8/8/2019 Maroon Bells
2/11
The Maroon Bells were named that by the Hayden Survey team
because
of the color of the rock and the symmetrical shapes that looked
like
bells. The Colorado Wilderness website says, Nothing but
superlatives
roll off the tongue when contemplating the Maroon Bells -
SnowmassWilderness: the beautiful symmetry of the Maroon Bells,
trails leading
over nine passes above 12,000 feet in elevation, the delectable
hot
springs of Conundrum Creek, and shimmering alpine lakes nestled
at
the feet of jagged peaks, six of which crest over 14,000 feet.
The twin
peaks of Maroon Bells are perhaps Colorado's most recognizable
scene,
and the surrounding wilderness is one of the most popular, both
for
good reason. When it comes to sheer mountain splendor, few
areascompare with the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells - Snowmass
Wilderness.
The Bells do have a dark side though and their nickname of
Deadly
Bells is descriptive. Unlike most mountains in the Rockies which
are
made up of granite or limestone, the Bells are made up of
mudstone,
sediment that has hardened into stone. However, the mudstone is
not
strong or stable and a handhold or foothold may give way at any
time.
Also, as happened in August this year, a rock dislodged by
those
climbing above you can fall and hit you in the head with no
warning
with a fatal blow. Many people over the years have fallen to
their
deaths attempting to summit these peaks. Yet, thousands have
done it
as part of a popular Colorado pastime of attempting to climb all
54
Colorado Peaks of 14,000 feet or higher elevation.
The scenic beauty of the mountains from the valley of North
Maroon
creek and Maroon Lake created by a natural dam due to rock falls
over
the ages is very popular. So much so that since 1978, you have
to take
a bus to the lake area because the traffic jams became
unmanageable.
