Trip Report
Backpack – BPX 4-Day: Four Pass Loop from West Maroon Trailhead
Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. Itinerary was set to do the loop in a clockwise direction.
Sandy Heise
- Mon, Jul 17, 2023 — Thu, Jul 20, 2023
- Backpack – BPX 4-Day: Four Pass Loop from West Maroon Trailhead
- Backpacking
- Canceled
- Road suitable for all vehicles
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After multiple conversations with Forest Service Rangers in the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, and checking online trip reports, the conditions were deemed too dangerous for a safe and fun trip. After a high-snow winter and spring, all 4 passes still had deep snow; some trails were snow-covered and harder to navigate. In other trail areas, the mud was extensive, causing damage to trails and the surrounding areas.
Three rescues had been done by SAR groups in the days before this trip was to begin. Online trip reports showed Buckskin Pass with particularly steep and hard snow, requiring ice axes and helmets. Some backpackers managed to get around some of the snow by doing sketchy rock scrambles. Multiple creek crossings were reported as deep and swift (up to waist deep).
These conditions presented risks that were not acceptable to this trip leader.
- Sandy Heise
Plan far ahead! Permits are now required for this loop and it is a popular trip. As soon as you get your permit, get a parking reservation as well.
Do thorough research, especially if you want to go before August 1. See my Route Conditions section. This trip was canceled due to adverse conditions. Many other permit-holders canceled their trips as well. A FS Ranger that I spoke with reported a year-to-date success rate of 10% on this loop on July 12.