Maroon Bells CRMP

Maroon Bells Comprehensive Recreation Management Plan Overview

Visitation to the MBSA has increased steadily over the past 10 years, and the need to sustainably monitor and manage visitors recreating in the MBSA is critical. Increased visitation without sustainable management can degrade natural resources, health and safety, and the overall visitor experience.

Pitkin County, the City of Aspen, the White River National Forest, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Aspen Skiing Company, and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association are developing a comprehensive plan to sustainably provide for and manage recreation at the iconic Maroon Bells Scenic Area (MBSA). The Maroon Bells Comprehensive Recreation Management Plan (CRMP) aims to provide a framework to sustainably manage recreational access to, and activities within, the Maroon Creek Valley. This plan will identify goals and recommendations to improve sustainable access to and recreation in the Scenic Area while accounting for local economic and other community impacts. All modes of transportation and types of recreation activities will be considered as part of this planning process.

The study area for this effort includes Maroon Creek Road from the Highway 82 roundabout to the MBSA, which includes the scenic loop, East Portal, the campgrounds, and access up to Crater Lake.

Planning Approach

Through a collaborative process with key partners and stakeholders, the CRMP identifies, projects, and addresses visitation impacts by defining and recommending improvements in sustainable access to and recreation in the MBSA. The development of the Maroon Bells CRMP is informed by input received from four main groups:

CRMP Steering Group (core agencies)
CRMP Advisory Group (relevant stakeholders)
Locally Elected Officials
General Public

The plan is composed of four main sections: Introduction, Existing Conditions and Current Trends, Recommendations, and Next Steps. The goals and recommendations in the plan will be framed within five focus areas: Conservation and Preservation, Experience, Access, Activities, and Management.

The plan is expected to be complete by September 2023.

How You Can Stay Involved

Public Meetings
The involvement of stakeholders and the public throughout this effort is critical to ensuring that the project team considers and addresses all interests, ideas, and concerns. We invite you to share feedback and ideas by participating in future Maroon Bells public meetings.

Final Public Meetings:

The public is invited to participate in a public meeting on Tuesday, August 8th in Aspen from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Members of the project team, including Pitkin County, The City of Aspen, the White River National Forest, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Aspen Skiing Company, the Aspen Chamber Resort Associate, and the U.S. Department of Transportation will present on the final Maroon Bells CRMP, including a discussion on the identified recommendations and next steps.

The public is invited to stop by anytime between 5:00 and 6:30 PM on August 8th at the Pitkin County Building at 530 E. Main Street in Aspen.

The project team will also host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, August 15th from 5 to 6:30 PM. Members of the public that are unable to participate in person on August 8th are encouraged to join the virtual meeting for a presentation and discussion on the final plan. If you are interested in attending the virtual meeting on August 15th, please contact Hoamy.tran@dot.gov for the Zoom meeting link.