Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permits are for remote areas that involve backpacking a significant distance from a trailhead and all development and roads. Wilderness permits should not be confused with campground reservations.

The best way to plan for your trip and to be ready to reserve a permit is to understand where you plan to camp each night of your trip. Use this Overnight Permit Zone Map to understand which zones in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness require a permit. If you (and your group) plan to camp in a permitted zone, you will need to reserve a spot in each zone for each night that you camp.

If you plan to start your trip at the Maroon Scenic Area, you will need to reserve a parking or bus reservation. You will receive a link in your confirmation email to reserve parking or bus transportation. There are a limited number of parking spaces available so you may need to reserve a bus ticket.

The best time to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July through September.

From early October to late June in the Rocky Mountains, campsites, trails and mountan passes are snow covered and trailheads may be inaccessible. Avalanche hazards exist in the mountains. Snow makes route finding difficult. If you’re not prepared to travel and camp in snow, plan your trip for summer.   

• Permits are limited to two permits, per person, per calendar year.
• Permits are available online up to the day of the trip, depending on availability.
• Maximum length of stay per permit is seven nights. 

Why Do I Need a Permit?  

We’re excited that you want to visit the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and thank you in advance for being a good steward. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness carries special legal designation to protect its natural, undeveloped and untrammeled qualities as well as to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation. 

The camping permit system, and the regulations, are in place to help protect this unique Wilderness treasure. Remember, you’ll need to bring a bear canister or Ursack. There are no toilets so now’s the time to brush up on backcountry bathroom etiquette. As a visitor to the area, it’s up to you to help protect this amazing place, and we know that you will!