Fantastic Four Pass Loop Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Colorado
Sierra Club Outings Trip | Service/Volunteer
Highlights
- Enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife
- Experience high country travel through mountain passes
- Visit 4 alpine lakes, including beautiful Snowmass Lake
Includes
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All meals on trip
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Group equipment, cooking gear and bear canisters
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Experienced leaders, camaraderie and adventure
Overview
The Trip
Designated as a wilderness area in 1964, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness encompasses 181,535 acres of massive mountain ranges, 14,000-foot peaks -- including the uniquely shaped and famously picturesque Maroon Bells -- wide glacial river valleys, mountain meadows, and glistening, idyllic lakes. Situated in the White River National Forest, this wilderness provides prime habitat for moose, black bear, elk, fox, deer, mountain goat, and many bird species. The area boasts nine mountain passes above 12,000 feet. Our group will traverse four of these (West Maroon, Frigid Air, Trail Rider, and Buckskin) on a well-known route called the Four-Pass Loop. Although typically heavily visited, this trip avoids the summer crowds and takes us well into the backcountry
The Trip
Designated as a wilderness area in 1964, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness encompasses 181,535 acres of massive mountain ranges, 14,000-foot peaks -- including the uniquely shaped and famously picturesque Maroon Bells -- wide glacial river valleys, mountain meadows, and glistening, idyllic lakes. Situated in the White River National Forest, this wilderness provides prime habitat for moose, black bear, elk, fox, deer, mountain goat, and many bird species. The area boasts nine mountain passes above 12,000 feet. Our group will traverse four of these (West Maroon, Frigid Air, Trail Rider, and Buckskin) on a well-known route called the Four-Pass Loop. Although typically heavily visited, this trip avoids the summer crowds and takes us well into the backcountry. Our reward will be the splendor of early fall colors and inspiration from the unparalleled beauty of this high-country region of the Colorado Rockies.
We will be travelling over lands formerly occupied by the native Ute peoples, who maintain a strong presence in the area.
Itinerary
Day 1: The trip will start in the late afternoon at a group campsite near the trailhead. There we get acquainted over dinner, distribute group commissary, and address any gear or other questions that might arise.
Day 2: Starting at picturesque, glacier-sculpted Maroon Lake, we’ll ascend West Maroon Creek Valley on a rocky, uneven trail through thick aspen forest. Starting at 9,580 feet elevation, our group will be breathless yet exhilarated by the beauty and stark relief of the 14,000+ foot Maroon Bell’s north and south peaks ahead and the surrounding rugged mountainside. After lunching at Crater Lake (10,076 feet), we will proceed ‘up-valley’ to an early camp (10,700 feet); we will cover roughly five miles with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain this first day
Day 1: The trip will start in the late afternoon at a group campsite near the trailhead. There we get acquainted over dinner, distribute group commissary, and address any gear or other questions that might arise.
Day 2: Starting at picturesque, glacier-sculpted Maroon Lake, we’ll ascend West Maroon Creek Valley on a rocky, uneven trail through thick aspen forest. Starting at 9,580 feet elevation, our group will be breathless yet exhilarated by the beauty and stark relief of the 14,000+ foot Maroon Bell’s north and south peaks ahead and the surrounding rugged mountainside. After lunching at Crater Lake (10,076 feet), we will proceed ‘up-valley’ to an early camp (10,700 feet); we will cover roughly five miles with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain this first day.
Day 3: We’ll ascend West Maroon Creek to traverse 12,500-foot West Maroon Pass. We’ll marvel at the alpine panorama, with expansive vistas of the Elk Mountains, Crystal Canyon, aspen groves, meadows and spruce/fir forests below. After a brief descent, we’ll climb up and over 12,380-foot Frigid Air Pass, where we are greeted with views of lush Fravert Basin. Making the switchback down into a vast, green valley flanked by steep mountainsides, we’ll pass through dense forest and find camp (11,000 feet). Distance: seven miles. Elevation gain: 2,300 feet. Elevation loss: 2,000 feet.
Day 4: We’ll descend through forested switchbacks and below a waterfall, continuing down the wide Fravert Valley. Our trail levels out as it meanders alongside and across the north fork of the Crystal River. Aspen groves and distant Treasure Mountain and Lead King Basin will be in view. We’ll cross the shallow river before climbing steeply 1,000 feet up to camp above Lake Geneva, situated at 10,936 feet. Distance: five miles. Elevation gain: 1,100 feet. Elevation loss: 1,000 feet.
Day 5: We’ll ascend to Trail Rider Pass at 12,400 feet and enjoy expansive views of Snowmass Lake, Snowmass Peak and Mountain, and distant mountain ranges. We’ll set up camp near the southeast side of 10,980-foot Snowmass Lake. Distance: five miles. Elevation gain: 1,600 feet. Elevation loss: 1,600 feet.
Day 6: We’ll enjoy a layover day at idyllic Snowmass Lake. One might stay in camp and contemplate the beauty of this granite-encircled marvel. Optional short day hikes will explore the shoreline and the Snowmass Creek Trail.
Day 7: We’ll ascend through alpine meadow to Buckskin Pass at 12,462 feet. After enjoying the views, we will descend into Minnehaha Gulch and camp either at a site on the way down or continue to Crater Lake. Total distance for the day will be between 6 and 7.5 miles. We will see the fall colors of the golden aspens as we descend. We will gain 900 feet and drop down 1,000-1,500 feet.
Day 8: We will hike out to the Maroon Lake trailhead. We should arrive before noon depending on how far we went on the previous day. Distance 2-4 miles. Elevation loss: 0-1,000 feet.
Logistics
Getting There
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is accessed from the town of Aspen, Colorado. The nearest airports are nearby Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and the Denver International Airport, which is about a four-hour drive and 225 miles away. Most participants will be arriving through Denver and are encouraged to independently coordinate carpooling. Participants may want to acclimate by staying at campgrounds near the trailhead; Silver Bell and Silver Queen can be booked online via Recreation.gov. Please do not make travel arrangements until the leader has confirmed you as a trip member
Getting There
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is accessed from the town of Aspen, Colorado. The nearest airports are nearby Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and the Denver International Airport, which is about a four-hour drive and 225 miles away. Most participants will be arriving through Denver and are encouraged to independently coordinate carpooling. Participants may want to acclimate by staying at campgrounds near the trailhead; Silver Bell and Silver Queen can be booked online via Recreation.gov. Please do not make travel arrangements until the leader has confirmed you as a trip member.
Accommodations and Food
Hearty and healthy vegetarian-friendly (non-vegan) meals and snacks are provided beginning with dinner on day one and ending with breakfast on day eight. Simple breakfasts of hot cereal/granola, fruit, milk, coffee, and other hot drinks will be the norm. On the trail, lunches will consist of protein-rich tuna, peanut butter, cheese and salami with crackers, cookies or other treats. Dinners will feature a soup course, followed by a hearty carbohydrate dish like pasta or rice, usually accompanied by vegetables. Participants will be involved in meal preparation and clean-up.
Trip Difficulty
This trip is rated 4 on a scale from 1 to 5 due to high elevation travel, multiple mountain passes, and some travel days with moderate ascents and descents. Carrying a 40+ pound pack on-trail at elevations higher than one is accustomed to can be very physically challenging. Participants must be experienced backpackers in good physical condition and be prepared for the rigorous demands of high-altitude backpacking. Those with a known sensitivity to higher altitudes are encouraged to arrive in the area a day or two early to acclimatize. Mileage on our hiking days ranges from three to seven miles, with a total of 31 miles.
September’s daytime temperatures average in the mid 60s while nighttime and early morning temperatures will be in the 30s. Participants should be prepared for possible chilly weather. Although more common in mid-summer, we could see afternoon thunderstorms and lightning, while hail, snow, and high winds can occur anytime of year. Barring an early snowstorm, the mountain passes should be snow-free. Participants must be prepared for extremes in weather and be flexible should we need to adapt our route due to unexpected conditions or events.
Equipment and Clothing
Each participant will furnish his or her own personal equipment, including: backpack, sleeping bag and pad, tent, a "basics" first-aid/blister kit, toiletries, and eating utensils. Backpacks must have a capacity of at least 60 liters in order to accommodate commissary and personal gear.
Sturdy, broken-in, water-proofed boots with rubber lug soles are ideal for this trip. Water sandals or Tevas are handy for crossing streams and wearing around camp. For shelter, a tent with a rain fly is the required minimum. Waterproof jacket and pants are required. Hiking poles or a hiking stick provide helpful support. Sunscreen is an absolute necessity. The leader will send detailed equipment recommendations well in advance of the trip.
The Sierra Club will provide the following items: food (including trail snacks), pots, cooking utensils, stoves, fuel, and bear-proof canisters. At the onset of the trip, you will receive a bear canister loaded with food, plus a portion of the group gear, which together may weigh up to 15 pounds. Please limit your personal gear to 25 pounds or less so that your total pack weight is less than 45 pounds, including one to two liters of water. Participants will be provided chlorine-based preparations for treating drinking water. You may also bring your own water filter.
References
Maps:
- Maroon Bells Quadrangle 7.5 minute USGS Topographic map
- Snowmass Mountain Quadrangle 7.5 Minute USGS Topographic map
- National Geographic Map: Maroon Bells, Redstone, Marble
Books:
- Molvar, Erik, Hiking Colorado’s Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
Conservation
“The love of wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyond reach; it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth ... the only home we shall ever know, the only paradise we ever need -- if only we had the eyes to see." -- Edward Abbey
As an environmental organization, the Sierra Club is concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources, both locally and globally. We accomplish our work with volunteers and a dedicated staff, encouraging grassroots involvement. Our outings seek to empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and participation in the goals of the Club.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is part of America’s 110-million-acre National Wilderness Preservation System, which recently had its 50th anniversary. It provides protected habitat for rare and endangered plants and animals in riparian zones, mountain meadows, alpine tundra, conifer forests, and aspen groves. Warming climate, decreased annual snowpack, and reduction of surface water have significantly impacted these habitats. Mountain pine beetle infestation, dying aspen groves, habitat encroachment from development, and environmental concerns related to extraction of natural resources will be discussed during the outing. We will practice Leave No Trace principles such as camping and traveling on durable surfaces, properly disposing of bio-waste, packing out our food and paper waste, and respecting wildlife.
Sierra Club is an equal-opportunity service provider and employer. Sierra Club operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.
Staff
Map
Important Notes
- Carbon Offsets
- Carpooling
- Electronic Billing and Forms
- Electronic Devices
- Equipment
- Essential Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply for a Trip
- Leader Gratuities
- Medical Issues
- Non-discrimination Statement
- Participant Agreement
- Seller of Travel Disclosure
- Single Supplements
- Terms and Conditions
- Travel Insurance
- Trip Feedback
- Trip Price
- Wilderness Manners