Maroon Bells Basecamp — Attraction in Aspen

Expensive and very unfair to the customer

We(group of 4) traveling from out of state had prepaid reservation for shuttle service.

We reached there at 2 pm and we had reservation for 2:15 pm bus and it took us exactly 7 minutes to park the car and reach at the counter. According to the counter the said that we’re 2 minutes late and marked us late on the ticket. The bus was still standing there but they accommodated different people who purchased the ticket from counter. We were fine with that as they told we will accommodate you in the next bus

1st strike - We’re not accommodated to the next bus as well and they said since you’re late we’re making you curtsy that we are trying to put you on bus but if you are not able to find availably it’s your problem and we ll process you the refund.

2nd - In 2:45 bus they had 3 extra space and they randomly accommodated people who were late for 2:30 pm bus and standing behind us in queue. They were also sending people who purchased tickets on counter for 2:45 pm bus.

3rd - finally we took the bus but we had to split in 3:1 ratio as the buses were pack.

Very unfair and they don’t guarantee the spot regardless if you purchase in advance or not. Attached proof of 2:00...

Confusing Parking Signage — Needs Better Instructions

I recently parked at the Maroon Bells parking lot and got a ticket because of a confusing sign that says “MUST PAY FOR PARKING UPON ARRIVAL.” Like many visitors, I parked and immediately boarded the bus to Maroon Bells, assuming I’d pay when I arrived back from the bus ride. Instead, I got a ticket for not paying immediately after parking — which the sign does not clearly say.

When I tried to explain this honest mistake to the parking staff, they were not only unhelpful but also unnecessarily rude, saying “This is how people game the parking.” That’s an unprofessional way to talk to visitors who simply misunderstood unclear instructions.

I eventually got the ticket reduced to the day rate, but the whole experience left a bad taste.

This could easily be fixed with clearer signage like: • “PAY IMMEDIATELY AFTER PARKING” • “PAY BEFORE BOARDING SHUTTLE” • “PAY AND PARK”

Aspen is beautiful, but visitors shouldn’t have to deal with unclear rules and rude comments. I hope the management updates the sign and trains staff to handle misunderstandings more politely.

✅ Tip for visitors: Pay as soon as you park, not...

I just got back from seeing beautiful Fall colors! This was my first time visiting Maroon Bells and I was very much excited. I bought the shuttle bus ticket and with it came the instructions which stated to arrived 45 mins early. I made sure i was there before my scheduled time which was 9:30am. I parked my car and headed to get my boarding pass. The guy at the front was very kind enough to offer me if I would like to go ahead and catch the early bus and I happily said yes. He explained that I had to stand on the Standby line. Lucky me I was able to catch 8am bus and had early start to my trip.

The space was less crowded in the morning which was a blessing. I got to take my picture, took some landscape shot and then I hiked to the crater lake.

My experience here was worth the early drive! I just wish they would decrease the price of parking to maybe $25...