Maroon Bells
| Maroon Bells (South Summit) | ||
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 Maroon Bells |
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| height | 4315 m | |
| location | Colorado , USA | |
| Mountains | Elk Mountains , Rocky Mountains | |
| Coordinates | 39 ° 4 ′ 15 ″ N , 106 ° 59 ′ 19 ″ W | |
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| First ascent | circa 1890 by C. Wilson | |
The Maroon Bells ("maroon bells") are a mountain formation in the Elk Mountains , about 16 km southwest of Aspen in the US state of Colorado . The two mountain peaks (South) Maroon Peak (4,315 m) and North Maroon Peak (4,270 m) are about 500 meters apart. Both peaks are classed as Fourteeners as they are each over 14,000 feet high. However, the lower North Maroon Peak is not listed as a Fourteener in all lists because the peaks are relatively close together.
The view of the Maroon Bells from the Maroon Creek valley is believed to be the most photographed location in Colorado.
The ascent is only recommended for experienced mountaineers. The US Forest Service even warns on signs that these are the Deadly Bells , whose unstable rock "kills without warning". The deadly attribute was given to the mountains in 1965 , a year in which eight climbers died in five different mountain accidents. Unlike most other mountains in the Rocky Mountains, the Maroon Bells are not made of granite or limestone , but of claystone , i.e. comparatively unstable sedimentary rock made of mud or clay that is millions of years old. Almost all ascent routes are therefore at risk of falling rocks. The maroon bells also owe their characteristic coloration and thus their name to this maroon mudstone.
Web links
- Maroon Bells on Distantpeak.com (English)