Sunrise at Maroon Bells

Is there anything else more iconic than sunrise glare over Maroon Bells? Though nor Eugene, nor I am sunrise raiser, it was worth to do our best and wake up early.
We stopped at Snowmass Village, and the road was near 30 mins. I was so afraid that we will not find a parking place again as on Hanging Lake. But we’ve been lucky that time through the parking lot was already 50% full.
I did expect backpackers and photographers to be on the lake(because who else is so crazy to lose few hours of a good morning sleep?). What was a surprise when I saw a bunch of tourists with iPhones and selfy sticks, and more camper-alike people with folding chairs along the bank of the lake. I count only three tripods that morning.
It was fresh and quit. Only geese walked like they had important things to do and not have time to watch some sunrise.
Gush, I never had any expectation of what I will see. So as soon as mountains started to change color from violet to pink, I was excited! And then color changed again and again until the pick became dark yellow. Truly an experience worth to wake up.

What to know before the visit

Because of the popularity, there are restrictions to drive to Maroon Bells during the summer and fall.
There is a public bus between 8 am and 5 pm from mid-June to early October. You could buy bus tickets at the base area of Aspen Highlands Ski Area – adults $8; children 6-16 $6; seniors $6; children 5 and under – free.
They also have parking there – 5$ weekday, $10 weekends. Or you could take the free bus from Rubey Park Transit Center.
You can drive to Maroon Bells before 8 am or after 5 pm. Entrance will cost you $10, or you could use America the Beautiful pass if you have one.
If you decided to drive be prepared that parking lot near trailheads could be full
The road is always open for bicyclist and hikers
The way is closed in the winter with closures starting in mid-November and opening in the middle of May
To shoot sunrise be there in advance. The whole light show starts 20 to 30 mins before dawn
The easiest way to be there for sunrise is to camp nearby – there are three campgrounds on the road to Maroon Bells. Also, we saw people camping in pullouts
There is a bunch of trails starting from Maroon Bells; all are pet-friendly: starting from most leisurely Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail, moderate Maroon Creek, hard Maroon Peak Trail. And of course, there are a lot of backpacking options.