Overview

Silver Bar Campground is located 5 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado on the banks of Maroon Creek. This primitive, tent-only camp features walk-to sites, and is ideal for guests seeking a more secluded camping experience.

The campground sits at an elevation of 8,460 feet, allowing guests to experience warm summer days and cool evenings with probable afternoon thunderstorms. Snow is also possible in the summer.

Natural Features:

Located in White River National Forest, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is among the 5 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 to the Rockies in that they are made up of metamorphic sedimentary mudstone that give the peaks their maroon color and unstable nature for climbing.

Recreation:

For hikers and backpackers, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail epitomizes the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Starting from the Snowmass Creek Trailhead, the trail winds through aspen groves, crosses streams, and switchbacks through forests. Climbing to alpine terrain, backpackers will find high mountain lakes and a smattering of wildflowers in early summer.

Designated camping sites are located at Crater Lake or Maroon Lake about 6 miles from the trailhead. Check regulations for camping in Colorado wilderness areas.

Anglers can fish in Maroon Creek, which is adjacent to the campground. Rafting is also possible.

Facilities:

Silver Bar Campground has 4 walk-to, tent-only, primitive campsites. Sites are eqipped with picnic tables, vault toilets, campfire rings, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available.

Public transportation is available on Maroon Creek Road in front of the campground for travel to and from Maroon Lake. Operating hours for the shuttle bus are 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for a fee of $6.00 per adult, and $3.00 per child/senior.

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 opportunites in this mountain town.