Backpacking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop | Colorado

The Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop in the Snowmass Wilderness is one of the top hikes in Colorado. Located near Aspen, it is the 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 tests the soul and feeds it at the same time. The loop circumnavigates the iconic Maroon Bells peaks and crosses four passes: West Maroon Pass (12,500 ft.), Frigid Air Pass (12,415 ft.), Trail Rider Pass (12,420 ft.), & Buckskin Pass (12,500 ft.). It’s typically a three- to four-day backpacking trip done clockwise, but can be done in the opposite direction. Ambitious trail runners also tackle the loop in one day.

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-Clockwise loop-
The hike starts at 9,580-feet at the Maroon Lake trailhead. The first 1.8 miles to Crater Lake climbs through giant aspen groves. Because this part of the wilderness area provides access points to many of the surrounding 14ers and different trails, like Buckskin Pass, it can be very crowded.

Once past Crater Lake, however, crowds dissipate and the long yet moderate climb up West Maroon Creek is stunning. The trail meanders along the creek before popping into high alpine tundra above the tree-line. West Maroon Pass is known for some of the most breathtaking and colorful wildflowers in the area, especially from mid-July into August. There are some campsites in this area. The last mile to the first pass is a set of steep switchbacks, but the view at the top is the reward.
Top Aspen Hikes: The Four Pass Loop, Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado
From here, it descends quickly and in 1 mile, the trail intersects with Frigid Air Pass. Take a right (other hikers will continue to Crested Butte by staying on the main trail). It ascends for about 1 mile and Frigid Air can be seen high above, reached by a series of steep switchbacks.

From the second pass, Frigid Air, Fravert Basin can be seen below. The trail descends through an alpine field and enters a spruce forest heading toward the North Fork of the Crystal River. Along the river, there are several campsites; remember to camp at least 100 feet from the stream. After another 1.5 miles, the trail begins a series of steep switchbacks adjacent to the stream—also a stunning waterfall with high water.

In another mile, the trail branches just after a small clearing. Here the trail turns right. When it forks, take the right for .75 of a mile, and then it forks again. Take the right fork toward Trail Rider Pass. Of course, the trail goes back up here! Continue on the trail, noting where it veers off to the left for Geneva Lake. Hike up and up until the third pass is reached, Trail Rider. From here, Snowmass Lake is visible.

Here a breathtaking descent delivers hikers to Snowmass Lake. Opt to camp at the many sites here, or continue on the loop by getting on the Maroon-Snowmass Trail and heading toward Buckskin Pass. After crossing Snowmass Creek, the trail ascends to the last pass, Buckskin. There is some camping about halfway up here, and keep in mind there is nothing until the other side for Buckskin Pass in the Minnehaha Gulch area. Reach the top of Buckskin Pass for the last views about 12,000 feet, where the Maroon Bells share the ridge, and Pyramid Peak can be seen across the valley. And then, as they say, it’s all downhill from here.

0:00 - Intro
0:51 - The Beginning
1:27 - Maroon Lake & the Bells
2:09 - Permits & Hike to Crater Lake
3:43 - Crater Lake & Snack
6:30 - Heading Towards West Maroon Pass
13:05 - Camp #1
18:56 - Morning Day 2
21:13 - The Climb to West Maroon Pass
22:48 - West Maroon Pass
25:00 - Off to Frigid Air Pass
27:20 - Frigid Air Pass
29:00 - Into Fravert Basin
33:55 - Camp #2
40:08 - Morning Day #3
44:04 - The Climb to Trail Rider Pass
48:31 - Trail Rider Pass
50:29 - Heading to Snowmass Lake
52:38 - Camp #3
54:35 - Morning Day 4
56:30 - The Climb to Buckskin Pass
1:02:01 - Buckskin Pass
1:03:42 - The Descent to Crater Lake
1:08:57 - Maroon Lake, Summary, Photos