Hiking Collection by Scott
Four Pass Loop — Four times the challenge, four times the reward
3 days
4-6 h/day
42.5km
2,230m
2,250m
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.
Visibility:
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Four Pass Loop — Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
42.5km
2,250m
2,250m
Last updated: September 2, 2025
Do it yourself!
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
1. Stage 1: Maroon Lake to Snowmass Lake — Four Pass Loop
13.4km
05:56
950m
510m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
2. Stage 2: Snowmass Lake to King Falls — Four Pass Loop
10.2km
04:10
580m
650m
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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3. Stage 3: King Falls to Maroon Lake — Four Pass Loop
19.0km
06:22
700m
1,090m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
3
Distance
42.5 km
Duration
16:27 h
Elevation
2,230 m
2,250 m
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