Backpacking the Maroon Bells
Aspen, Colorado
We left for Aspen Thursday afternoon, hoping to reach our campsite before dark. The drive was amazing. The four of us really got to know each. We approached Aspen just as it was getting dark. The aspen trees were striking—the hills were covered in yellow, orange, and red. We found our campsite and got settled in for the evening. Together we pitched the tent, cooked dinner, and got everything organized. After soup and S’mores, we were ready for bed. It was a chilly night—a light dusting of snow covered the surrounding mountains.
We woke the next morning pretty rested and ready to hike. After breakfast around the campfire, we loaded up and drove to the Maroon Bells trailhead, a couple of miles down the road. The twin peaks that form the Maroon Bells were veiled in fog as we approached, but the view was still stunning. We started our hike at Maroon Lake (the pictures with a lake and the peaks are from the hike). We met a few people along the trail, but it was a quiet morning.
I think Maroon Bells was the most amazing place I’ve ever been in the world. The peaks were just rugged and majestic at once. The clouds came and went, offering ever-changing views of the landscape. The aspens—most of them still bright with leaves—added to the splendor. We hiked until the trail was mostly rocky and started to ascend at a pretty steep angle. I had an amazing time, and I think the others did as well. I can’t wait to go back!
~Megan Cullen
