The ascent was tough for sure but the downhill at times was worse and hard on the knees and feet.

Mountaineering gear will be required if you choose to summit. Time: 4-7 days.

The loop can be completed in three days, if you hustle, or stretched out to five or more, if you prefer taking your time and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The elevation kicked my butt , but it’s a trip I’ll never forget . Will pay for the ride! © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. National Forest Make your way over a faint alpine trail and drop to Avalanche Lake. But do not be fooled; this is not the third pass, just a very steep and challenging ascent.

The loop spends the majority of its time climbing or descending the passes. ALERT: Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This area carries special legal Follow this trail as it leads you directly toward Pyramid Peak. Popular for a reason. Bear-approved Ursack products are acceptable.

Located just outside of Aspen, Colorado’s fourth-largest wilderness stretches over 181,000 acres and provides numerous life-list backpacking opportunities on its 100 miles of trails. The loop starts at Maroon Lake and quickly passes the quintessential views of the iconic Maroon Bells from Crater Lake. Day 2 also includes the only major river crossing of the loop. Although your day of hiking just began, take a morning snack break and snap some photos of this gorgeous mountain lake, surrounded by a dense forest of pine trees. Although the loop can be hiked in either direction, hiking clockwise is the most popular option, so opt for the West Maroon Trail. Arkansas easy. Overall 10/10 hike and memories!

Gorgeous with a few tough climbs.

My favorite might’ve been looking back at Snowmass Lake as I approached Trail Rider Pass, so if you’re going clockwise I think you’ll be in for a treat. The area is an excellent gath... • TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19. Note: This trail was recently closed due to avalanche damage.

Would be happy to drive your car from Aspen back to CB or else hoping to join someone for a ride back to CB.

Descending from Snowmass Lake on the Maroon Snowmass Trail, look for the West Snowmass Trail. A-list wildlife including bear, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats all reside in the region, among many other smaller animals. The trail drops into a high alpine basin with elevations around 12,000 feet while passing Willow Lake. Continue directly towards Pyramid until you nearly reach its vertical North face, then look left for a trail that ascends a steep gully to the ridge.

No facilities (cabins, campgrounds, toilets…) are provided along the Four Pass Loop trail, or any other trail located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. (970)-945-2521.

When you reach where the trail begins its switchbacks you have come 1/3rd of the distance but still have nearly 90% of your elevation left to go. Permits are required for all parties for overnight stays in the wilderness. Text us at (479) 774-1570. Maroon Creek Road will have a delayed opening this season while Pitkin County and Forest Service crews work to remove avalanche debris. Each route traverses several high passes, lakes, views of 14,000-foot peaks, and some of Colorado’s best scenery. Past Crater Lake, the trail becomes significantly more secluded and you begin to feel that your wilderness adventure has officially begun. Day users and overflow backpackers be asked to park at Aspen Highlands and take a bus to the trailhead.

Anyone hiking this tomorrow, Saturday 10/10 who would want to swap cars? Watch the mountains and valleys turn gold with the changing Aspen trees. A testament to how dry it was this summer.

Another few hours of hiking will bring you to the base of the first pass: West Maroon Pass (12,480 ft.). This trail is no secret but it has to be the most scenic hike I've ever done. Taking in the views on top of Buckskin Pass is bittersweet: while you’re sure to be anxious for a hot shower and food other than trail mix, you will miss the fresh air, stunning views, and rhythm of the wilderness once you return to civilization. White River  Camped just above kings falls on day 2. From Snowmass Lake the route briefly joins the Four Pass Loop, climbing 12,462-foot Buckskin Pass. From the second pass, Willow Pass, the route drops just below Buckskin Pass and joins the Four Pass Loop. Unless you have a reserved parking spot you need to take the bus up from Aspen Highlands. Enjoy! The short (1.75 mi – one way) hike to Crater Lake offers a preview of the Four Pass Loop and a great spot for a day hike.

Backpackers parking at the Maroon Lake trailhead, please only park in the designated overnight lot. This classic 29.1 mile backpacking circuit around the spectacular Maroon Bells climbs four 12,000-ft. passes (West Maroon - 12,500 ft.; Frigid Air - 12,415 ft.; Trail Rider - 12,420 ft.; Buckskin - 12,500 ft.) and travels through some of the finest scenery in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Awesome trail!!

#10 - Snowmass Lake and Mountain via Maroon Snowmass Trail, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. can this be done in a day, out and back?

Independence Pass (Highway 82) is normally open on a weather dependent basis from Memorial Day through mid-October. This Wilderness is located in Colorado within the Elk Mountains and spans the White River and Gunnison National Forests. The 4 Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness area just outside of Aspen, Colorado, is one of those backpacking trips that you consistently find on online lists that read “Five Backpacking Trips You Must Do Before You Die.” Chances are, you’ve even seen a photo of the Maroon Bells. The trailhead on the Aspen side is Maroon Bells. Frigid Air Pass is shorter than West Maroon, but makes up for distance with steepness. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Note that Forest Service requires you to carry a bear canister in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness.

4797741570. For Maroon Bells camping, backpacking & trail condition questions, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District at 970-963-2266. The Four Pass Loop is by far the best known and most traveled loop in the area, if not all of Colorado, drawing backpackers from throughout the country.