Four Pass Loop

The four mountain passes you will hike up and over are Buckskin, Trail Rider, Frigid Air, and West Maroon. Most hikers take 3-4 days to do the full loop. The scenery is what makes this route so popular. You will be surrounded by 13 and 14,000 foot peaks. Depending on time of year, the basins will likely be full of wildflowers. You have lakes, streams, forests, and of course high rocky passes. This loop can be done in either direction. There are several tent camping sites and numerous water sources along the way. The most popular time for this hike is late summer after most of the snow has melted. Do not underestimate this strenuous outing. There are steep switchbacks taking you to high elevations. Take note, you do not want to be up high on a pass during an afternoon thunderstorm and become a lightning strike victim. Bear canisters or IGBC approved containers are required when camping overnight. Bear canisters or any IGBC approved bear-resistant container are required to hike Four Pass Loop. If you encounter a ranger, you will be ticketed and asked to leave if you don’t have one.  A permit is not yet required to hike this trail however, overnight visitors must self-register at the trailhead kiosks and each party is required to possess a copy of the registration tag. There are numerous requirements and restrictions. Please click on the forest service link at the bottom of this description field.

Access: If you plan to access the trail from the east, via the Maroon Lake trailhead, you will need to purchase a parking reservation or a shuttle ride up to the trailhead. Either of these should be purchased in advance, online at aspenchamber.org. for more information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40555

For more information on this loop hike: 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40555

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/four-pass-loop--5

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Camping, Hiking
• Climbing Category: Basic Alpine Climb
• Seasons: June, July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 26.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 7,752 ft
• High Point: 12,000 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, Aspen Ranger District (WRNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Maroon Bells Scenic Area
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12