Hiking through the Four Pass Loop Trail: Essential Guidelines for Your Journey
The Four Pass Loop, nestled in the high country of Colorado, is a popular multi-day backpacking trail that attracts hikers from all over. This challenging loop, known for its stunning mountain views, alpine lakes, and forests, is approximately 27-30 miles long and offers a unique experience at each pass and valley.
The trail's name, Four Pass Loop, is a direct reflection of its key characteristic - crossing four high mountain passes: West Maroon Pass (12,500 ft.), Frigid Air Pass (12,415 ft.), Trail Rider Pass, and Buckskin Pass (12,500 feet). There's no historical or symbolic story behind the name; it simply describes the trail's geographical feature.
Starting the journey, one can find the trailhead just a couple of minutes after Schofield Pass, or alternatively, from the Crested Butte side by driving up Gothic Road / 317 to the East Fork / East Maroon Portal Trailhead. Another starting point is Snowmass Village, which uses the Maroon Snowmass Trail to intersect the loop near Snowmass Lake, adding approximately 16 miles roundtrip (8 miles each way).
Most hikers complete the loop in 4 days and 3 nights, but the duration may vary depending on the hiker's ability level. The trail review in this article is based on a counter-clockwise route.
West Maroon Pass offers the best views of all four passes, while the descent from Buckskin Pass has lots of switchbacks. Hasley Pass, with its unique rock formations, allows hikers to look back upon Trail Rider Pass and the less than fun descent from day 3, making it possible for some adventurous hikers to inadvertently summit an extra pass, turning the hike into the Five Pass Loop.
The Four Pass Loop Trail can be found on AllTrails for more information. It's important to note that some passes are more difficult than others, and they all require a high level of fitness and experience. They should not be attempted by casual hikers.
The trail from Trail Rider Pass to Frigid Air Pass is very steep and has minimal functional switchbacks, making it one of the most challenging parts of the hike. The descent from West Maroon Pass is the longest descent on the loop.
The best time to hike the Four Pass Loop is from July to early September, when the weather is more favourable. Parking is free at the Crested Butte trailhead.
There are multiple optional side trips that add more mileage to the loop, such as Willow Lake, Geneva Lake, summiting Maroon Peak and/or North Maroon Peak, and summiting Snowmass Mountain (14,089 ft).
In summary, the Four Pass Loop is a challenging yet rewarding backpacking trail that offers breathtaking views, alpine lakes, and forests. Its name, Four Pass Loop, reflects its geographical feature of crossing four high mountain passes, making it a must-do for experienced hikers.
- The Four Pass Loop, known for its mountain views, alpine lakes, and forests, offers a unique experience at each pass and valley in Colorado.
- The trail's geographical feature is crossing four high mountain passes, including West Maroon Pass, Frigid Air Pass, Trail Rider Pass, and Buckskin Pass.
- Hikers can start the journey from various trailheads, such as Schofield Pass, Gothic Road / 317, or Snowmass Village, adding additional miles to the loop.
- Most hikers complete the loop in 4 days and 3 nights, but the duration may vary based on ability level. The trail from Trail Rider Pass to Frigid Air Pass is particularly challenging.
- The best time to hike the Four Pass Loop is from July to early September, when the weather is more favorable.
- The trail offers optional side trips for those seeking more mileage, such as Willow Lake, Geneva Lake, and summiting Maroon Peak, North Maroon Peak, and Snowmass Mountain.
