Maroon Bells Traverse
Maroon's South Ridge - Class 3
Traverse to North Maroon - Class 5
North Maroon Descent - Class 4
Trailhead: Maroon Lake
Summits: Maroon Peak, North Maroon Peak
Distance: 15.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 5800ft
Time: 12 Hours
Partners: Kristi Henes, Robby Grace, Mike Poland
GPX
The images in this gallery are the "best of" from two outings on the Bells traverse.
Climbing Maroon's east slopes is easily the most strenous part of the day. Once at the top of the east slopes the route to the Maroon's summit is fun class 3 scrambling and route finding.
The traverse from Maroon to North Maroon consists of some exposed class 5 climbing. It is important to be patient with route finding and choose climbs that aren't overly difficult. When in doubt go left.
Descending North Maroon's class 4 Northeast Ridge is definitely one of the cruxes of the day... expecially if your aren't familiar with the route. Be sure you know your way off of the moutain. You may also consider carrying a rope for this section as the cliff band with the chimney can be slick and difficult to down climb. The last time we did this route there was a thin layer of snow and we were happy to have a rope.
The Elks are an awesome range and this is one of it's best summer routes.
15.5m - 5800ft - 12hrs
The Bells from Maroon Lake in late July
The Bells from Maroon Lake in early October
Robby almost to the top of Maroon's east slopes.
Looking north from the top of Maroon's east slopes to the summit. Capitol in the distance
Snowmass and Capitol
Kristi scrambling on the west side of Maroon's south ridge
Kristi and Robby making their way on the south ridge
Kristi about to summit Maroon Peak
Snowmass and Capitol in late July
Pyramid Peak in late July
Robby, Kristi and Alex with North Maroon
The traverse all laid out for us. North Maroon from Maroon
Robby exploring the down climb from Maroon
Alex down climbing Maroon
Alex down climbing Maroon
Krist and Robby navigate the traverse
Alex on a climb
Alex on a climb
Alex topping out on a climb. Maroon behind
Robby
Alex
Kristi
Alex
Robby
Robby
Kristi and Robby summitting North Maroon with Maroon behind
Snowmass and Captiol from the summit of North Maroon
North Maroon summit
Looking to Pyramid from North Maroon
Descending North Maroon
The chimney was slick with a light layer of snow. A great opportunity for Robby's first ever rappel !
Snowmass and Capitol over Sleeping Sexton
Descending North Maroon
Descending North Maroon
Robby
Descending North Maroon
Looking back to the North Face of North Maroon
The people are happy!
Alex on Maroon in the mid 1990s. This was my 3rd 14er! Dig the purple socks?!