A practical day trip from Hotel Jerome: Maroon Bells
From Hotel Jerome, Maroon Bells is about a 10-mile drive (roughly 20 minutes) up Maroon Creek Road. In summer you must use the seasonal Maroon Bells shuttle from Aspen Highlands between about 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM; in winter the road is closed to vehicles and access is by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile.
In this guide
Overview: Maroon Bells day trip from Hotel Jerome
Maroon Bells are roughly 10 miles from Hotel Jerome at 330 E Main Street in downtown Aspen. The drive along Maroon Creek Road takes about 20 minutes under normal conditions.
Access rules change by season: a shuttle system operates in summer (shuttle boarding is at Aspen Highlands) while the road is closed to vehicles in winter, when visitors travel by non-motorized or motorized winter methods such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.
- Distance: about 10 miles from Hotel Jerome
- Typical drive time: about 20 minutes
- Summer: seasonal shuttle required during daytime hours
- Winter: Maroon Creek Road closed to private vehicles
| Season | Access |
|---|---|
| Summer (approx. early June–late Oct.) | Maroon Bells shuttle from Aspen Highlands (8am–5pm) |
| Winter | Road closed to vehicles; access by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile |
| Shoulder seasons | Check local guidance — shuttle/vehicle rules can vary |
How to get there from Hotel Jerome
You can reach the Maroon Bells by driving Maroon Creek Road; the hotel is well positioned in downtown Aspen for a short drive. Hotel Jerome can assist with arranging transport or advising on shuttle timing through concierge.
If you prefer not to drive, ask the concierge about seasonal shuttle details or private transfers. In winter the hotel can arrange snowmobiling to Maroon Bells when the road is closed to vehicles.
- Self-drive: Maroon Creek Road (about 20 minutes)
- Seasonal shuttle: boards at Aspen Highlands (summer daytime hours)
- Hotel-arranged options: ask Hotel Jerome concierge for private transfers or winter snowmobiling
| Option | When to use |
|---|---|
| Self-drive | When shuttle restrictions do not apply or outside shuttle hours |
| Shuttle | Summer (shuttle hours usually 8am–5pm) |
| Snowmobile/Cross-country | Winter when Maroon Creek Road is closed to cars |
Timing and practical tips
If you go during summer, aim to arrive early or take the shuttle early in the day; shuttle rules restrict private vehicles during core daytime hours. Check current shuttle hours and reservation requirements before you plan the trip.
In winter, be prepared for cold conditions and longer travel times on snow routes; the hotel can advise on appropriate gear and arrange winter transport options.
- Confirm shuttle schedules and reservation requirements in advance
- Allow extra time for traffic or shuttle queues on peak days
- Bring sun protection, water, and layers at all times — mountain weather changes quickly
| Season | Timing advice |
|---|---|
| Summer | Use shuttle during 8am–5pm window; arrive early to avoid crowds |
| Winter | Arrange snowmobile or ski access; expect slower travel |
| Shoulder season | Check updated local guidance before departing |
What to do at Maroon Bells
At Maroon Bells visitors commonly enjoy short lakeside walks, photography of the peaks and reflections, and longer hikes into the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness. Trails range from easy loops to strenuous alpine routes.
The area is managed for conservation and visitor safety; follow posted rules, stay on trails, and carry out any trash.
- Scenic viewpoints and lakeside walks (easy)
- Day hikes into wilderness (moderate to strenuous)
- Photography and wildlife viewing — maintain distance from animals
- Pack water and snacks; services at the site are limited
| Activity | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Lakeside walk and photos | All skill levels |
| Short hikes (1–3 hours) | Beginner to intermediate |
| Backcountry hikes | Experienced hikers with planning |
Returning to Hotel Jerome and après time
After a day at Maroon Bells you’ll be back in downtown Aspen in about 20 minutes by car. Hotel Jerome offers on-site dining and lounges where you can relax: Prospect for dinner service, The Living Room for cocktails and small bites, J-Bar for a casual meal, and Felix Roasting Co. if you want coffee.
If you need to freshen up after outdoor activity, book a treatment at Yarrow, an Auberge Spa, or use the 24-hour fitness center and heated outdoor courtyard pool and hot tub (pool is designated adults-only).
- Dinner options at Hotel Jerome: Prospect, J-Bar, The Living Room, Bad Harriet (speakeasy requires reservations and hours vary)
- Spa: Yarrow, an Auberge Spa — spa hours per hotel FAQ and may vary seasonally
- Pool: heated outdoor courtyard pool and hot tub (pool is designated for adult guests)
| Hotel Facility | Use after Maroon Bells |
|---|---|
| Prospect | Dinner (serves dinner 5:00–9:00 PM) |
| Yarrow Spa | Book treatments through concierge; arrive early for foot soak |
| Heated courtyard pool | Relax in pool and hot tub (adults-only per hotel info) |
Practical notes for Hotel Jerome guests
Hotel Jerome can help with logistics: concierge can advise shuttle details, book transfers, and arrange winter snowmobiling to Maroon Bells. For airport transfers, the hotel offers shuttle service — contact the hotel for arrangements.
Remember Hotel Jerome policies when planning: check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is before 11:00 AM Mountain Standard Time; the property welcomes children of all ages and is pet-friendly with fees and extras for dogs.
- Concierge can advise shuttle and private transfer options
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; check-out: before 11:00 AM MST
- Hotel phone (BookResorts agents, 24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
| Policy | Detail |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; check-out before 11:00 AM MST |
| Children | Children of all ages welcome |
| Pets | Dogs allowed for an additional fee; ask concierge for details |
