Think Twice Before Hiking This Iconic But Deadly Colorado Mountain
By Hillary Louise Johnson
VACATIONS
Known as the most photographed location in hyper-scenic Colorado,
the Maroon Bells Scenic Area
carries a deceptive beauty with
its rust-colored peaks and
serene landscapes.
Despite its visual appeal, the area has earned the nickname "Deadly Bells" due to the perilous nature of its terrain, making it one of the most dangerous climbs in the state.
The terrain, made of crumbly mudstone, significantly increases risk by providing unstable footing, even for experienced mountaineers, and has caused at least 10 deaths since 2000.
A dire warning sign at the trailhead highlights the perilous conditions climbers face: "The rock is downsloping, rotten, loose, and unstable. It kills quickly and without warning."
Despite these dangers, the allure of summiting all of Colorado's mountains above 14,000 feet attracts many climbers annually, necessitating up to 12 rescue operations each year.