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Maroon Bells Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Maroon Bells

	Bell Cord Couloir 4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b Steep Snow
	Bells Traverse (submitted as Maroon Ridge) T 5.2 3 8 II 8 D 2c
	Megamoronal (submitted as Moron's Bells Traverse) T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c PG13
	Northeast Ridge T 4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b

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Elevation:	14,156 ft	4,315 m
GPS:	39.0708, -106.989 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	40,583 total · 151/month
Shared By:	ClimbandMine on Oct 30, 2002
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

Guidebooks will say that the Maroon Bells have some of the loosest rock in Colorado. On the standard route up South Maroon, this may be true, but there are better routes and easier ways to the summits of these peaks. These crown jewels of Aspen host a number of fine snow climbs and a spectacular ridge traverse with some of the finest views in Colorado. Unfortunately, you have to go down at some point, and the descent routes aren't overly enjoyable. Either descend the standard route off South Maroon, or follow the cairns of the North Ridge/North Face Route off North Maroon Peak to get back to Crater Lake and the trailhead.

Getting There

From Leadville, drive south and pick up Hwy 82 to Aspen. Head through town to the roundabout. Follow the Maroon Bells Rd. up to the ranger station, pay your $10 parking fee and head up to the trailhead. Hike about 1.5 miles to Crater Lake, then follow the appropriate trail to your route.

We got up to Aspen the afternoon before, realized camping in the park is reserved, bought our parking permit, then drove out and over one drainage to the Conundrum Hot Springs trailhead to camp for the night. Call ahead (weeks or months???) to the USFS in Aspen to reserve a camp site in the summer season.

4 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Maroon Bells

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b Steep Snow 44 ● Bell Cord Couloir Snow, Alpine
4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b 35 ● Northeast Ridge Trad, Alpine
5.2 3 8 II 8 D 2c 123 ● Bells Traverse (submitted as Mar… Trad, Alpine
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c PG13 4 ● Megamoronal (submitted as Moron'… Trad, Alpine