John Muir Trail
July – Sept | 340 km | 25 Days | FKT: 2d 19h 26m (S-to-N) | California
28-mile trek circumnavigating
Colorado’s Maroon Bells
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Maroon Bells 4 Passes Loop
28-mile trek circumnavigating Colorado’s Maroon Bells
June to
September
0
Miles
0
Days
4h 17m
FKT (Standard)
about the trek
What to Expect
The Maroon Bells 4 Passes Loop is one of the most iconic hikes in Colorado. It crosses through 4 valleys via 4 high passes – West Maroon, Frigid Air, Trail Rider, and Buckskin – each over 12,000 feet. The loop typically takes 4 days to complete, though at least one intrepid adventurer has completed it in just over 4 hours!
"There is no summit that comes before you expect it."
-Mark Obmascik
The 4 Passes Loop starts at Maroon Lake, near Snowmass, which is known to be one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Colorado. Crowds are heavy near the trailheads by the lake, but they quickly dissipate once you’ve covered some of the loop’s 7,700 feet of elevation gain. Your only worry then should be high moose and bear activity in the region, which are more endearing than threatening if you use a bear canister for food and keep your distance.
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