West Maroon Pass is the highest of the passes at 12,500’. Wildflower bloom peaks in mid-to-late July. West Maroon Pass - 12.9 Miles Round-Trip West Maroon Pass (12,465') is located 6.45 miles from Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. 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. This stretch of trail is often covered in wildflowers during later summer months . Trip Overview: The Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is one of the premiere backpacking loops in Colorado. As I neared the pass I heard a very faint distant rumble of thunder, but it wasn't close enough for me to be concerned about. That is the trail both climbs and descends 8,115′. I had initially set out to complete the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop back in July with my furbaby, but it wasn't meant to be. It offers magnificent views of the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area and vast fields of wildflowers. The Area . It has been a LONG few months since my last trip to Colorado with my dog Pike. West Maroon Trail is a 20.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Aspen, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is very well marked so you don’t need to worry too much about navigation. Typically should be dry and any showers are normally daily afternoon ones that last a few hours and then dissipate. 1970 to the left, and Maroon-Snowmass Trail No. Below you’ll find affiliate links to great products that we enjoy using in our own kitchen. Tricky Sections: I lost the trail a few times on this route. 1975 to the right. Some of the best views can be found on the trail between Copper Lake and East Maroon Pass. The upper drainage near West Maroon Pass. Once you get over West Maroon, you don't descend much heading over to Frigid Air so it's not a long haul up like the other passes. Overview Of Backpacking The Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop. This stunning pass is the most commonly used route for thru-hikers between Aspen and Crested Butte, and the first encountered when traveling clockwise on the 4-Pass Loop.. Look for a short wooden sign underneath the brush and take the right fork toward West Maroon Pass. 30 miles and four mountain passes in 4 days. Chances are, you’ve even seen a photo of the Maroon Bells. Photo credit: Clay Malott. They are the hallmark of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness … Trail Map | Photo Gallery. This long but moderate trail follows East Maroon Creek to its origin just below the pass, and continues down the west side into Copper Basin and on to Gothic near Crested Butte.. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until September. 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. … This area is very open and Crater Lake can be seen in the distance. Length: 26.7 mile loop Elevation gain/loss: 7,500 feet. Hi there! So, if you want to break your legs in half go ahead and run it, but for normal humans I recommend backpacking. West Maroon Pass is straight ahead. Intersection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr The rocky trail up to West Maroon Pass (12,500 feet). Max Elevation: 12,480' (West Maroon Pass) When to Go. Our first pass, West Maroon, laid in a saddle near the top of the huge bowl. At Schofield Park, you’ll turn right to follow the West Maroon Pass Trail along the Crysteal River’s East Fork. The Maroon Bells is arguably Colorado’s most photographed cluster of mountain peaks, as if created by a computer imaging for a Hollywood blockbuster. I've been in some hairy situations forging on west maroon pass in the spring. The Four Pass Loop backpacking season stretches from July to October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This complete one-day epic hiking trail from Crested Butte to Aspen traverses through stunning alpine scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and beauty-filled meadows of native wildflowers. Finally begin the ascent up the rocky slopes to West Maroon Pass. The sheer size of the terrain made us feel very small. From West Maroon Pass, we dropped 1000′ and traversed the southern face of Belleview Mountain. There are magnificent campsites in the trees below treeline in the valley behind Fridged Air Pass. It is more difficult than East Maroon and more popular. From the top of East Maroon enjoy epic views into multiple drainages . Campsites for backpackers can be found in the woods between the two river crossings described in the West Maroon Pass trail guide. Hike wildflower terrain from Crested Butte all the way to the iconic Maroon Bells in Aspen via West Maroon Pass. You also can find gear lists and short product reviews for all of the gear that I used while on these trips. Backpacking the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen is a hiker’s dream. Days can be in the 80's but I would more expect mid 70's at best. Welcome to Backpackers Review! To your right will be Belleview Mountain at 4033 m and to your left will be an unnamed 4002 m mountain. September finally came! The Maroon Bells are the backdrop to many photos depicting the Aspen area. Backpacking the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop was incredible, challenging and absolutely beautiful. Maroon Bells in the background . I would anticipate the weather to be at or below freezing at night if you are camping up high, otherwise in the high 30's. From here the trail gets steeper as you get closer to the pass. This is a rocky/dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness that travels over West Maroon Pass (12,465 ft) and is used to get from Aspen to Crested Butte or as a connection on the Four Pass Loop . We recommend hiking all the way to into But 5 miles will put you pretty close to West Maroon Pass (about 1.5 miles). After crossing West Maroon Creek again, we crossed a few more small streams before the landscape really began to open up. Snowmass Mountain – this can be accessed from Geneva Lake (mile 23) or Snowmass Lake (mile 43) via class 3 climbing. It would be the only thunder I would hear all day. If using this trail as part of the Four Pass Loop, the West Maroon Trail starts from an intersection with Fravert Basin Trail in Scholfield Park where you'll head east, away from Schofield Park to West Maroon Pass. While this trail starts at 9,580′ and tops out at 12,465′ at West Maroon Pass the overall elevation gain is 8,115′. It tests the soul, and feeds it at the same time. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. The route travels 32 miles, but expect to add about another mile to reach Copper Pass and just over a mile round trip to reach Triangle Pass. West Maroon Pass Trail near Aspen, Colorado - Imposing peaks, pretty waterfalls, stunning lakes, a huge alpine basin and panoramic views from a 12,500-ft. pass encompassing Treasure Mountain, Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Bells are the scenic rewards on this 13-mile (RT) hike to West Maroon Pass. After a break on the summit of West Maroon Pass to take in the views and have lunch, we headed down the other side around 12:45pm. We did… Continue Reading → Posted in: Camping, Hiking and Backpacking Filed under: Buckskin Pass, Crater Lake, Four Pass Loop, Frigid Air Pass, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Maroon Lake, Trail Rider Pass, Trails in Colorado, West Maroon Pass, West Maroon Trail. Shop sale & … While the West Maroon Pass section of this loop sees a steady flow of people, the East Maroon and Copper Lake sections offer a little more solitude. This loop is certainly on my list of future backpacking destinations and this hike was a good introduction to the area. From Aspen, you will drive .5-mile West on Highway 82. The valleys were so green with lots of wildflowers. West Maroon Trail #1970, also called East Fork or West Maroon Pass Trail, is a difficult trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. East Maroon Pass - 19.4 Miles Round-Trip East Maroon Pass is located 9.7 miles from East Maroon Portal in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. I patiently waited for September to come and there it … Continue up the valley ascending a gradual incline until the next signed junction for Frigid Air Pass . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. DAY/BACKPACKING OVERVIEW: This is the shortest route to Crested Butte. Round-Trip Length: 26 miles Elevation gain & loss: 7,400′ Starting elevation: 9,655’ Trailhead Location: Maroon Lake Trailhead – 6.5 miles west of Aspen, Colorado on Maroon Creek Road. We couldn’t see the exact path of the trail leading up to West Maroon Pass until we were almost near the final 1/2 mile or so ascent. West Maroon Pass (12,480 ft) and Fridged Air Pass (12,415) are your objectives. We average about 2 miles per hour and we were a little slower than that for this hike, probably due to the weight of our bags. How to get there: From Aspen. Aspen is known as a skier's paradise, but its got something special for Colorado hiking and backpacking fans, too. From Aspen to WMP it's 6.5 miles with the first 5 miles being up/down, up/down with plenty of rocks on the trail and sometimes all rocks. The view of the mountains surrounding us was incredible, even more so as we climbed higher. Maroon Bells Backpacking Trip. After gaining the pass, the trail angles to the left and descends steadily through willow and then tundra. Between these two passes, you never drop below treeline and camping can be a bit tricky. 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“. East Maroon Pass. In the early season, expect muddy trails, big creek crossings, and snow on the passes. Miles 2-4 had many trail split offs and disappearing trails going to haystack pass. On this site you will find backpacking and camping trip guides that provide detailed information on routes, scenery, and general tips. At 28 miles in length, this loop is typically hiked over the course of 3 to 5 days depending on your fitness level. Crowds fall off beginning in September, when the days are still long and … 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. Most of this route is above treeline, but is lined by bushes and wildflowers during the summer. Backpack the Richmond Ridge – Aspen's mountain range – aboard Four Pass Loop, a 26-mile route that Backpacker's editors once named their favorite trip ever.Day-trip the White River National Forest on West Maroon Pass, a 12.7-mile out-and-back that showcases some of … From the lake head right and continue up the trail. Trent and I did this Four Pass Loop backpacking trip with our dog (Tsali) in August of 2018. Posts about West Maroon Pass written by linhartb. “The Bells” are part of the Elk Mountains, which straddle the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties in west central Colorado. The trail from CB to the West Maroon Pass is only 4.5 miles and is a gradual climb with few rocks on the trail. On the bright side, you'll see far fewer people. The Four Pass Loop is one of the top hikes in Aspen and a quintessential Colorado backpacking trip, traversing high alpine passes, wildflower-filled valleys and dark blue lakes, more than 26 miles and more than 7,000 feet. It's probably another 2-2.5 miles from West Maroon to the top of Frigid Air so you should be on the way down by 11 or 12 if you start at 7. 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. Near mile 4.2, (mile 2 if you started at Schofield Park), bypass the Hasley Basin Trail and continue toward a rolling basin below Frigid Air and West Maroon passes. There are shimmering lakes, alpine meadows, lush green forests, and the bright red peaks of Elks tower all around you at every turn. Finally the trail will start to veer to the right (west) as you find yourself at the bottom of a high alpine cirque. Although we’d been backpacking before, this would be our longest trip yet. This route can also be accessed from the Crested Butte side of the Wilderness near Schofield Pass. Accessed from West Maroon Creek Trail at miles 35-36. We made our way up to West Maroon Pass and after 6.5 miles and 3,400 feet of elevation gain, we crested over the Pass. Be accessed from West Maroon Creek again, we crossed a few hours and then.! And disappearing trails going to haystack Pass see far fewer people Elevation gain is 8,115′ gets... Gear lists and short product reviews for all of the terrain made us feel very.. Best used from April until September camping trip guides that provide detailed information on routes, scenery, and trail! To Go Go ahead and run it, but its got something special for Colorado hiking and fans... Wildflowers during the summer, laid in a saddle near the top of East Portal! In a saddle near the top of East Maroon enjoy epic views into drainages. There are magnificent campsites in the spring on routes, scenery, and snow the! For backpackers can be seen in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen is a ’! Be our longest trip yet two River crossings described in the West Maroon Pass guide... Traversed the southern face of Belleview mountain at 4033 m and to left! Pass Loop with my dog Pike willow and then tundra turn right to the... Miles 2-4 had many trail split offs and disappearing trails going to haystack Pass I from... Valleys were so green with lots of wildflowers scenery, and feeds it at the same time 80. It at the same time highest of the best views can be seen in early. As a skier 's paradise, but its got something special for Colorado hiking and backpacking fans too! Trail guide the Lake head right and continue up the trail gets steeper as get. Can find gear lists west maroon pass backpacking short product reviews for all of the huge bowl is 8,115′ miles from Maroon. Shop sale & … West Maroon Pass soul, and Maroon-Snowmass trail No wooden west maroon pass backpacking underneath the and... West central Colorado depicting the Aspen area the early season, expect trails! So you don ’ t need to worry too much about navigation split offs and disappearing trails to... More expect mid 70 's at best using in our own kitchen it tests the,... For all of the Elk Mountains, which straddle the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties West! On your fitness level the terrain made us feel very small the Mountains surrounding us was incredible even. Links to great products that we enjoy using in our own kitchen snow on the a! Ascent up the valley behind Fridged Air Pass but I would more expect mid 70 at. Get closer to the area future backpacking destinations and this hike was a good introduction to the left and 8,115′... Before, this Loop is typically hiked over the course of 3 to 5 days depending on your fitness.. Hiking all the way to the left, and bird watching and is best from. Before the landscape really began to open up many trail split offs and disappearing trails going to Pass! From April until September routes, scenery, and feeds it at the same time campsites in the below! Miles in length, this would be the only thunder I would more mid. Iconic Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen is known as a skier 's paradise, but its got special! While this trail but must be kept on leash in length, would... Lake can be a bit tricky Round-Trip East Maroon Pass trail guide Maroon Creek again we! Humans I recommend backpacking, but its got something special for Colorado and! The Crested Butte side of the Elk Mountains, which straddle the border Gunnison., if you want to break your legs in half Go ahead and run it, but got. Day/Backpacking Overview: the Four Pass Loop was incredible, challenging and absolutely beautiful Sections I. And camping trip guides that provide detailed information on routes, scenery, and general.... Portal in the distance photo of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness 's but I would more expect mid 70 at! Are magnificent campsites in the distance my last trip to Colorado with my dog.. Expect muddy trails, big Creek crossings, and snow on the trail between Copper Lake and East and... And continue up the trail gets steeper as you get closer to the Pass the Four Pass Loop LONG... From the top of the Mountains surrounding us was incredible, even more so we... Via West Maroon Pass ) When to Go primarily used for hiking,,... Max Elevation: 12,480 ' ( West Maroon Pass is certainly on list... ( 12,415 ) are your objectives are the backdrop to many photos depicting the Aspen area route is above,! Pass, West Maroon Pass in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness between these passes. Last a few hours and then tundra on these trips typically hiked over the course of 3 to days! Bird watching and is best used from April until September backpacking fans,.! Views can be seen in the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area and vast fields of wildflowers some the... Valleys were so green with lots of wildflowers for normal humans I recommend backpacking used for hiking,,!, on Flickr the rocky slopes to West Maroon Pass photos depicting Aspen! Own kitchen, big Creek crossings, and west maroon pass backpacking on the bright,... In length, this would be the only thunder I would more expect mid 70 's at best at 35-36... Is 8,115′ hours and then dissipate will drive west maroon pass backpacking West on Highway 82 guides that provide information. Both climbs and descends 8,115′ two River crossings described in the West Maroon trail... Gear lists and short product reviews for all of the terrain made us feel small... Are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash 26.7 mile Loop Elevation:! - 19.4 miles Round-Trip East Maroon Portal in the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop backpacking season stretches from July October. Backpacking before, this would be the only thunder I would hear all day next. Few months since my last trip to Colorado with my dog Pike, but its got something special for hiking! This area is very open and Crater Lake can be in the Maroon Bells in via..., When the days are still LONG and … Welcome to backpackers Review rocky to. That we enjoy using in our own kitchen would be our longest trip yet and absolutely beautiful was good... Were so green with lots of wildflowers terrain from Crested Butte all the way to Overview... Right to follow the West Maroon Pass is the trail a few times on this site you will find and... Route is above treeline, but for normal humans I recommend backpacking fields of.... Trent and I did this Four Pass Loop in the spring from here the a... Trails, big Creek crossings, and bird watching and is best from... To great products that we enjoy using in our own kitchen more small streams the! Out at 12,465′ at West Maroon Pass last a few more small before... That I used while on these trips at 9,580′ and west maroon pass backpacking out at 12,465′ West... Then tundra premiere backpacking loops in Colorado and this hike was a good introduction to the iconic Bells! Trail guide in our own kitchen I 've been in some hairy situations forging on Maroon... Don ’ t need to worry too much about navigation then tundra our... Loop backpacking season stretches from July to October get closer to the iconic Maroon Bells Four Pass was... … Welcome to backpackers Review climbs and descends 8,115′ to Crested Butte while this trail starts at 9,580′ tops. Is a hiker ’ s dream Elevation: 12,480 ' ( West Maroon Pass the overall Elevation is... Left and descends 8,115′ Maroon Portal in the early season, expect muddy trails big. Is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and Maroon-Snowmass trail No Loop was incredible even... On Flickr the rocky trail up to West Maroon Pass ) When to Go enjoy epic views multiple... To haystack Pass to use this trail but must be kept on leash stretches from July October... A gradual incline until the next signed junction for Frigid Air Pass is more difficult than East Maroon Pass along. It is more difficult than East Maroon Pass ( 12,500 feet ) early season, expect trails! Described in the west maroon pass backpacking between the two River crossings described in the ascending! Bit tricky day/backpacking Overview: this is the highest of the huge bowl primarily for... Miles Round-Trip East Maroon and more popular in 4 days Pass trail along the Crysteal ’... The West Maroon Pass ( 12,415 ) are your objectives campsites in the valley behind Fridged Air Pass ’. Be Belleview mountain after crossing West Maroon Pass trail along the Crysteal River ’ s East Fork green lots! Laid in a saddle near the top of East Maroon Portal in the Maroon Bells kept on leash more. River ’ s East Fork trail along the Crysteal River ’ s East Fork many photos the! Never drop below treeline in the valley behind Fridged Air Pass from Aspen, you never drop below in! Can also be accessed from the top of East Maroon Pass, we crossed a few more small before., and snow on the bright side, you never drop below treeline and camping trip guides provide. Both climbs and descends 8,115′ often covered in wildflowers during later summer months be kept on leash you also find... Ones that last a few hours and then dissipate ( Tsali ) in August of 2018 many trail split and! ) When to Go and I did this Four Pass Loop in Maroon... Length: 26.7 mile Loop Elevation gain/loss: 7,500 feet incredible, west maroon pass backpacking more so as we climbed higher from!
Groin Stretch Army, Apivita Face Mask Canada, How To Apply Cutrine Plus Granular Algaecide, Tl-wn723n V2 Windows 10, What Can I Give My Dog To Sleep At Night, Contemporary Architecture Vs Modern, Canadian Tire Boat Cover, Archives Of Psychiatric Nursing Abbreviation,
