Silver Bar Campground
White River National Forest
Silver Bar Campground is located approximately five miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on the banks of Maroon Creek. The campground is adjacent to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. This small, primitive, campground features four tent-only, walk-in sites with centralized vault toilets only a few yards away from each campsite. A single accessible campsite is located near the toilets and water source.
The campground sits at an elevation of 8,460 feet, allowing guests to experience warm summer days and cool evenings with probable afternoon thunderstorms. Properly licensed anglers may fish in Maroon Creek, which runs along the eastern edge of the campground. Come prepared for changing weather conditions. Snow is possible even at the peak of summer.
Silver Bar Campground has four walk-in, tent-only sites. RVs and trailers are welcome at the standard sites. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, vault toilets, food storage lockers (bear boxes) and campfire rings. Drinking water and electrical hook-ups are not available.
Need to Know
- Maroon Bells Scenic Area campgrounds have a five day total stay limit.
Check out time is 11:00 a.m.
- Camping permitted in developed campgrounds and/or designated campsites only.
$10 car pass is required in addition to camping fee and will be collected as you enter the area. The car pass gives you unrestricted access to your campsite and the Maroon Bells.
- Welcome station is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Independence Pass (Highway 82) is normally open from Memorial Day through mid-October, weather dependent. If you are planning an event during these times, please call the Colorado Department of Transportation Hotline for road updates at (877) 315-7623.
- This area provides access to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area.
- Pets must be on a leash at all times while visiting Maroon Bells Scenic Area, and within designated Wilderness.
- Campsites are limited to 8 people and 2 tents that fit within the defined footprint of the campsite. You may not expand campsite into surrounding vegetation.
- All food, beverages, trash, and scented items must be properly stored when not attended. Bear-proof food lockers are provided at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles are provided at the campground.
- Horses are not allowed in Campgrounds.
- Camping overnight in wilderness areas requires registration (proper food storage is required in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in an approved bear cannister).
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- Click here for more information about White River National Forest.
Natural Features
The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This wilderness is one of the five original Colorado wilderness areas designated by the 1964 Wilderness Act. Its scenic value exudes from its aspen groves, meadows of wildflowers, and dark forests of spruce and fir that rise up from the valleys to alpine landscapes. Here, bighorn sheep, pika, and ptarmigan find habitat above timberline.
Towering over glacial valleys at over 14,000 feet in elevation, the Maroon Bells are the most recognizable peaks in the Elk Mountains. The Maroon Bells are unique in the Rockies in that they are made up of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that gives the peaks their maroon color and unstable nature for climbing.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby mountain resort 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 is a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this mountain town.
Recreation
For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Deadly Bells Trailhead at Maroon Lake, the West Maroon Trail gains elevation through aspen groves and evergreens, traverses boulder fields, crosses streams, and leads hikers through high-elevation (10,000+ feet) mountain passes. Climbing through alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in mid-summer. Check specific regulations for camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area.
For day hikers and horseback riders, nearby Maroon Creek Trail offers a less crowded alternative to viewing the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak and the entire Maroon valley. The gentle, flat terrain offers scenic stops that are great for picnicking.
Contact Information
Mailing
Aspen Sopris Ranger District PO Box 309 Carbondale CO 81623
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (970)963-2266
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Located approximately 5 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. From Highway 82, take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the west edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Welcome Station. Silver Bar Campground is on the left.
Available Campsites