Colorado·United States
Photo: lamblukas · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
The Four Pass Loop circles the Maroon Bells through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, crossing West Maroon, Frigid Air, Trail Rider and Buckskin passes. Wildflower meadows, alpine lakes and red rock peaks make it one of the finest multi-day hikes in the Rockies.
In season: Jul–Sep · Peak: Aug
About 45 km with 2,400 m of climbing, all above 2,900 m, so altitude is a factor. Afternoon thunderstorms are near daily in summer, so start early to be off the passes by midday.
The first day out and back, the taster
Four passes over 12,000 feet round the Maroon Bells
Side trip to the lake under the fourteener
Reserve the overnight wilderness permit and the shuttle to Maroon Lake from Aspen. Acclimatise for a day or two first, walk Crater Lake and Buckskin Pass as a taster, and add the side trip to Snowmass Lake.
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