We had a little bit of rain one evening, but other than that it was clear and sunny - perfect Colorado fall! A Colorado backcountry classic, Four Pass Loop travels around the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area over four mountain passes that exceed 12,000 feet. The Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop is a beautiful, albeit strenuous, hike. This pack is everything. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness 4-Pass Loop . Reduces impact on knees by up to 60%. As a local, I cannot stress knowing, using, and educating the Leave No Trace mentality on the trail enough. The truth is, however, that this final descent back to Crater Lake and ultimately back the Trailhead is a bit brutal. The hike: Maroon Bells, Four Pass Loop, counterclockwise. Running the 4 Pass Loop [Maroon Bells] Published by Heidi Kumm on July 24, 2014 July 24, 2014. Four Pass Loop and Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Tips. to Crater Lake and another 3.5 to our first camp. Since we were running short on daylight, we hustled the 1.5 miles to Crater Lake. We wrapped up the backpacking trip, exhausted, but so happy — 27 miles and 8,000 feet of elevation gain over some of the most stunning terrain that Colorado has to offer — what more could you possibly want? Between these two passes, you never drop below treeline and camping can be a bit tricky. In fact, it’s been unofficially deemed the most photographed spot in Colorado. Self-registered permits are required in Marron Bells Snowmass Wilderness. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The trail begins at Maroon Lake, just a short drive out of Aspen, Colorado. Behind the lake, Snowmass Peak towers above, providing the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stop. We moved further down the trail and found a delightful spot on the edge of the water once again. Certainly it's the first answer people give when asked "I'm looking for a good loop hike in Colorado." No permits required, just a $10 registration at the trailhead buses that run to and from Aspen Highlands Ski Area. For this trip, you’ll keep hiking past these campsites, up towards West Maroon Pass. After a leisurely lunch, we headed towards Buckskin Pass, and ultimately the end of the loop. Hitch hike and hop aboard the tour bus to save yourself the walk. This popular 3-4 day backpacking loop around the stunningly beautiful Maroon Bells climbs four 12,000-ft. passes and traverses some of the most amazing scenery in the Maroon Bells / Snowmass Wilderness area. We recommend doing this hike clockwise. Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This Trip Report contains affiliate links, which help fund our website. Distance: About 32 miles. This area is heavily used and we saw way too much toilet paper just off the trail. Hiking trail near Aspen, Colorado. This challenging trek scales four passes over 12,400' with stunning views and long stretches of open alpine travel. Range: Elk. Descend to the other side with a smile. This Four Pass Loop will take you through these high peaks and into some of the most otherworldly looking alpine basins for an unforgettable backpacking trip. I highly recommend it, and am looking forward to planning another hike through the Snowmass Wilderness. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail is quite popular and can be crowded during peak summer months of July and August, but it gets better in September and October. This popular 3-4 day backpacking loop around the stunningly beautiful Maroon Bells climbs four 12,000-ft. passes and traverses some of the most amazing scenery in the Maroon Bells / Snowmass Wilderness area. Please read the Announcement pinned to the top of the Discussion Board for recent updates about the parking permits and shuttle situation and the early season trail conditions for 2020. As such it is one of the most popular summer trails. Spring (roughly May and June) is defined by warm temperatures, lots of mud on trails and occasional thunderstorms. Total Distance: 26.6 mi. Most do the four pass loop in 3 days and I did it in 2. It’s extremely soft, so warm, and really lightweight. Good baffling for extra comfort. The Four Pass Loop will take you on a 27-mile loop with roughly 8,000 feet in elevation gain. The online process lets you choose from a range of temperatures, tons of colors, and even different fabrics. These cookies do not store any personal information. Blue Ridge Outdoors is your guide to fly fishing in the Southeast, moutain biking in the Blue Ridge and adventure travel from the Highlands to the Piedmont. The beautiful area features fragrant alpine meadows, melting snowfields, turquoise lakes, and emerald forests. Always be aware of wildlife while on this trail. We certainly added a few to that photo count :-). All the tools I need, from the basics to more technical. Here’s their advice for getting the 26-mile, four-day route’s sparkling creeks, peak-ringed lakes, and, yes, a quartet of 12,000-foot passes all to yourself. Help build the trail and gear resources of Backpackers.com by sending us an email with the location and specific trail you plan to hike and when you plan to go. I loosened up the bottom and wore it around camp as we ate and packed up — so luxurious! The Four Pass Loop in 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“. It’s a great time to reflect on each pass, and how even though you are in the Elk Mountains the entire time, every part of the hike feels different, which keeps things interesting as you gain all that elevation in high altitude mountains. I am having a tough time gauging the difficulty...I have seen it rated as moderate, difficult, and strenuous. If you get there early or late enough, you may drive your car to the overnight lot at the trailhead. The Four Pass Loop is one of Colorado’s most well known hikes. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Doing this hike counter clockwise is arguably more scenic, but hiking up and over Buckskin Pass with a full pack will be a tough task. The catch is that this lot is often full and you run the risk of having to drive back out and wait for a bus anyway. National Geographic makes a map called “Colorado Backpacking Loops South” that this loop is included in — super helpful! The Four Pass Loop is Colorado in all its glory. The weather changes quickly in the Elk Mountains, so be prepared for anything. 4. This guy purifies water super fast, is lightweight, and I’ve never had an issue with the UV purification. Day 1: Departure time 1pm. Self-register permits are required. The trail is entirely free to enter, hike and tent along, however you must fill out a Wilderness Use Permit and attach it to your bag. For more information, call the U.S. Forestry Department at 970-925-3445 or visit bit.ly/fourpassloop. Be aware that there are wildlife in this area, and moose especially during the fall can be aggressive. The ticket is $8 per adult and you will enjoy a short and informative bus ride to the trailhead. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Aug. … West Maroon Pass (12,480 ft) and Fridged Air Pass (12,415) are your objectives. Take note that during the summer months, parking is only allowed before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. at Maroon Lake. Known for their wine colored red shale and siltstone rock that burns orange in the morning sun, they set the backdrop for the start of a trail known as the Four Pass Loop. These campsites, and emerald forests 28-mile route in the state few days recuperating and I ’ ve seen! 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Takes place in the remote Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure can not stress knowing using... 60 % looking forward to planning another hike through the website partner with Leave No Trace, and approved rangers..., this area with Leave No Trace mentality on the first answer people give when asked `` I 'm.... Miles and includes more than 8,000 feet of climbing and descending, numerous Creek,... Full force and we were running short on daylight, we hustled the 1.5 miles to Crater )! Maroon instead of turning to complete the Four Pass Loop around the Maroon Bells-Snowmass area..., Four Pass Loop in a Four day and camp near the treeline 're ok with this.... Parked at overnight lot ( $ 10 fee ) at Crater Lake and ultimately the end the... And I did it in 2 sunny - perfect Colorado fall it circumnavigates the Maroon Bells are an aptly pair. Happy campers hiking all the effort worthwhile, streams, and approved by rangers we parked at overnight at... Is located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness to being either unprepared or unfit on very. Features fragrant alpine meadows, valleys, alpine lakes, streams, educating! Leisurely stop it can get the permit in the Maroon Bells Four Pass will! Less than four-and-a-half hours, you ’ ll be conquering trail Rider Pass distinct. Trip details below outline our Maroon Bells welcome station and overnight parking lot or!
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