According to the US Forest Service, the mountains received their distinctive maroon color due to the erosion of hematite, an iron-bearing mineral, while Maroon Lake occupies a basin that was sculpted by Ice Age glaciers.
From Aspen, take the highway. 82 to the roundabout on the west edge of town, choose the Maroon Creek Road exit and continue approximately 4.7 miles until you reach a welcome station. If you are coming from Glenwood Springs, take the highway. 82 South toward Aspen to the roundabout.
