Backpacking the Four Pass Loop
We’ve been targeting hiking the Four Pass Loop in Aspen, Colorado since we moved to Colorado and we figured this was the best time to hike it before it is expected to change over to a permit system. We planned our trip around the changing colors of the Aspen trees and timed our trip perfectly to catch the prime golden colors surrounding the Maroon Bells.
Little did we know, there aren’t many other patches of Aspen trees along the Four Pass Loop other than Maroon Lake, so timing it with the changing colors probably was unnecessary, but it certainly made for beautiful photos at the beginning and end of the hike. The downside to hiking the Four Pass Loop in October was the cool night time temperatures. It was colder than expected and with the earlier sunset times, the night was cold and long. We greatly appreciated the warmth and comfort of Hot Cider, Idahoan Potatoes, and Annie’s Mac and Cheese - the primary food groups of our 4-day backpacking route - all of which have become staples in our go-to backpacking meals.
We opted to hike this route in 4 days and 3 nights, arguably a day longer than we needed, but this provided us with more flexibility to be at certain destinations for sunrise and sunset. We found it was peaceful and relaxing to have more time to explore. Plus, we got some extra credit steps for some side-missions in the evenings for sunset photos!
Near one of our sunset destinations, I saw some animal tracks when hiking back towards the tent. I thought they might be mountain lion tracks, but as we’ve learned from my track record - animal track identification is not my strong suit. Grady thinks that they were coyote or bobcat prints, but we’ll never know! Granted, I’m probably wrong given I once thought that mouse tracks were coyote tracks.
The four passes provided exciting milestones along the route - where each one kept us feeling a continual sense of accomplishment throughout the trip. Most of our time at the top of the passes were enjoyable - relaxing, taking in the views, and typically enjoying a snack.
The exception to that was definitely Trail Rider Pass. For me, it probably should have been called Tear Rider Pass. The wind was exceptionally strong and on the narrow, dirt path, it felt like I was going to be blown off the ridge! It was an entirely irrational fear, but in the moment - when tired, hungry, and a little scared - it felt like a very real fear.
All of that fear subsided though when we dropped into the basin on the other side of Trail Rider Pass. The views of Snowmass Lake made me feel like we were exactly where we were supposed to be. It’s a shocking change of scenery as you descend from Trail Rider Pass down to the lake and the immensity of the lake quickly draws you in. Unfortunately, Snowmass Lake was overly crowded with people illegally camped everywhere. The impact of camping so close to the lake is significant and it’s no wonder that this zone may soon go to permit systems. We had a lovely time at Snowmass Lake seeing the beauty of this place, even while camping back a 5-10 minute walk from the lake. It’s so important to respect the restrictions that are in place to preserve these beautiful places - and walking over to the lake to make morning coffee or heat up water for dinner creates a beautiful reason to enjoy that view.
Finishing the hike via Buckskin pass gives a unique perspective on the Maroon Bells and a strong appreciation for the beauty of these mountains. Their sheer walls are humbling and re-emerging into the aspen filled valley of Maroon Lake provided the perfect ending to a fantastic backpacking trip. We might’ve been tired of Idahoan potatoes and mac and cheese by the end, but I think we’d do it the same way all over again.