. From Glenwood Springs: Take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout (rotary). From the roundabout, take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Welcome Station; the amphitheater is 5 miles beyond the Welcome Station.

Accessible from Highway 82 via the Highway 82 roundabout and Maroon Creek Road. Vehicle traffic is restricted on Maroon Creek Road past the Forest Service Welcome Station from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; guests with vehicle passes must come through the Welcome Station before 8:00 a.m. Handicapped individuals and vehicles with children under 2 years old in a restraining car seat are exempt from needing prior reservations and from road restrictions.

Nearby places

Aspen — downtown Aspen is 1 mile to the Highway 82 roundabout near the Maroon Creek Road turnoff

the amphitheater is approximately 9 miles from that Highway 82 roundabout. Glenwood Springs — take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout (then follow Maroon Creek Road to the Welcome Station and amphitheater as above).

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Maroon Bells Amphitheatre has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly love Maroon Bells Amphitheatre, describing it as breathtaking, magical, and one of the most beautiful venues they’ve ever seen. It’s especially praised as an incredible spot for weddings and events, with stunning mountain and lake views that look “better than the pictures.” Many consider it a must‑see destination when visiting Colorado or Aspen.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

The most praised aspect is the scenery: epic vistas of mountains and a lake, described as “absolutely breathtaking,” “magical,” and “better than the pictures.” Reviewers highlight it as an...

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

The only recurring concern is the presence of many other visitors, especially around weddings, which can impact privacy. One wedding reviewer also mentioned confusion from a sign that had another...

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend planning ahead and booking online, both for access and for events or weddings. They suggest making Maroon Bells Amphitheatre a planned stop when near Aspen and note that in summer...

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

“My husband and I got married here 3 days ago and it was an experience of a lifetime. It doesn't get better than this and we will cherish this spot in Colorado forever.” “Mountains and lake are just...

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several reviews specifically highlight the amphitheater as an outstanding wedding venue, noting that the views from the ceremony area are “absolutely breathtaking” and that photos taken there look...

Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

One review notes that the paths and parking area are “easy to navigate,” and another mentions a paved road right up to the lake, suggesting relatively straightforward access from the parking area to...

Based on 2 reviews