1/15/2023 0 Comments Airpass essentialsIn this report, we describe the clockwise route. The Four Pass Loop can be hiked in either the clockwise or counter clockwise directions. The Four Pass Loop starts at roughly 9,500 feet so the air is fairly thin at the trailhead. Whether you stay in Denver or Aspen (or somewhere else) is up to you, but acclimating will help prepare you for the hike. If you are visiting Colorado from a lower elevation state, it is recommended to spend a couple days acclimating to the elevation before starting your trek. The shuttle service service that operates between 8am-5pm from June to October leaves from the Aspen Highlands Ski Area. If you plan to drive yourself to the trailhead and park there, you should arrive before 8am.īy far the easiest way to access Maroon Bells is to take the Maroon Bells shuttle, which costs $8 per adult ( more info here). Also, note that traffic on the road to Maroon Lake Trailhead is restricted between 8am – 5pm. If you are lucky enough to get a parking spot in the overnight lot, you can stay for up to 5 days. If the lot is full upon arrival, you will be forced to turn back and use the shuttle bus. Note that the number of parking spots in the overnight lot is very limited. Near the trailhead there is a parking area reserved for overnight backpackers (you must pay a $10 fee if you drive a private vehicle here). Logistics: The Maroon Lake trailhead is about a 40 minute drive southwest from Aspen, CO. Backpackers planning to visit in 2020, should keep an eye on the Forest Service website to see if permits need to be reserved. A trail guide listing all regulations provided by the Forest Service can be found here.Īlso, note that a permit quota system for the Four Pass Loop may be implemented starting in the summer 2020 hiking season ( Aspen Times article). Lastly, there are some campfire regulations that prohibit fires near Crater Lake and any above 10,800 feet of elevation. Furthermore, all human waste must either be packed out in human waste (WAG) bags or must be properly buried. Backpackers are required to store food and scented items in bear resistant canisters. If you are looking for more solitude, consider hiking the Four Pass Loop earlier or later in the hiking season or hike mid week instead of on the weekend.ĭue to the popularity of the Maroon Bells area, it is very important to follow all regulations. Because there is no permit quota system and the trail is very scenic, expect there to be some crowds during the peak summer hiking season. Note that group sizes are currently limited to 10 hikers. There is currently (as of 2019) no quota on the number of hikers allowed to start the Four Pass Loop each day, so no advanced reservations are required. Permits: To backpack and camp within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, you must self-register and fill out a permit at the trailhead before starting your hike. Preparations: Click here to read more about Permits Shop Deal of the Day at REI Outlet (up to 50% off)! Jump to Day 4 hike – Snowmass Lake to Maroon Lake Trailhead Jump to Day 3 hike – North Fork to Snowmass Lake Jump to Day 2 hike – West Maroon Pass to North Fork Jump to Day 1 hike – Maroon Lake Trailhead to West Maroon Pass Link to purchase a topographic map of the Maroon Bells area (here).Overall map of the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness (PDF).Overall map of the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness – Day 1 (light blue), Day 2 (yellow), Day 3 (purple), Day 4 (red) The approximate elevation profile for the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness The majority of the images are from a trip that took place in early August. Highlights of the Four Pass Loop include epic views of the Maroon Bells and several nearby mountain peaks, expansive views from atop mountain passes, summer wildflower blooms, and views of alpine lakes and idyllic rivers. During the trek you hike over four high elevation mountain passes, reach a peak altitude of ~12,500 feet, and climb nearly 9,000 feet of elevation. At 28 miles in length, this loop is typically hiked over the course of 3 to 5 days depending on your fitness level. Trip Overview: The Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is one of the premiere backpacking loops in Colorado. The trail continues along the ridge on the right towards Frigid Air Pass. View looking west from the top of West Maroon Pass.
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