Aspen - Maroon Bells

  I had just finished the scenic and upper scenic loop and came back to the base of Maroon Creek. Ranjan had left for Crater Lake, another beautiful hike that I chose not to undertake. While waiting for Ranjan to complete the loop, I adored the enormity of nature’s creations. I was utterly in awe, looking at the most photographed mountains in the US. Both are fourteeners (used for mountains with a height of 14,000 ft or more).

The scenic loop hike is the easiest and most beautiful one in the entire trip. The path was almost hidden amid beds of gorgeous wildflowers and the cascading maroon Creek. Our guide, a wonderful college student, gave us much helpful information. 

Crater Lake

The maroon color comes from mudstone, which is quite fragile. Once upon a time, the height of maroon bells was more than Himalaya! We saw a flower throughout our vacation, which we came to know as monument flower which blooms once in at least 20 years and dies after one-time bloom only. A single plant may have some 600 flowers and can grow quite tall. 

Monument plant bigger than me!

Maroon Creek 

 I loved the flow of the creek. We sat down under the footbridge to enjoy the soothing falling of clear water. As we finished the loop, we had a lovely picnic at the base while watching the trouts beneath the water and the geese taking dips to cool off. The Emerald green water created quite an ambiance when the sun was right above our head.

The park had a regular stream of visitors. The shuttle came every 15-20 minutes (the park doesn't allow cars, one has to book in advance and be on time so that you don't miss your much deserving trip!)

With this visit, we concluded our stay at Aspen and prepared ourselves for the subsequent two beautiful train journeys; I will be writing in another post.