Backpacking the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells (3D/2N)

Trip Details:

• Total distance: 33.1 miles
• Total elevation gain: 8,098 feet
• Route Type: Loop on maintained trails
• Wilderness Area: Maroon Bells Wilderness
• Season: Late (August)
• Permits: No backpacking permit reservations but very complicated parking permits

Itinerary:

This is a modification of the famous and highly popular Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells Wilderness of Colorado. The standard and most popular route starts from the Maroon Creek TH. While there are currently no permits required to backpack in this wilderness area, to enter from the Maroon Creek TH, you will need to reserve a parking permit ahead of time, OR hire a driver to drop you off in the park, OR take a series of public transportation.

OR… You could enter through the sneaky backdoor, Geneva Lake TH. However, I would only recommend entering from this direction if you have a 4WD high clearance vehicle and the confidence to drive it up and down some sketchy shit! We had a bit of an adventure accessing the trailhead in Mike’s Subaru Outback. Something with a bit more clearance or a less-melted clutch would have been nice. Anyways, if you are prepared for the challenging accessibility, read on!

August 12-14, 2021

Day 0: Drive from Marble, CO to Geneva TH

I met up with Mike and Marianna in the town of Marble, Colorado to consolidate vehicles and gear and venture into the wilderness. We originally had planned to do a small amount of backpacking from the TH on the first evening, but the drive, being challenging, took longer than expected and we just pitched our tents at the Geneva Lake TH.

Day 1: Geneva TH to West Maroon Pass (11.2 miles, 3,596 ft)

We started our backpacking adventure the following morning, which was now to be consolidated down into a 3 day counterclockwise loop. During late August, the wildflowers were exploding, ripe huckleberries lined the strenuous uphill, and we were amazingly lucky to avoid smoke and haze! Most route options go for a pass a day, but we squeezed in two: Frigid Air Pass and West Maroon Pass. There were some really beautiful spots between the two passes, so if you have the time, spending a night here would be magical. However, we went up and over West Maroon Pass and camped on a small rise in a copse of trees with unreal views down the canyon. I was losing my mind over the wildflowers all the livelong day. The alpenglow on the maroon rocks here will have you questioning whether or not you are on drugs.

Day 2: West Maroon to Snowmass Lake (11.8 miles, 2,789 ft)

On our second day we ascended and descended Buckskin Pass. This was a day of many berries. Look to the ground people! Blueberries and strawberries abound: another episode of Jessica losing her shit over wild plants. Bending over wearing a 35+ lb pack and standing back up at 12,000 ft is maybe not the most chill feeling for your brain.

We spent the second night at Snowmass Lake. Like everyone everywhere who writes about this trail will tell you, Snowmass Lake is stunning: steep granite basin encircling snowy turquoise water. But be aware that it is an absolute mad house. There were so many tents clustered around the lake that it seemed like a festival, and sadly, a lot of toilet paper and human waste as well 🙁 . Finding a spot to pop a squat was challenging. This spot could really use a composting wilderness toilet or a quota.

Day 3: Snowmass Lake Out (10.1 miles, 1,713 ft)

On day 3 we had to make some tough decisions: how would we exit? We were fairly certain the Subaru was not going to make it back up the road with all 3 of us in it, so Mike decided he would exit the Geneva TH, try to get the car back out to Marble, and then swing around and try to pick us up in Crystal. The thought was that perhaps the road to Crystal was more manageable (note: it was not).

So the 3 of us set out and over Trail Rider Pass, after which we separated – Mike to the car, Mariana and me to Geneva Lake and then the Lost Trail Road toward Crystal. Fortunately, once we reached Crystal, we encountered a Jeep Crew who picked up these 2 stinky hitchhikers and delivered us all the way back to Marble, where we found Mike at the singular restaurant. The Subaru had made it, after blowing a tire and exchanging it for a donut.

Now that I think about it, you should probably just do the normal route instead (insert crazy eyes).

Gear notes! I brought my zero bag and that was definitely overkill – I was pretty hot both nights. Would have been comfier in a 30 bag. Hammock camping would certainly possible because there are tons of trees at all the camping areas, but I’d def bring a fly and a bug net or jacket.