Hiking the Four Pass Loop Trail: Essential Tips and Information
Feel the Pulses of Colorado's Mountain Heartbeat
In the heart of the Rockies, where rugged peaks kiss the cerulean sky, lies a multi-day hiking adventure so jaw-dropping it'll leave you breathless - and I'm not just talking about the altitude. The Four Pass Loop in Colorado is a bucket list challenge for hikers across the globe, and for damn good reason.
This 27-30+ mile backpacking extravaganza weaves through some of the state's most prized scenery, offering a smorgasbord of alpine lake vistas, towering mountain ranges, and forests carpeted in wildflowers. Although the trail is famously populated, you'll still feel a sense of seclusion and reconnection with nature, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
How. Does. It. Get. Its. Name?
You pathetic mortal curious about the loop's moniker, you ask? The Four Pass Loop is called such because, surprise, surprise, it rounds through four mountain passes. Put on a chef's hat and prepare yourself for a tasty serving of geography knowledge: these passes include the alliteratively-named West Maroon Pass (12,500 feet), Frigid Air Pass (12,415 feet), Trail Rider Pass (12,420 feet), and Buckskin Pass (12,500 feet).
Got it? Good. Carry on.
Now, let's get our boots dirty.
Specs
- Trail Length: 27-30+ miles
- Route: Loop with optional side trips
- Difficulty: Extremely difficult
- Features: Mountain views, alpine lakes, forests
- Time of Year: July-early September
Oh, the Distance We'll Go!
From the West Maroon Trailhead, it's about 3 miles to the loop intersection. The initial leg of the journey is relatively flat compared to the rest of the trail, allowing you to get your body acclimated to the terrain. Here, you'll encounter breathtaking blooming wildflowers, even if you're slightly past peak season.
As you inch closer to the intersection, the trail begins to steepen as you embark upon the first ascent to West Maroon Pass. This short but steep climb is your ticket to some truly breathtaking views (yes, they really are as great as they sound). From the summit, you'll witness unobstructed vistas of the surrounding mountains and the trail in both directions - and if you're lucky, perhaps a few fellow hikers congregating to revel in the scenery.
Descent (Oh joy...)
The descent from West Maroon Pass is the longest on the loop and feels like forever. But don't worry, your knees will thank you for the slower pace. We aimed to set up camp at site #0 or #1 (see the included campsite map) just beyond Crater Lake, but ended up camping at site #9. This secluded spot, nestled near a lush meadow and impressive waterfall, provided an excellent resting point for the night.
Day #1 was our longest day, with over 8 miles according to All Trails (but 10 miles according to Strava GPS). We pushed ourselves to cover significant mileage while our legs were still fresh, capitalizing on the downhill terrain to our advantage.
Buckskin Pass
The second day brings new challenges as we journeyed towards Buckskin Pass. Steep climbs and long ascents awaited us, but the stunning views made the challenge worthwhile. In the valley below the pass, we stumbled upon a beautiful, cascading waterfall that begged to be explored.
Snowmass Lake
We stayed the night at campsites #13 and #14 near Snowmass Lake - though the sites don't come with numbered posts in the area. With numerous open spaces to set up camp, this location was surprisingly crowded. But the ethereal beauty of the lake more than made up for the lack of privacy. Its mirror-like reflections were pure photographers' dreams, and we even took a dip in the chilly waters to cleanse ourselves after two days of hiking.
Trail Rider Pass
The third day brought the ascent of Trail Rider Pass, a relatively short and steep climb that led to a summit where we enjoyed breakfast. From the top, we had a stunning view of Snowmass Lake below, framed to the west by several interlocking valleys. It was here that we made the seus invulsus* decision to unintentionally extend our hike to five passes, later summiting Hasley Pass.
*severely unyielding
A Rough Patch
The descent from Trail Rider Pass was, in a word, brutal. The trail featured steep switchbacks, slippery rocks, and minimal functional switchbacks - leading to plenty of slips and falls and frustrated groans. We couldn't help but think that attempting this section in the heat of the afternoon would have been way worse. Eventually, we reached a large stream crossing where we stripped down to our undergarments and sat in the cold water until we couldn't feel our toes anymore. The refreshing dunk and snack break made us feel revitalized and ready to press on.
The Home Stretch
The fifth and final pass, Frigid Air, awaited us on the fourth day. We arose early, bundled up in our sleeping bags, and made coffee as we waited for the sun to rise. The sunrise scene from the top of Frigid Air was one of the highlights of the trip, a perfect ending to our journey over the passes.
Starting Points
Most hikers begin in Aspen, but this starting point can be challenging since you can't just drive to the trailhead. If you don't have someone to drop you off before 8am, you'll need to book a ticket on the shuttle from the Aspen Highlands Parking Garage. However, securing tickets can be a challenge, and parking your car in the garage for several nights can be expensive. Instead, our recommendation is to start from the Crested Butte side, which offers a more straightforward trailhead experience.
Ready, Set... Hike!
The Four Pass Loop is a grueling yet incredibly rewarding backpacking journey that will push even the most experienced hikers to their limits. With stunning views, challenging terrain, and endless opportunities for adventure, it's no wonder that this trail is a bucket list item for hikers around the world. So, lace up those boots, grab your pack, and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime.
*Note: This rewrite employs colorful language to more effectively engage the reader, while incorporating enrichment data to provide context and additional insights.
- This Four Pass Loop, a bucket-list hiking adventure, traverses the heart of Colorado's Rockies, with breathtaking alpine landscapes, towering mountains, and wildflower-carpeted forests.
- With its four mountain passes - West Maroon, Frigid Air, Trail Rider, and Buckskin - the trail earns its name, presenting adventurers with daunting yet awe-inspiring climbs.
- Gearing up for the trek requires appropriate camping essentials, such as versatile tents and durable backpacking gear, to ensure comfort amidst the rugged terrain and changing weather conditions.
- Along the journey, hikers will find themselves captivated by the presence of pristine alpine lakes, mesmerizing campfire scenes under the stars, and the alluring lifestyle of adventure-travel enthusiasts.
- The hike spans 27-30+ miles, with most hikers setting off from the Crested Butte side for a more straightforward trailhead experience.
- The Four Pass Loop is no walk in the park; extreme difficulty, long distances, and steep ascents make it a test of endurance and perseverance for even the most seasoned hikers.
- As sunrise paintings grace the mountainous skylines, the exhilaration of succeeding in this backcountry backpacking endeavor combines with the anticipation of future adventures, further fueling the passion for sports and travel among enthusiasts.
