Climbing Maroon Peak

Climbing Maroon Peak | Route Info, Map & Advice

Please Follow Leave No Trace Ethics!

This area is increasingly popular and experiencing heavy impacts from public use. Please stay on the designated trail, pack out trash, practice good trail etiquette, and leave pets at home. Click here to learn more.

The Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak) are the two most photographed mountains in Colorado. Known for their striking color shades and layered rock, they’re a tempting climb. However, the mudrock that gives the peaks their vivid colors and layers are also extremely loose and rotten, making these peaks very dangerous. Handholds routinely crumble underneath you, and rockslide risk is confirmed. Climbing Maroon Peak is the easier of the two, but it’s by no means easy, best saved for experienced mountaineers. Plan a visit with my Maroon Peak route guide below.

New to 14ers? Check Out my 14er Beginners Guide Here to Get Started!

Climbing Maroon Peak: Fast Facts

Climbing Maroon Peak - South Ridge Route

Remember Mountain Safety Best Practices!

14ers can be dangerous due to altitude sickness, lightning, variable weather conditions, loose rock, and exposure. If you are new to hiking and climbing 14ers, click here and take a minute to review our safety tips and advice.

Alex Derr, Creator of The Next Summit

Alex is an Eagle Scout, climber, and environmental policy expert located in Denver, Colorado. He created The Next Summit to help others stay safe exploring the mountains and advocate to preserve the peaks for the future. Follow him on Linkedin or Twitter or click here to contact him.

Enjoy this Post? Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Join 4,000+ other subscribers and receive mountain news updates, route guides, gear reviews, and other articles in our twice-monthly email newsletter.

Alex (1)
Welcome to The Next Summit!
Our mission is to advance mountain safety and Leave No Trace public education and advocacy. Visiting our site helps generate the ad revenue that funds our work and impact. Thank you for visiting!

RECENT POST

SEARCH FOR A TOPIC

SUPPORT LNT EDUCATION

Become a patron for $3/month to access exclusive content and support Leave No Trace and mountain safety education online.

The REI Anniversary Sale is here but not for long!

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Get 30-60% off REI hiking & camping gear!

Don't Miss My Next Free Webinar: How to Climb a Fourteener in the Autumn

September, October, and November are great months to hike and climb 14ers, with fewer people crowding the trails. However, the weather is more variable, and there’s a greater risk. In my next webinar, I’ll share everything you need to know to have a safe and successful ascent during the Fall. Save a seat today!

Screen Shot 2022-05-11 at 5.32.40 PM

Download My FREE Fourteener Trip Planner

It's a great tool for planning each of your 14er hikes and climbs. Get a copy as our free gift when you subscribe to our newsletter.