West of Aspen sits the Maroon Bells inside the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Increasing population estimated at 290 mountain goats. Both residents and nonresidents can apply for a limited either-sex rifle license. An additional rifle season has been added in 2017, which will have both resident and non-resident permits.

Be aware of recreational hikers while on the mountain. 9” Billys and 8” nannies have been harvested here in the last two years. The main challenge for most hunters will not be seeing trophies, but getting close enough for a shot.

Pyramid Peak, Maroon and North Maroon Peak, Snowmass Mountain, Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak are all part of the Elk Mountains. Several alpine basins are above 12,000 feet like Conundrum Basin and Fravert Basin. Long glacial valleys bring snowmelt down to the Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers.

River valleys have irrigated pasture and hay fields ringed by sagebrush, oak brush, cottonwoods and willows. Foothills are covered with aspen and ponderosa pine along with oak brush and mountain mahogany. Large stands of pine, fir spruce, aspen and open parks line the mountain slopes. Alpine lakes are surrounded by ground willow, wildflowers, moss and lichens.

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area take up over 180,000 acres within White River National Forest. Over 175 miles of trail lead over nine passes above 12,000 feet. Several county and Forest Service roads connect with Colorado Route 133 and 82. Noted here are just a few: Castle Creek Road, Conundrum Creek Road, Maroon Creek Road, Forest Service 317 as well as 859 and County Road 317.

White River National Forest provides improved and dispersed campground including Peal Pass Dispersed, Gothic and Bogan Flats, Silver Queen, Silver Bell and Silver Bar along Maroon Creek. Mountain communities of Basalt, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Crested Butte provide motels, cafes and restaurants, medical care, gas and diesel. Iconic Aspen offers a variety of hotels, condos, bed and breakfast, cafes and restaurants, as well as a regional hospital and airport.

White River National Forest provides improved and dispersed campground including Peal Pass Dispersed, Gothic and Bogan Flats, Silver Queen, Silver Bell and Silver Bar along Maroon Creek. Mountain communities of Basalt, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale and Crested Butte provide motels, cafes and restaurants, medical care, gas and diesel. Iconic Aspen offers a variety of hotels, condos, bed and breakfast, cafes and restaurants, as well as a regional hospital and airport.