Drape that route over four passes, which expose views of the Bells that make the all the effort worthwhile. Duration: 4 days. The map includes the Four-Pass Loop. One of many Colorado destinations that refuses to bow to hype. The Maroon Bells Four Passes Loop is a 28-mile route in the Elk Mountains near Aspen, Colorado. 2. Maroon Bells reservation 2021 ? The Maroon Bells Four Passes Loop is a 28-mile route in the Elk Mountains near Aspen, Colorado. Bear canisters or bags are required for this area. This guy purifies water super fast, is lightweight, and I’ve never had an issue with the UV purification. Read our About 1975 to the right. With their beautiful red rock towering over Maroon Lake, this location has to be one of the most circulated photos from Colorado on the internet. At least in fall. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); © 2020 Backpackers.com. page for more information, and check out our gear reviews and outdoor guides. We hiked 2 mi. The 26-mile Four-Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake and its postcard views of the Maroon Bells (the most-photographed peaks in North America, according to the U.S. Forest Service). It is rather popular in the summer for its incredible views of wildflowers and lakes. In my mind there is a big difference between moderate and strenuous. Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop is located in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness just outside of Aspen, Colorado. The Four Pass Loop is one of Colorado’s most well known hikes. Certainly it's the first answer people give when asked "I'm looking for a good loop hike in Colorado." FOUR PASS LOOP– West Maroon to Buckskin PERMIT INFORMATION: In order to provide quality recreation experiences and to protect the wilderness lands the Forest Service must gather data regarding visitor use and travel patterns. There are shimmering lakes, alpine meadows, lush green forests, and the bright red peaks of Elks tower all around you at every turn. A circuit of the Four Pass Loop around the Maroon Bells starting and ending at Schofield Park. 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. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 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“. “ An all-time journey over four 12,500' alpine passes, circumnavigating the Maroon Bells. Four Pass Loop Topographic Map. With this trail, it’s a good idea to acclimate yourself. *The 4-Pass Loop likely won't be doable until July due to the heavy snowpack this year and wet slide danger on the steep pass approaches. The Four Pass Loop is Colorado in all its glory. Four Pass Loop and Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Tips. Some choose to camp AT Snowmass lake but we chose to keep going in order to keep the hike out the next day relaxed. Another chilly night came and went, and now we had Trail Rider Pass and Buckskin Pass in front of us, which are arguably the most scenic moments of the entire trip. This past weekend I wandered west on a bit of an adventure…to Aspen and the Maroon Bells with plans to run the 4 Pass Loop with Ann, Holly, Paula and Logan. We saw so much TP just off of the trail — which is a serious problem as this area gets more and more popular. 300 lumens, rechargeable, bluetooth adjustability, and it analyzes ambient light to adjust accordingly. The result is the Four Pass Loop, which connects West Maroon Pass (12,500 feet), Frigid Air Pass (12,415 feet), Trail Rider Pass (12,420 feet) and Buckskin Pass (12,500 feet) around the maroon … Highest Elevation: 12,500 ft. Bear canisters are required. If the clouds are looking ominous or foul weather was predicted, especially in the afternoon, stay off the pass until it blows by. On the third day, you’ll be conquering Trail Rider Pass. The wildflowers are out in full force and we’ve never seen anything like it. 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 four pass loop is absolutely gorgeous and a must if you’re up for it. You can get one at the ranger station, the overnight parking lot, or on the trailhead on the way to Crater Lake. The route is a grand tour through meadows, valleys, alpine lakes, streams, and wildflowers. Getting there: Drive southwest of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station and overnight parking lot. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Employment: Jobs at Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. As the name implies, the route involves crossing four high alpine passes, all of which top out at approximately 12,500'. I planned all year to hike the legendary Four Pass Loop around the Maroon Bells near Aspen. Moose and bear activity is high in this area. Here you’ll find 11 first-come-first-serve campsites that make a great base camp for those looking to tackle North Maroon Peak. The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route within Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. The Four Pass Loop begins at Maroon Lake, famous for its iconic view of the Maroon Bells (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak), deemed the “most-photographed spot in Colorado.” After taking in this majestic view, continue to walk down the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail until you reach a fork for West Maroon Trail No. We had two of the passes in front of us. The loop begins at the foot of the Maroon Bells in the Elk Mountains, just outside Aspen. Backpackers.com is a participant in multiple affiliate programs, including Amazon Services LLC. It circumnavigates the Maroon Bells, through some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. The hike up the back of Buckskin Pass is a welcome change of pace. We opted to go further on the first day and camp near the treeline. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace are even more important in areas of high traffic, so if you aren’t familiar with them, please take some time to look them over. We’ll feature you as an ambassador of the outdoors on our site, and you’ll help backpackers tackle the wild. The run starts at Maroon Lake and heads up to Crater Lake where the loop … We parked at overnight lot ($10 fee). This is where you really start to feel like you are in the backcountry. From there, it spans vast wildflower meadows, tops four passes (each higher than 12,400 feet), and circumnavigates the iconic pyramidal peaks, all the while serving up staggeringly perfect alpine panoramas. This is my go-to. We certainly added a few to that photo count :-). There are magnificent campsites in the trees below treeline in the valley behind Fridged Air Pass. For this trip, you’ll keep hiking past these campsites, up towards West Maroon Pass. Day 1 Four Pass Loop Hiking Detail. Once again you have the opportunity to camp in some nice tree covered camping on the other side of the pass. 5. Thousands of people every … The four pass loop is absolutely gorgeous and a must if you’re up for it. These are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other retailers and brands. Last Updated: 7/30/2005. A Colorado backcountry classic, Four Pass Loop travels around the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area over four mountain passes that exceed 12,000 feet. Although I’ve hiked around this area many times, I’ve never committed to the whole 26.8 miles and 8,115 ft of elevation gain until a few weeks ago. First, it crosses four mountain passes, in this case each above 12,400 feet, which suggests that the views are stunning. Most hikers stop for the day before they make the descent and we found what was our favorite spot of the trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking and is best used from April until October. 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 7 Principles of Leave No Trace are even more important in areas of high traffic, so if you aren’t familiar with them, please take some time to look them over. Sending a thank you shout out to our title sponsor Nite Ize, and all of our other awesome sponsors that make this happen: Crazy Creek, National Geographic, Sea to Summit, Mountain House, Lowe Alpine, Old Town, Leki, HydraPak, UCO Gear and Wenzel. Fall is often a very dry season. I am doing some research on the four pass loop hike near Maroon Bells/Snowmass wilderness. I planned all year to hike the legendary Four Pass Loop around the Maroon Bells near Aspen. The weather changes quickly in the Elk Mountains, so be prepared for anything. It’s extremely soft, so warm, and really lightweight. But with proper planning and some good beta, you can dodge the crowds, find epic camping spots, and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer. Backpacking the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen is a hiker’s dream. As such it is one of the most popular summer trails. The hike up Buckskin is not too bad, and it feels completely different from the other passes you came from. And, truthfully, I’ll also use it casually for lounging around after a trip — it’s so soft you just want to curl up in it! From Frigid Air summit (12,500'), take heart because you have just two miles and much less vertical relief to Maroon Pass. While this loop is fairly straightforward, we encountered many lost hikers in our time on the loop. The online process lets you choose from a range of temperatures, tons of colors, and even different fabrics. The drought dried up most of the streams, so be sure to full your water supply from the Crystal River. 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. 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. A few key tips for traveling the Four Pass Loop (and general area): This quilt is suited for those who like to go fast and light, but also value comfort and performance. Day 1: Departure time 1pm. We never had trouble finding spots to camp, but the waterfront spots near the lake on Day 3 were in pretty high demand. Windproof and great for groups. If you come outside of these times, you will need to park at Aspen Highlands and take the bus ($8) to and from the trailhead. Perfection. There is one way for this tour to be a reality, our sponsors! This pack is everything. So, basically any savvy backpacker and/or camper. This challenging trek scales four passes over 12,400' with stunning views and long stretches of open alpine travel. Every time I go on a trip, someone ends up buying one of these. Day 1 If you like the gear that keeps us groovin’ click here to enter for a chance to win. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past clear alpine lakes and among the rugged Elk Range peaks. All rights reserved. Colorado is the first state to partner with Leave No Trace, and does so to keep its increasingly traveled wilderness areas clean. The last thing we wanted was to wake up to a bunch of moose walking through camp in the morning on their way to get a drink. Trail Rider Pass is a tough one, but once you are at the top and Snowmass Lake is glittering below you, it makes every step well worth it. Location: Just outside of Aspen. The Four Pass Loop is amazing, and you will have a great time. Visit her Instagram. Four Pass Loop Stats. The trip details below outline our Maroon Bells adventure, and everything we packed for it. Once on top of the pass, you can see the beautiful Snowmass Lake and the basin you will be hiking into laid out in front of you. Spring (roughly May and June) is defined by warm temperatures, lots of mud on trails and occasional thunderstorms. The Four Pass Loop is a popular spot and only getting more so! As you follow the trail around Maroon Lake the trail ascends roughly up 1.5 miles up to Crater Lake. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Running the 4 Pass Loop [Maroon Bells] Published by Heidi Kumm on July 24, 2014 July 24, 2014. You will start out right at Maroon Lake (like we did) — and yes, it’s where all of the crowds are. With consistent water access, designated campsites, and clear trail signage, it is a good hike to foray into high alpine hiking. This area is heavily used and we saw way too much toilet paper just off the trail. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These bags are amazing! I think it just might be the best run in the entire state! Super light, sturdy, functional yet minimalist, and stylish to boot! PHOTOS: Four Pass Loop is crazy busy. It is a challenging route, with 7,500 feet of climbing and descending, numerous creek crossings, and altitudes up to 12,460 feet. Because of this, it’s one of least best kept secrets in the entire state. For more information, call the U.S. Forestry Department at 970-925-3445 or visit bit.ly/fourpassloop. Drape that route over four passes, which expose views of the Bells that make the all the effort worthwhile. Leave before peak backpacking times — Friday and Saturday — to secure a spot. Total Distance: 26.6 mi. 4 Pass Loop - 26.8 Miles Round-Trip The 4 Pass Loop runs 26.8 miles through the heart of the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. With relatively easy access, this area sees a lot of traffic. The entire hike takes place in the same mountain range but the landscape over each pass is distinct. 1. I'll be hiking the four pass loop in a couple week so I think I'm okay. The route is a grand tour through meadows, valleys, alpine lakes, streams, and wildflowers. Trail Rider Pass is the steepest ascent of the 4 passes on this route. Self-register permits are required. As busy as it can get, it’s for good reason. Maroon Bells Loop provides an intimate, close up view of the Maroon Bells and other peaks in the Elk Mountain Range 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. The 4 Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness area just outside of Aspen, Colorado, ... We wanted to detail what we think is a great way to tackle the 4 Pass Loop in a four day and three-night adventure. This area of Colorado is absolutely stunning. 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. When we did this hike we had a soggy day with lots of rain, but the views held and we were happy campers. For many, the Four Pass Loop trail is the quintessential Colorado backpacking adventure. National Geographic makes a map called “Colorado Backpacking Loops South” that this loop is included in — super helpful! It is located in the remote Maroon Bells – Snowmass wilderness of the White River National Forest. Always in my pack. The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking of 2020. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A backcountry permit is free and available at trailheads. 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? Bonus: In the morning, you don’t even have to get out! Once you ascend into the trees past the lake, there is a variety of good camping ranging from shaded spots near the water or open-air spots right at the tree line. I loosened up the bottom and wore it around camp as we ate and packed up — so luxurious! Actually selecting this trail, the Maroon Bells four pass loop, was a subconscious decision, a choice made after hearing about it sporadically from co-workers, on podcasts, or whispered by strangers. It circumnavigates the Maroon Bells, through some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. Good baffling for extra comfort. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Maroon Bells reservation 2021 ? The station offered free guides to a variety of hikes in the Maroon Bells area, including the Four Pass Loop. The Four Pass Loop is a 28 mile round trip with 8,000 feet of elevation gain and loss that stays around 10,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation covering four mountain passes in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The ticket is $8 per adult and you will enjoy a short and informative bus ride to the trailhead. We wanted to detail what we think is a great way to tackle the Four Pass Loop in a four day and three-night adventure. After hiking 1.5 miles through the basin, we began to ascend 2,000 feet over the next 1.5 mi. The loop extends for a total of 27 miles and includes more than 8,000 feet of elevation gain. Self-registered permits are required in Marron Bells Snowmass Wilderness. Your legs will be happy when you reach the final pass of your trek. The trail begins at Maroon Lake, just a short drive out of Aspen, Colorado. We moved further down the trail and found a delightful spot on the edge of the water once again. I am having a tough time gauging the difficulty...I have seen it rated as moderate, difficult, and strenuous. Discussions regarding Aspen Four-Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells Wilderness of Colorado and extensions to loop. The famous Four Pass Loop is probably the most famous backpacking trip in Colorado. We were very happy to see the station open on a Sunday morning and even more so that the staff were very knowledgeable about the trail. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Maroon Lake is where most of the crowds hang out. Makes it easy to decide to take it. 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. Due to the popularity of the area, drive-in access to Maroon Lake (where your journey starts) is limited to buses that run to and from Aspen Highlands Ski Area. Four-Pass Loop is considered by ultra-distance trail-runners to be the best one-day run in the state. 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. Author: BACKPACKERMagazine Updated: Oct 8, 2020 Original: Sep 20, 2013 "Crater Lake and Maroon Bells West Maroon Pass Trail Aspen CO July 09" by wordcat57 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. The Maroon Bells are the backdrop to many photos depicting the Aspen area. Oct 15, 2020; Visiting Aspen Oct 12 - 16 Oct 14, 2020; What is open? The quilt is extremely customizable. I am planning a backpacking trip to CO starting on June 17th. 1970 to the left, and Maroon-Snowmass Trail No. I think it just might be the best run in the entire state! In fact, it’s been unofficially deemed the most photographed spot in Colorado. When you click on the links to purchase the gear we get a commission, and this goes a long way to creating guides, gear reviews, and other excellent content. Our party--my girlfriend Megan, good friend Eric (Summitpost member ericb), his girlfriend Liz and myself--began the Four Pass Loop at Maroon Lake. 128 (Maroon Bells, Redstone, Marble; $12). In general, winter lasts from early November until April, with summer reaching its apex in July and August. Carry a map. The unofficial FKT (fastest known time) on Four-Pass Loop in a single push is less than four-and-a-half hours. Maroon Bells 4 Pass Loop is located in Maroon Bells Wilderness. We recently even took Roxy’s two-year-old niece on her very first backpacking trip here. This pad is amazing for going fast and light. Most do the four pass loop in 3 days and I did it in 2. No permits required, just a $10 registration at the trailhead This area has high bear activity and the use of Bear Canisters are required. We’ve seen many people turn back due to being either unprepared or unfit. Backpacking the Four  Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen is a hiker’s dream. Punch it over your final 12,500' pass, and cruise the last seven miles down the West Maroon Creek drainage to your cooler. We found what seemed like a perfect spot, but after having some lunch we realized we were actually surrounded by lots of fresh moose poop. West Maroon Pass (12,480 ft) and Fridged Air Pass (12,415) are your objectives. Oct 15, 2020; Visiting Aspen Oct 12 - 16 Oct 14, 2020; What is open? Taking on the 4-pass Loop is no easy feat but completely worth the training and effort. Hiking trail near Aspen, Colorado. 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. End at Schofield Park, 14 miles from town. Punch it over your final 12,500' pass, and cruise the last seven miles down the West Maroon Creek drainage to your cooler. Footage from my fall trip through the epic Maroon Bells and Snowmass Wilderness. The hike: Maroon Bells, Four Pass Loop, counterclockwise. Shuttles depart regularly, and roundtrip shuttle tickets cost $10 on weekends/$5 on weekdays. I’m glad I changed my mind. The Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop is a beautiful, albeit strenuous, hike. The Maroon Bells are the backdrop to many photos depicting the Aspen area. If you get there early or late enough, you may drive your car to the overnight lot at the trailhead. Four 12,000-foot passes, classic alpine views and a rugged loop around Colorado's most-photographed peaks make this 26.5-mile backpack a Rocky Mountain epic. Resources: You’ll want Trails Illustrated Topographic Map No. Pack out all toilet paper. The lows at night were right below freezing, and during the day it was around 60 degrees. Jul 28, 2018 Dylan Cohen. We recommend doing this hike clockwise. 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. 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We did this hike and hop aboard the tour bus to save the. Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness of Colorado ’ dream!