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EAST MAROON PORTAL PICNIC SITE

Aspen, Colorado · USDA Forest Service

EAST MAROON PORTAL PICNIC SITE — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

East Maroon Portal Picnic Site is situated next to Maroon Creek, offering spectacular views of towering red stone cliffs, lush wetlands and evergreen forests. The area is an excellent gathering spot for families, group gatherings and parties. The picnic area is available for use by the general public, but can be reserved for private events. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions.The nearby town of Aspen is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town.Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River national Forest is one of the top recreation Forests in the nation. For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the East Maroon Portal, the Maroon Creek Trail winds through aspen groves and across boulder fields. After about a mile the East Maroon Trail branches off the Maroon Creek Trail and enters the wilderness. Climbing to alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in early summer. Check specific regulations for camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area.For facility specific information, please call (970) 945-2521.This picnic area is available for use by the general public, but can be reserved for private events for a fee. The picnic site can be reserved for the morning, afternoon, or both. This is the only site available in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area for wedding receptions. The picnic area has three large picnic tables and can accommodate up to 70 people. Individuals who reserve this picnic site are issued five vehicle passes which allow travel in a motorized vehicle to this site. Parties reserving both the amphitheatre and picnic site for the same event will only be issued five vehicle passes total. Parking is severely limited at the Bells and public access is our first priority. We recommend renting one or more high occupany vehicles that hold 12 or more guests. For all others not accomdated by the 5 vehicle passes, they will have to make a reservation to ride the shuttle. Because vehicle traffic is restricted on Maroon Creek Road from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. past the Maroon Bells Welcome Station, anyone not accomdated by the 5 vehicle passes will have to make a reservation to ride the shuttle

Directions

From Independence Pass, take Highway 82 west from downtown Aspen for a mile to the roundabout. Take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station; East Maroon Portal is 2 miles past the Welcome Station on the left. From Glenwood Springs, take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout. Take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station; East Maroon Portal is 2 miles past the Welcome Station on the left.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Colorado
City / area
Aspen
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
White River National Forest
Campsites
2
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$75 / day
Rating
3.86 / 5 (7 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
See Recreation.gov

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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