Need Suggestions on Lodging to Visit and Photograph Maroon Bells

Thinking of heading out in late Sept. I really do not want to stay in Aspen as the prices for dives seem ridiculous.

Short of camping, is there any locations anyone can suggest that is within a short drive to the Lake as I intend on being with the whole throng of photographers for a sunrise shoot?

Thanks

Michael

I usually car camp when I'm in that area for fall color, but I do know there are several hotels in Carbondale, Basalt and Snowmass Village that aren't necessarily luxurious but are a fraction of the price of the ones in Aspen and are within easy driving distance to Maroon Lake. If you're willing to get up a little earlier in the morning Glenwood Springs may be an option as well. Search those towns on Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. and you'll see more options than just looking at Aspen alone.

I've stayed in Carbondale and photographed the bells at 1st light. It's an early up in the morning. A motel in Glenwood Springs would put another 15 min on your drive time, but the hot pools are nice after a hard day in the mountains

Basalt is a cool little town and I have stayed there a couple of times. While there take the drive along the Frying Pan River. Great place to photograph trout fishermen. Also, have stayed in Carbondale....expect to pay at least $100 per night ( unless anyone else knows cheaper) but, still would be less that Aspen.
Joe Rogers

I have been leaning to Carbondale; hard to find locations in Basalt though. Everytime you enter the location in those travel sites, it gives me lodges in Carbondale or Aspen or Snowmass.

Any suggestions for a sunset location along the I70 route? I'm driving in from DIA so I should get into that area mid to late afternoon

thanks again

It is the Best Western in Basalt.
Joe Rogers

The Pokolodi Lodge in Snowmass usually has reasonable rates and is relatively close to the Bells.

I recently stayed at "The Inn at Aspen". The room rates were very reasonable. I paid just over $100 / night although they said they were running a special at the time. I'm not sure what the regular rates are. The rooms were not luxurious but were clean and well kept. The best part is that it was about 10-15 minutes from Maroon Lake.

I agree about trying Snowmass Village. It usually has Inns that run off season specials and it's not that far to the Bells from there.

I've stayed in one of the economy rooms at the Mountain Chalet http://www.mountainchaletaspen.com/ in Aspen. I thought the room was fine. The free underground parking was nice but was a little challenging with a large vehicle.