A Wish Come True: An Unforgettable Evening at the Maroon Bells

VR Getaway to Maroon Lake for VRHeadsets

There are some places you see in pictures that grab hold of your heart and don't let go. For me, that was Maroon Lake. I put it on my wish list two years ago, but getting there felt like a star-crossed journey. My first attempt was thwarted by sold-out passes and terrible smoke from forest fires. This year, I had a morning bus ticket, but my heart was set on seeing it in the evening. This is the story of taking a chance, a little bit of begging, and being rewarded with one of the most beautiful evenings of my life, complete with glassy reflections and a visit from a furry friend.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: If you arrive without an evening pass, don't give up! Drive to the gate, be incredibly kind, and just ask. The worst they can say is no, but I gave it a try with some puppy dog eyes and was lucky enough to be let in. Sometimes a little polite begging can lead to magic!

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO THE MAROON BELLS

I was so excited to finally capture this iconic location. The reflections were so pretty, and the evening light was just magical. Put on your VR headset and transport yourself to the shores of this magnificent lake. Experience the peace, the grandeur of the peaks, and maybe even spot a fox!

"The guy at the gate was at first hesitant, but I gave him puppy dog eyes and begged a little, and I got luck and was let in... I was just tickled with how lovely it was."

Adventure at a Glance

🏞️ Location: Maroon Bells Scenic Area, White River National Forest, Colorado
🚶‍♀️ Activity: Sightseeing, Hiking, Photography
⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
☀️ Best For: Iconic mountain reflections, wildlife spotting, incredible scenery.
⏳ Best Time: Sunrise for calm water, or late evening after the crowds have gone.
🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The view from the main lake shore, the Scenic Loop Trail, and any local wildlife.

My Maroon Bells Story

My quest to see Maroon Lake was full of twists. My original trip was cancelled due to wildfires, and this time, the reservation system seemed completely booked for the evening slot I wanted. I arrived in the area the night before my morning bus ticket, and on a whim, I just decided to drive up to the entrance gate. I figured I had nothing to lose. I explained my situation to the ranger, gave him my best puppy dog eyes, and asked if there was any chance at all. He was hesitant, but my persistence paid off, and he let me in!

I was absolutely tickled. The evening light was beautiful, and the famous reflections of the peaks in the lake were just as stunning as I'd hoped. The best part was that the evening crowds were thin, giving the whole place a peaceful, magical feeling. As I was filming, a wild fox trotted right past me, completely unbothered. Capturing that moment felt like such a gift. It was a perfect evening that almost didn't happen, and it reminded me that sometimes, you just have to show up and ask for what you want.

Your Maroon Bells Guide

♦️ Reservations are Required: Access to Maroon Bells is strictly controlled. You MUST have a reservation for parking or for the shuttle bus. Book these well in advance, as they sell out quickly.
♦️ Shuttle vs. Parking: During the main season, access during the day is typically by shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands. Parking reservations are very limited and usually for off-peak hours.
♦️ Google Map List: I've created a Google Map list with key spots for a Maroon Lake vacation to help with your planning. You can find it here: Google Map List for Maroon Lake
♦️ Respect the Wildlife: It's an incredible place for wildlife. I saw a fox, and moose are very common. Always keep a safe and respectful distance. Never feed the animals.

VR Video Treasure Hunt!

🔎 The Famous Reflection: Find my best shot of the iconic Maroon Bells peaks reflected perfectly in the calm lake.
🔎 A Foxy Friend: Can you spot the exact moment the wild fox casually walks right past my camera?
🔎 Evening Light: Notice how the light changes on the peaks as the sun gets lower. It's a truly magical time of day.
🔎 The Scenic Trail: Look for the views from the short scenic loop trail that goes around part of the lake.

Conclusion

It’s hard to explain how excited I was to finally make it to Maroon Lake, especially after it seemed like it wouldn't work out. This trip was a powerful lesson in perseverance and the little bit of magic that can happen when you're kind and persistent. The beauty of this place is truly world-class, and I'm so grateful I was able to capture it to share with you. I hope this immersive getaway brings you a sense of that same peace and awe I felt standing on the shore of that magnificent lake.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaways