Quick Tips
- Thunderstorms can be dangerous above timberline
- Spotting scopes are recommended
- Use rangefinders for exact distances
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area draws thousands of mountaineers and hikers each year. 14,000 foot Maroon Bells can provide a challenging hunt.
The steepness and ruggedness of the terrain in this unit can be extremely challenging. Horses are recommended to get enough gear into sheep country. Beware of afternoon thunderstorms above 11,500' in elevation.
Terrain
Six peaks rise above 14,000 feet with the center portion made up of Maroon Bells. Steep rocky and rugged ridges with vast open areas lie above the treeline that gives way to long glacial valleys holding alpine lakes. Many mountain passes over 12,000 feet separate drainages like Snowmass and Maroon Creek or Conundrum and East Maroon Creek. Trails gain altitude very quickly as they ascend rugged slopes. Alpine basins are found beneath 14,000 foot and 13,000 foot peaks.
Roughly 257 square miles
74.8% public land
Elevations from 6,899-14,265 feet
Vegetation
Cottonwood and willows line creek bottoms with groves of aspen, oak brush and mountain mahogany on ridges. Thick forests of spruce, fir, lodgepole pine and open grassy parks stand on steep mountain slopes. Bristlecone pine stand against the wind near timberline and give way to open alpine tundra covered with an array of wildflowers and grasses. Barren ground willows, lichens and moss covered rocks can be found near seeps.
Access
The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area is 181,535 acres and can be accessed by foot or horseback travel only. This wilderness is located within the Elk Mountains and spans portions of the White River and Gunnison National Forests. Over 175 miles of trails lead over nine passes. Some county roads leading to trailheads that take you deep into the backcountry are Castle Creek, Maroon Creek Road, Richmond Hill Road, Pearl Pass Road, Taylor Pass Road, National Forest Roads 742 and 738 and Snowmass Creek Road.
Hiking trails can be found online
Camping and Lodging
Along Maroon Creek Silver Queen, Silver Bell and Silver Bar offer a total of 24 improved campground sites. Iconic Aspen and the down valley community of Basalt offer many choices of motels, hotels and bed and breakfast accommodations. Cafés, restaurants and coffee houses can be found in these communities as well. Sardy Field is capable of handling most private and small commercial jets.
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