Maroon Bells

Twin peaks — Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak — rising above Maroon Lake near Aspen, Colorado, widely considered the most photographed mountains in North America. The dark reddish-maroon color of the Maroon Formation mudstones intensifies in early morning and evening light, reflecting in the lake surface. Access to Maroon Creek Road is controlled by a mandatory shuttle system from Aspen in summer, with a short season when private vehicles are permitted. Fall aspen color in the valley adds gold and amber to the scene.