Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells

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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. 1970 to the left and Maroon-Snowmass Trail No. 1975 to the right. Although the loop can be hiked in either direction, hiking clockwise is the most popular option, so opt for the West Maroon Trail.

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. A four-day/three-night trip is ideal, however, as it allows for a perfect balance of vigorous hiking and downtime to explore, take photos, and relax.

Day 1: After only a few miles on the West Maroon Trail, you reach Crater Lake, another beautiful, though less touristy, mountain lake. If you’re extending your trip beyond four days, this is a good first campsite, although bears have been known to frequent the area.

Past Crater Lake, the trail becomes significantly more secluded and you begin to feel that your wilderness adventure has officially begun. Another few hours of hiking will bring you to the base of the first pass: West Maroon Pass (12,480 ft.). This pass is steep and long, and maybe a little shocking as your legs and back adjust to the first day of carrying weight.

When you reach the top of West Maroon Pass, likely sore and out of breath, your efforts will be more than rewarded by the magnificent views. Behind you, looking back at the trail you just traversed, are sprawling fields of wildflowers encompassed by jagged mountain peaks, serving as a perfect, picturesque backdrop. Looking down over the other side of the pass is a completely different, but equally gorgeous, view of the trail ahead.

Once you have gotten your fill of the view, begin your descent down West Maroon Pass. There are several campsites, both hidden beneath trees and in open fields, about a quarter mile to a half mile past West Maroon Pass. Fill your belly with a hearty dinner and prepare for Day 2!

Day 2: Wake up early and fuel up for what will be your longest and most physically challenging day of hiking, covering about 9 miles, a very steep pass, and a “false” pass.

The trail doesn’t waste any time kicking your butt with the second pass, Frigid Air (12,415 ft.), less than a mile into your hike. Frigid Air Pass is shorter than West Maroon but makes up for the distance with steepness. Yet, again, the beautiful views from the top of the pass made the work worth it.

The trail then winds through wide open meadows, over quaint creeks, and past several waterfalls, one of which was over 200 feet tall! Day 2 also includes the only major river crossing of the loop. Although there are sporadically scattered rocks and logs, the safest bet to keep your boots and socks dry is to wade through the river barefoot. Even in August, the water is freezing cold, but anything is better than hiking in wet shoes!

Past the river crossing, the trail starts to climb again and then keeps on climbing and climbing. But do not be fooled; this is not the third pass, just a very steep and challenging ascent. As the trail finally levels out, you get a view of the true third pass, off in the distance. Here you can choose one of several idyllic camping sites surrounding a small lake on the left-hand side of the trail, with a small creek nearby for easy water access.

Day 3: On day three, you will cover the shortest distance of the loop, so take your time enjoying the gorgeous views over coffee and a hot breakfast. Trail Rider Pass (12,400 ft.), looming right above your campsite, will be waiting for you when you finish packing up.

As always, enjoy the view from the top of the pass. You may be surprised by the individual beauty and uniqueness of each pass you have conquered. Although within the same mountain range, the colors, vantage points, and scenery from each pass are distinct in their variety.

Soon after descending Trail Rider Pass, you will reach Snowmass Lake. 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. There are camping sites at Snowmass Lake, but fires are not permitted here. Continue hiking a couple of miles further and camp along a river, instead, for a convenient water supply.

Day 4: The final day of your backpacking trip will cover about 6-7 miles and one pass. After a few miles of hiking, you will reach the fourth and final pass, Buckskin (12,462 ft.). 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. Sure enough, the trail becomes increasingly crowded after you descend Buckskin Pass and make your way back toward the Maroon Lake parking lot.

PERMITS:
Advance reservation overnight permits are required for the busiest areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness including Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake, and the Four Pass Loop (including Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake). Permits must be purchased in advance at recreation.gov. Approved bear food storage containers are required and strictly enforced. For more information, see here.

CONTACT INFO:
For additional information, please contact the Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station at 970-963-2266.