White River National Forest's Four Pass Loop runs a demanding multi-day circuit through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, with hike-in campsites distributed across the route at intervals suited to a three or four day itinerary. Sites sit near streams, which reviewers note provide a reliable water source, and the loop passes Snowmass Lake, where the largest and most-used campsite tends to draw the most foot traffic. Start early on pass crossings. Afternoon lightning storms are a documented pattern in this terrain, and the high-altitude elevation gain makes the route physically taxing regardless of fitness level. Dogs are permitted, and campfires are allowed at established sites. Backpackers who can commit to the full loop will find campsites near Snowmass Village a useful planning reference, while those wanting nearby alternatives can compare options at Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Dispersed Camping to the west.
Description
Overnight permit required for overnight stays within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1083862.pdf
ALERT: Due to recent bear activity, bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route within Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past clear alpine lakes and among the rugged Elk Range peaks. Thousands of people every summer make the journey to see these sights. Make sure to plan ahead and know before you go! Early summer snowmelt makes the river crossing perilous and deep snow persists on the passes until late in the summer. Sudden thunderstorms can catch travelers exposed far from the cover of tree-line in mid-summer and snow fall returns to the high country early. Please observe all recommendations and regulations to help the US Forest Service protect this unique experience and wild landscape for all. View a downloadable trail guide: Four Pass Loop Trail Guide (PDF) View select campsite location & restrictions (PDF)
Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave. You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn more about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails. Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others. Dogs are prohibited in the Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, including the hot springs. Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed. Campfires are prohibited at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and above 10,800 feet including Snowmass Lake. Campfires consume wood, accumulate trash, kill fragile alpine vegetation, sterilize the soil and scar the land. Lightweight camp stoves are recommended. Campers must camp in designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Copper Lake, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, Capitol Lake and Thomas Lakes. Everywhere else campers should set up more than 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails and use previously impacted campsites. Camp out of sight of others and away from fragile areas. As with all designated Wilderness, motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, ATVs, carts, drones, hang gliders and paragliders. This equipment is prohibited to provide visitors with a primitive recreational experience and to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFour Pass Loop is located in Colorado near Snowmass Village
Public CampgroundDirections
The Maroon Lake trailhead is located 6 1/2 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado, on Maroon Creek Road. From Highway 82 take the Maroon Creek Road exit at the roundabout on the West edge of town. Follow Maroon Creek Road to the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Day users and overflow backpackers be asked to park at Aspen Highlands and take a bus to the trailhead. Backpackers parking at the Maroon Lake trailhead, please only park in the designated overnight lot. From mid-June through September, day use traffic is restricted on Maroon Creek Road between 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. View Maroon Lake access information.
Coordinates
39.10193772 N
106.99417836 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 47 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 2 min from Denver, CO
- 4 hrs 11 min from Boulder, CO
- 4 hrs 49 min from Colorado Springs, CO
