Colorado has so much to offer; its Rocky Mountains attract people from all over the world! The Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is the perfect choice to experience the best of the state on an epic backpacking adventure in the Elk Mountains —near the town of Aspen— that spans the White River and Gunnison National Forests. This 27-mile loop takes you over four stunning passes, each over 12,000 feet in elevation, offering a spectacular challenge for the daring adventurer.

The best time to complete the popular loop is July to October to fully appreciate the dramatic scenery of glaciated valleys, alpine lakes, and meadows bursting with wildflowers, and to avoid the snow melts that affect the streams you will have to cross. The trail can take you across several snowfields, even in late summer, so trekking poles and maybe even crampons are a good idea to have on hand. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoons, so plan to be over the passes by noon to avoid being caught on an exposed ridge. The weather in the high alpine can change in an instant, so you'll need to pack clothing layers for all conditions, including rain, cold, and intense sun.

Although you need permits to camp in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, you can self-register at the trailhead parking lot. You may want to get permits in advance for overnight stays at recreation.gov. Use of a bear canister for food is required in the backcountry. You can rent them from numerous sporting goods stores within the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District area. The Aspen-Sopris Ranger District also has some available for loan. You will also want to take some wag-bags. Although you are technically allowed to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp, and trails, since this is such a highly impacted area, packing out all waste is highly encouraged using wag bags is a great way to truly leave no trace and help protect this amazing backpacking loop. The route crosses numerous creeks and rivers, which are your primary water sources, and should be filtered before drinking. You will need to carry all your food with you for the 3 days, plus the bear canister, so consider your pack weight carefully.

The most common way to hike the loop is counter-clockwise, starting from the Maroon Lake trailhead and tackling Buckskin Pass first. The primary way to get there is by taking a shuttle from Aspen Highlands, and you must book your seat in advance on aspenchamber.org. If you want to drive your own car, you must also secure a separate vehicle reservation, which is only available for a few hours in the early morning or evening. Some hikers opt to do the Four Pass Loop from the Crested Butte side, linking in via the East Fork Trail over West Maroon Pass. This option does require a high clearance vehicle, but is often a little less crowded. Some people prefer this trailhead as camp fires are prohibited above 10,800 ft, making it impossible to find areas below that between Buckskin and Trail Rider Pass that permits campfires. It would be a 7-hour hike over both passes on your second day, so keep that in mind if you consider this option.

While the trail is demanding and its popularity means you’ll rarely have it to yourself, the views of the Maroon Bells and the surrounding Elk Mountains more than justify the crowds.