Four Pass Loop backpacking trip

Trail starts at the Maroon Bells visitor area (approx. 9500ft), we parked in Aspen Highlands and took the shuttle to the Bells, takes about 45 mins. The trail is marked really well, mostly paved until you get to the real hike, then register at the sign and get your permit. We went clockwise, which is a more gradual increase in elevation gain versus going counterclockwise. First pass was Maroon Pass (12,500ft) which I thought was the hardest, unless you're adjusted to the high altitude, I was not! Not for the faint of heart! Take some time to enjoy the views of what you accomplished and get ready for the next pass, and this is when the wildflowers really appear everywhere! Second pass, Frigid Air pass (12,415ft). Many people camp prior to the first pass, we decided to do two passes on day one. About 10 miles total. Frigid Air pass gets pretty steep towards the top! We started to hear thunder in the distance, so we decided to do the pass and find our camp spot quickly. About 2-3 miles from frigid air pass you reach the tree line and the beginning of some wonderful campsites, we picked the first one we saw, because there was a spring close by for some water. If you keep going another mile or two, there's some really great spots closer to a large stream, if only we had known! The next day we got up early to get ahead of the crowds (although not really that crowded)! This stretch before Trail Rider Pass is beautiful, large waterfalls and great views. There is a stream crossing, you will get your feet wet, and that water is cold! We took a break here to prepare for the pass coming up! The trail starts to ascend quickly and for what seems like forever. You keep thinking that this must be the pass, until you get to the area where you actually see the trail that goes up to the pass, and then your heart drops, we gotta go up THAT?! Sigh... Trail Rider pass itself wasn't too bad once you actually get to it (12,420ft), but we were encountering storm clouds, and contemplating if we should wait them out. We caught a break in the clouds and decided to go for it. Once over the pass you can see Snowmass Lake. There's plenty of camping near the lake, but we decided to keep going a few more miles to some other campsites that were more secluded. There's a few great spots near a stream and a beaver dam. The second day it was storming and hailing once we set up camp, so we called it an early night. Day three our last day was the easiest. Buckskin pass (12,500ft) and a really pretty hike. There are some really great camp spots up until you get above treeline, that we wished we could stay at...maybe next time. The view from Buckskin was amazing! You can see the trail you will be descending into for miles! And what a descent! The rest of the way back to the trailhead is downhill, my toenails are black from that....wear comfy shoes! Overall, this was my favorite multi day trip thus far! 28 miles total, four mountain passes above 12,000ft. Rain, hail, thunder, sore feet...all made for a great adventure! If I were to do it again, I would do it in 4 days, not 3, to really take in the views. And I would do it in fall when the leaves are changing, I could only imagine how beautiful it is!