East Maroon Portal Picnic Site in CO -- Campground & RV Camping
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site in CO
CampgroundUSFS
6.1 mi from Aspen
Official campground & reservations ↗
Road Access
- Road difficulty 1 of 5: an easy drive in.
- By its Census road type this is maintained for passenger cars, but the condition is unverified.
- Recorded as paved, pitching to 6%, 10% of it on a shelf.
Rig fit
- 2 pull-through sites.
Setting
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site is a day-use venue alongside Maroon Creek in the White River National Forest, set against towering red stone mudstone cliffs, wetlands, and evergreen forests. Surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, this location is the sole site in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area available for private events like wedding receptions. Facilities include three large picnic tables accommodating up to 70 people, vault toilets, a bear-proof food locker, and trash receptacles. Hikers can access the Maroon Creek Trail and East Maroon Trail directly from the site.
Getting there: From Independence Pass, take Highway 82 west from downtown Aspen for a mile to the roundabout. Take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station; East Maroon Portal is 2 miles past the Welcome Station on the left. From Glenwood Springs, take Highway 82 for 40 miles to the roundabout. Take Maroon Creek Road 4.7 miles to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station; East Maroon Portal is 2 miles past the Welcome Station on the left.
- Moderately separated here.
- Highland Peak stands 3,607 ft above the map pin, 1.5 miles east.
Climate averages
October normals 31–55°F, 2.9″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Starlink Radar
Open sky · Terrain & buildings · Tree canopy
Estimated horizon in eight compass directions, using 10 m USGS elevation. Sky clearance 63 of 100.