Suggested trailhead for Maroon Bells?

Use the trailhead at Maroon Lake which is accessible by a good paved road from Aspen. Back in August there was some trouble with bears, so you may want to check with the rangers before heading out. Also, keep a close eye on the weather because this is the time of year when snowstorms begin to hit the high country.

Well paved and just come in direct from glenwood sp as Aspen can have some traffic – there's a traffic circle so stay on the right. There's some groceries at basalt (WF). The temp ranger at the kiosk had me wait until 5 pm to park but she may have not known the rules for backpackers. If arriving late, you will have to get past the entire west maroon drainage. Get there early…

You can check this live view with available archives from recent days to get a great assessment of current conditions in the Elks.

http://aspen.roundshot.ch/highlands

I'm shooting to leave Jct. by at least 7AM or so, eating on the way if needed. I'm loaded up already, just have to stuff my sb and down coat and have an approved canister. Even though it is the off season, it might be Fall color viewing time, Aspen seems to come up on most sources as the starting point. Not a large elevation gain out of town to top the passes, so I may be able to do that four pass loop in four nights, 4 days hiking. Hopefully all works out. Weather looks good so far. Won't be able to get a map until I hit REI or Cabela's Saturday, seeing if I have time to hit some second hand stores for old lanterns or stoves.
Duane

Thanks Randy, I'm hoping the snow melts by Sunday.

FYI, this update on a site I regularly visit (14ers.com)

"Yesterday I called and spoke with the Rangers in Aspen because I'm doing the Four Pass Loop this weekend. The Ranger told me that they had to rescue/evacuate an injured hiker on West Maroon Pass yesterday, and there was a foot of snow already there."

Some melting will definitely occur by Sunday but I would expect very sloppy conditions at best.

I made my trip, cut short due to deep snow (3') over Trail Rider Pass, others went clock wise, I was going counter. Snowmass Lake was nice, I found bare ground in the area campers stay for the most part it seems in nicer conditions. I had no gaiters, although others made it over the passes without any. It was a good decision on my part to go back out the way I came in as I was tired and might have been a burden on others if I had been able to continue. Stayed the second night above Crater Lake in a nice spot. At least I got two nights in the back country in CO.
Duane