Getting from Snowmass to Maroon Bells shuttle

Question

On the button at 8am today but unable to get parking slot at Marooon Bells for Thursday 19th June but managed to get places on shuttle for 9am. It seems it takes a 3 bus rides from Snowmass where we are staying to get to Aspen Highlands. Do you think there will still be parking places at Aspen Highlands left at 8.30am or are there parking places involving less bus rides we could use to get to Aspen Highlands?

Appreciate you advice.

Answer

Getting to Maroon Bells from Snowmass can indeed be tricky if you are relying on parking at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. By mid-June, parking fills very quickly, often before 8am, which is why most visitors need to rely on the shuttle system. Since you were unable to secure a parking slot at Maroon Bells but have a 9am shuttle, that is still a good option, though it will involve multiple connections from Snowmass to Aspen Highlands.

Regarding your question about parking at Aspen Highlands at 8:30am: it is possible there may still be some spots available, but during peak summer season in June, parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekdays close to mid-June when visitation is high. There is no guaranteed availability, so arriving early is key. The parking lot is moderately sized and fills rapidly, so while you might find a spot if you arrive very early, it’s risky to plan around it without a confirmed reservation.

Alternative options to reduce bus transfers:

Drive or get a ride to the base of Aspen Highlands directly and park there early. This would bypass some bus rides, but still may require you to take the local bus or walk a short distance if the lot is full.
Park in Aspen at designated shuttle lots such as the Brush Creek or Aspen Mall shuttle lot. These lots often have more capacity and offer direct shuttle service to Aspen Highlands and the Maroon Bells area.
Consider taking the RFTA public bus from Snowmass to downtown Aspen and then connecting to the Maroon Bells shuttle at the base of Aspen Highlands. This can simplify your transfers compared to multiple local Snowmass shuttles.

In summary, while arriving early at Aspen Highlands might work, it is not guaranteed and can be stressful. Using the shuttle system you’ve booked for 9am remains the most reliable option, especially with kids or limited time. If you want fewer transfers, focusing on a single shuttle connection from a larger lot in Aspen is likely the best compromise.