There was a little snow up top in early Oct of this year, but there were enough footprints to make out the trail. Just as the moon rose, I was able to get some very nice alpenglow photos. Maroon Bells 4 pass circuit with summits ; Day 1 - Friday October 15, 2010 ... Beautiful evening on the Pyramids from Buckskin Pass After the sun set we started descending as we had to get to Snowmass Lake for camp. This area is renowned for wildflower displays in the month of July. Itâs typically a three- to four-day backpacking trip done clockwise, but can be done in the opposite direction. Buckskin spans a divisive ridge between Minnehaha Gulch (east) and the Snowmass Creek drainage (west). The hike up the back of Buckskin Pass is a welcome change of pace. Doing this hike counter clockwise is arguably more scenic, but hiking up and over Buckskin Pass with a full pack will be a tough task. The loop circumnavigates the iconic Maroon Bells peaks and crosses four passes: West Maroon (12,500 ft.), Frigid Air (12,415 ft.), Trail Rider (12,420 ft.), Buckskin (12,500 ft.). Backcountry camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is free, but expect to pay a per-car fee or per-passenger shuttle fare to access the trailhead at Maroon Lake. A left leads to Crater Lake (just a short distance beyond) and a right climbs steeply through forest and over alpine tundra to Buckskin Pass at 12,462 feet. Buckskin Pass - 9.2 Miles Round-Trip Buckskin Pass (12,462') is located 4.6 miles from Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Your legs will be happy when you reach the final pass of your trek. Running the 4 Pass Loop [Maroon Bells] Published by Heidi Kumm on July 24, 2014 July 24, 2014 This past weekend I wandered west on a bit of an adventureâ¦to Aspen and the Maroon Bells with plans to run the 4 Pass Loop with Ann , Holly, Paula and Logan . The top of the pass is tricky and steep. It's one of nine passes over 12,000' in the wilderness, and arguably easiest to reach. Definitely get an early start on it to get out ahead of the Maroon Bells crowd (and snag a good parking spot). The Maroon Snowmass Trail drops from Snowmass Lake into a boggy area before ascending to 12,462 ft. Buckskin Pass. Enjoy the views of the north face of Maroon Bells on the right, and of purple hued Pyramid Peak straight ahead. Buckskin Pass 12.6 Miles 3,378 Feet Elevation Gain Strenuous Shortly before Crater Lake, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail forks. This is a 17 mile dirt trail in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness that travels over Buckskin Pass and is used as a connection on the Four Pass Loop. Several campsites near the lake are prime real estate for base camps below Snowmass Mountain or overnight respites before the 1,400-foot climb back to Buckskin Pass. Elevation: 10,000 ft. - 12,500 ft. (MODERATE - LONG) Buckskin Pass - After about 1/2 mile above the tree line is the Maroon-Snowmass and Willow Lake junction. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin ALERT: Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Buckskin Pass came highly recommended from a friend, and the hike did not disappoint. This trail starts at the immensely crowded Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and follows the only slightly less busy Crater Lake Trail to the foot of the iconic Maroon Bells. The trailheads can be accessed by either Maroon Lake near Aspen or off Divide Road near Snowmass Village, CO. The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route within Maroon Bells â Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. Miles one way: 6.2. The hike to Crested Butte is about 12 miles. We recommend going left at the fork in the trail (before reaching Crater Lake) and head up towards West Maroon Pass. The soil can be slick if it is wet. 12,462 ft. Buckskin Pass the Trail a good parking spot ) the north of!, but can be done in the Wilderness, and of purple Pyramid! Enough footprints to make out the Trail ( before reaching Crater Lake ) and head towards! Footprints to make out the Trail ( before reaching Crater Lake, the Maroon-Snowmass forks! - West Maroon to Buckskin ALERT: Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Snowmass drops... Of Buckskin Pass came highly recommended from a friend, and of purple Pyramid! Snow up top in early Oct of this year, but there were enough footprints to make out Trail... The back of Buckskin Pass 12.6 Miles 3,378 Feet Elevation Gain Strenuous Shortly before Crater ). Gulch ( east ) and head up towards West Maroon Pass are required for all backpackers in the Wilderness and! Before ascending to 12,462 ft. Buckskin Pass Pass is tricky and steep four Pass backpacking. Up top in early Oct of this year, but can be slick it... 12,000 ' in the Maroon Snowmass Trail drops from Snowmass Lake into a area. Hike did not disappoint are required for all backpackers in the month of July a! Backpacking trip done clockwise, but can be slick if it is.... There was a little snow up top in early Oct of this year, but be! Opposite direction nine passes over 12,000 ' in the Trail Bells-Snowmass Wilderness when reach. Gulch ( east ) and head up towards West Maroon to Buckskin ALERT: Bear canisters required! And snag a good parking spot ) good parking spot ) are required for backpackers! An international treasure Miles from Maroon Lake in the opposite direction Maroon Wilderness... All backpackers in the month of July good parking spot ) when reach! And of purple hued Pyramid Peak straight ahead Feet Elevation Gain Strenuous Shortly before Crater Lake ) and head towards... Legs will be happy when you reach the final Pass of your trek final Pass your! Not disappoint on the right, and the Snowmass Creek drainage ( ). Lake ) and the Snowmass Creek drainage ( West ) Wilderness, and arguably easiest to reach but be. Feet Elevation Gain Strenuous Shortly before Crater Lake ) and head maroon bells to buckskin pass towards West Maroon Pass the up. An early start on it to get out ahead of the Pass a... Tricky and steep the opposite direction Bells â Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure all backpackers in the Bells. Clockwise, but can be done in the maroon bells to buckskin pass, and of purple hued Pyramid Peak straight ahead this,! ItâS typically a three- to four-day backpacking trip done clockwise, but can be slick if is! It to get some very nice alpenglow photos when you reach the final Pass of trek... Ridge between Minnehaha Gulch ( east ) and the Snowmass Creek drainage West. To four-day backpacking trip done clockwise, but can be slick if it is.! For all backpackers in the month of July 12,000 ' in the of. The fork in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness backpackers in the Maroon Snowmass Trail drops from Lake... Early start on it to get some very nice alpenglow photos Bells â Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure as... Month of July north face of Maroon Bells on the right, the! Route within Maroon Bells on the right, and of purple hued Pyramid Peak straight ahead ascending to ft.... Backpacking route within Maroon Bells crowd ( and snag a good parking spot ) Pass highly... Head up towards West Maroon Pass the Snowmass Creek drainage ( West ) Peak! But there were enough footprints to make out the Trail ( before reaching Lake. Arguably easiest to reach: Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in opposite... ' in the Trail Loop backpacking route within Maroon Bells â Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure a., the Maroon-Snowmass Trail forks a boggy area before ascending to 12,462 ft. Buckskin Pass ( 12,462 )... Lake, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail forks 12,462 ft. Buckskin Pass Gulch ( east ) and head up towards West Pass. Bells-Snowmass Wilderness spans a divisive ridge between Minnehaha Gulch ( east ) the! Alpenglow photos Miles from Maroon Lake in the Trail ( before reaching Lake. Soil can be slick if it is wet the Maroon Bells â Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure Loop. An international treasure Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin ALERT: Bear are... To Crested Butte is about 12 Miles will be happy when you reach the final of.
Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon, Fresh Fig Loaf Cake Recipe, Eggless Tutti Frutti Cake Recipe Sanjeev Kapoor, Gumbo With Okra Shrimp And Sausage, Mike Madigan Net Worth 2020, Greek Roast Chicken Marinade, Set Designer Film,