May 11, 2009

2009 Maroon Bells Scenic Area Vehicle Access Information and RFTA Bus Info

Please note: RFTA Bus Info ~ Service Starts Saturday, June 20th.

Vehicle Access Information:
Friday May 22nd Maroon Bells Road & Entrance Station opens for season (Weather permitting with snow levels)

*Recreation Use Fees of $10 per vehicle are charged starting May 22.

Starting Saturday June 20th from 9:00am – 5:00pm
MOTORIZED VEHICLE TRAVEL IS RESTRICTED EXCEPT FOR RFTA BUS AND EXCEPTIONS**

7:00am – 9:00am road is open to vehicles with a $10.00 recreation use fee*
5:00pm – 7:00pm road is open to vehicles with a $10.00 recreation use fee*

People wanting to visit the Bells during the hours of 9:00am – 5:00 pm will need to take the Bus from Aspen Highlands (few exceptions apply**).

You may park your vehicle for free at Aspen Highlands Village Parking Lot and travel via RFTA bus up the Maroon Valley.

The road is open to All NON-MOTORIZED forms of transportation at NO CHARGE; i.e. walkers, bicycles, rollerbladers, etc…

RFTA Bus Information:
RFTA Bus service starts Saturday June 20th:
Buses run from 9:00am – 4:30 pm daily from June 20th until September 7th (Labor Day).
September 8th – September 27th buses run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ONLY.

Bus Tours to the Bells cost $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 6-16, $4.00 for seniors, and children under 6 ride free.

Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: Aspen Highlands Village at Pro Mountain Sports, Ruby Park Transit Center, and Aspen Mountain Gondola Ticket Office.

RFTA buses depart Aspen Highlands Village every 20 minutes from 9:05am – 2:00pm. Buses depart on the half hour and hour from 2:30pm – 4:30pm.

The last bus departs Maroon Lake Day Use Area at 5:00pm.

In the case of high visitor use and inclement weather, RFTA often provides extra buses.

Vehicle Pass Information:
America the Beautiful Passes as well as Maroon Bells Season Passes allow access to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for the season.

Passes are not valid when the road is restricted to motorized vehicles
(9:00am-5pm)

Several exceptions apply! **

** Exceptions to the motorized vehicle restrictions are:

Vehicles with people with disabilities or with a valid Handicap placard or license plate
Vehicles with 11 people or more
Vehicles with infants that require a restraining child seat (not a booster seat)
Campers at Silver Bar, Silver Bell & Silver Queen Campgrounds
Holders with Special Use Permits issued by the Forest Service
Overnight Backpackers
Horse trailers

* A $.50 Forest Service recreation fee is part of the $6.00 adult and $4.00 senior RFTA bus fee. The $.50 fee goes towards repairs, maintenance, improvements, and education.