No visit to the Aspen area would be complete without a sojourn to the Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America. "The Bells," as they are fondly called, owe their name to their unique Liberty-Bell shape and reddish color that's most evident during the summertime. But even with a white winter coat, these natural wonders are spectacular and a must-see for any area visitor.

While automobile access is prohibited this time of year, hardy visitors can don a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes and glide the seven miles from the parking area near the T-Lazy-7 Guest and Horse Ranch to the Maroon Lake Campground. T-Lazy-7 is located on Maroon Creek Road, about two miles past Aspen Highlands ski area. If you ski or snowshoe to the Bells, bring your own food and water, as no services are available along the way.

The other option for visiting the Maroon Bells during winter is to rent a snowmobile from the T-Lazy-7 and cruise effortlessly to this scenic site. T-Lazy-7 offers a basic, two-hour Bell tour that leaves the ranch daily at 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The cost is $140 per person or $210 per double (two persons on the machine). Once at Maroon Lake, riders will be served hot chocolate and cider.

No snowmobile experience is necessary, but you must be at least 18 years old to drive. For information and reservations, phone 925-4614.

The ranch also offers a "Klondike Lunch Tour" that's two and one-half to three hours long. In addition to a hot lunch, riders have the opportunity to take side trips to the White River National Forest trails. The Klondike trip leaves daily at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and costs $160 per single rider or $240 per double.