UPDATE: Current Photo Maroon Bells on 9/15

I'm heading to Aspen this weekend to shoot the Bells. I know it's probably early, but the last time I waited for the 3rd weekend in September it was slightly past prime, so I figurde I'd try the 2nd weekend. Anyway, in looking for Current Conditions, I found that the Forest Service Website for the Bells has current picture (as of yesterday) of the conditions that I thought I would share the link for, as I assume they'll continue to update the picture.

Maroon Bells. The picture is at the bottom of the page.


EDIT: As Craig pointed out below, the picture has now been updated today, 9/15 (thanks Craig). Although not prime, there's been a world of progress this week. And with snow in the forecast, I'm excited now for my trip. Hope to see some of you there this weekend. I'm the kind of chunky guy with a petite wife and a reddish brown dog.

Wow, the USFS gets a clue! Great find, Brian.

Is this updated daily? weekly? or did it just happen to be updated yesterday.

A few days ago I was passing through Glenwood Canyon and a local radio station made an announcement about significant road closures around the Bells; presumably to manage huge numbers of visitors.

I don't recall the specifics, but essentially the road will be closed to vehicle traffic on weekends for quite some time.

Sorry that I don't have more info, but if you're heading up there it may be worth finding out more...

Thanks for posting that Nat.

I wonder if this applies to the early morning/pre-dawn photographer croud as well? If that is the case one may want to get up there Friday night and car camp, etc... to catch the sunrise.

If there is a way in you know we will find it! I can't imagine missing sunrise waiting for a bus.

Does anyone know about general night restrictions at the Bells such as closing the road after a certain hour or policing of the parking lots?

With all my kids I always have a carseat (now three) in the car, and in years past they've always let me right through when everyone else has to ride the bus.

If anyone finds some "official" info please post it here.... thanks!

The USFS photo posted yesterday makes it look like the Bells have a ways to go before colors peak.

Of course things could change over night. It would be great if the image was updated daily or even every couple of days.

I was at the Bells this past weekend. I got up there after dark on Friday night and, as expected, all the campsites along Maroon Creek Road were full. I slept in the back of my Land Cruiser in the overnight hikers parking lot and no one hassled me (I wouldn't try this in the main lot though). I didn't see anything posted regarding additional restrictions on private vehicles going into effect. As far as I know it's wide open from 7pm to 9am. Check out the Access pdf on the page Brian linked to for the official regulations.
I had planned to hike to the pass but turned around about a mile after Crater Lake because of the heavy rain. There was alot of color in the area. Certainly not peak but plenty to keep my interest. This weekend should be even better. I put up a couple pictures here to give you an idea of the conditions. (they are really soft, I think this lens was damaged on my recent trip to Alaska) I went over Independence Pass and through Leadville on my way back to Denver and there was enough color everywhere to get me excited about the next couple weeks.
Apologies for the long post but hopefully this helps a few of you.

For access restrictions please see the "Access" link in the page posted by Brian at the top of this thread. Basically, 7-9am no restrictions but if the ticket booth is open you have a $10 fee per car.

Craig

Hi, I'm planning on being there the 27th Hopefully camping in one of the campgrounds. If I'm not mistaken, that allows me driving access? Also, would that date be too late? Thanks for any and all help!!

Thanks for the links and info, especially the images! Keep 'em coming!

Just a little experience to pass along to my fellow photogs. About 5 years ago, I headed for the Bells to shoot the colors, got in late, and just slept in the back of my truck in the main, big lot. Well, about midnight, a ranger came around tapping on windows with his flashlight, rousting folks out. I think there were at least 5 of us . The funny part is that two trucks down I heard my friend KC's voice. We didn't know that either was going to be there. We got lucky, and found an open spot in one of the campgrounds down the road and shared it for the night.

I've heard this same story a few times from other photogs and hikers, but its been a while. So, beware! Anyone else have a similar experience?

Thanks Jason, I appreciate your help. I don't mind paying, I just dont want to waste time walking to each photo site. As far as you "knowing what each tree in the state will look like on each day", where are you going on the 27th? I cant get there any sooner for I'm leaving Boston the 23rd via motorcycle and don't expect to get to my place in Estes till the 26th. Also, am I safe to assume that the Bells are a morning shoot? Thanks again for your help!

Mike-
Kebler Pass and yes. Ride safe and enjoy your time out here.

Sorry I didn't include their FedEx account information. I hope that's okay.

You're a real comedian.

Another Bells update. Here is an image posted over on SummitPost.org, taken from the summit of North Maroon Peak., yesterday, Sept 12th. Click on the image for a larger version. Kinda cool to see the over all view.

Brent, that is too cool for school!

The link at the top of this thread has just been updated with a new image taken today (9/15). Looks like there's a ways to go yet.

Craig

Thanks Craig! Looks much better. It's got me excited for this weekend, especially with the snow in the forecast!

FWIW, I also called the Aspen Ranger District, and they said that Castle Creek Road is at prime right now, and that the rest of the area is near prime, and likely to be at prime early next week. Things are apparently changing fast.