Aspen – Maroon Bells Lake Latest Conditions 🍂🏔️

This week felt like peak foliage for me — though many leaves are still green, quite a few have already fallen. By next weekend, there probably won’t be much left to see. My trip to Aspen was pretty last-minute, so I didn’t plan much in advance. Luckily, I still got to see most of what I wanted, even though the lighting wasn’t ideal. 😅 If I come back to Aspen for fall colors again, here’s what I’ll do: 1️⃣ Book tickets early – Whether you’re driving or taking the shuttle, get your Maroon Bells tickets online in advance. 🎫 If tickets are sold out, don’t panic! Standby tickets are usually available day-of. During peak season, they often add extra shuttle trips. 2️⃣ Go in the morning – The lake is calmer, making it easier to capture reflections for those perfect shots. 📸 Afternoon light can be harsh and less ideal for photos. My photos here were taken around 4 PM — you can see some glare and less clarity. 3️⃣ Stick to classic trails – The Scenic Loop and Crater Lake trail are must-dos. If short on time, these are enough. I finished both in about 3.5 hours. Note: Crater Lake trail is rocky, and weather changes quickly — wear sturdy, non-slip shoes! 👟☔ 4️⃣ Shuttle Address & Tickets: 📍 Aspen Highlands, 75 Boomerang Rd, Aspen, CO 💵 Tickets available online: www.aspenchamber.org 5️⃣ Parking Tip: The shuttle center has parking, but it’s expensive: $8/hour, max $40/day. Better to park at a bus stop and take the FREE bus to the shuttle center. 🚗➡️🚌 Fall is fleeting — catch it while you can! 🍁✨ #Colorado #FallColors #Aspen #MaroonBells #LeafPeeping #TravelTips #AutumnVibes