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Willoughby: Two kinds of geological treasure
By Tim Willoughby Follow at Aspen Times
· June 28, 2026
· 3 min read
We think Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake are two of our greatest treasures. The geology that produced them also provided Aspen ’s other great treasure: silver deposits. Looking back over time, you can see how the definition of treasure has changed.
The first photo of Maroon Bells was taken by one...
Key takeaway The first photo of Maroon Bells was taken by one of the most famous photographers of the time for the United States Geological Survey in the 1870s on the Hayden survey.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The historical connection between Aspen's silver deposits and the Maroon Bells landscape is a reminder of the area's complex geological heritage. The same forces that shaped the iconic mountains and lake also created the mineral-rich terrain that drew prospectors to the area in the late 19th century. As the city continues to balance its mining history with its modern identity as a ski resort and cultural center, the Maroon Bells remain a beloved treasure. The fact that the earliest reports of the area's beauty appeared in The Aspen Times in 1882, just a few years after the discovery of mineral deposits, highlights the dual nature of Aspen's appeal. Today, the city's residents and visitors can appreciate the Maroon Bells for their natural beauty, while also acknowledging the important role that mining played in shaping the area's history and economy. This dual identity continues to influence the city's development and conservation efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? We think Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake are two of our greatest treasures. The geology that produced them also provided Aspen’s other great treasure: silver deposits. Looking back over time, you can see how the definition of treasure has changed.
The first photo of Maroon Bells was taken by one...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tim Willoughby Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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