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Once you search on Google for photographs of Colorado, a lot of these breathtaking, iconic images of mountain peaks surrounded by alpine lakes and wildflowers are of the Maroon Bells close to Aspen. It’s no marvel that many individuals want to expertise this magic for themselves, making the 4 Cross Loop probably the most widespread Colorado climbing trails.
The well-known 4 Cross Loop path spans 26 miles. Because the title implies, this circuit contains 4 mountain passes (West Maroon – 12,500 toes; Frigid Air – 12,415 toes; Path Rider -12,420 toes; Buckskin – 12,500 toes). Because of the excessive elevation and rocky terrain, this route is taken into account difficult.
As somebody who had beforehand tried backpacking solely as soon as earlier than, I knew this might be an formidable journey for my first multi-night backpacking journey. Nonetheless, I had lived and hiked in Colorado for 5 years, so I eagerly accepted my good friend’s invitation to push my limits and accompany her on this 3-day tour.
The 4 Cross Loop path stays one among my most treasured Colorado climbing experiences. It’s the good backpacking journey for anybody who’s searching for scenic views and is keen to problem themselves. On this submit, I share the whole lot you want to find out about climbing the long-lasting 4 Cross Loop.
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4 Cross Loop Stats & FAQs
The 4 Cross Loop is the way it sounds – a loop path the place you summit 4 mountain passes above 12,000 toes. It’s within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness close to Crested Butte and Aspen, Colorado.
Path Fundamentals
How lengthy is the 4 Cross Loop path?
Whereas there may be some discrepancy on the precise distance, the 4 Cross Loop is about 26 miles, with some saying barely kind of. There are a number of beginning and ending factors, however many hikers start and finish their hike on the Maroon Scenic Space on the Aspen facet.
How lengthy does it take to hike the 4 Cross Loop?
I selected to do it in 3 days, however I like to recommend 4 days. The commonest itineraries are 3 days/2 nights or 4 days/3 nights. I selected to do it in 3 days, however I like to recommend 4 days as defined additional under.
It largely relies on your bodily health, how a lot time your schedule permits, your want so as to add on optionally available excursions to Geneva Lake and Willow Lake, and the kind of expertise you wish to have.
How troublesome is the 4 Cross Loop path?
The 4 Cross Loop is taken into account a difficult hike. There are steep switchbacks to climb and descend on the mountain passes and a complete of seven,752 toes in elevation achieve.
With a lot of the Maroon Bells 4 Cross Loop being over 10,000 toes, you additionally need to give your self loads of time to regulate to the excessive elevation. Ensure you know the indicators of altitude illness and have a plan in case you or somebody in your group experiences this.
There are additionally lengthy stretches of solar publicity, so bear in mind to deliver solar safety.
The expertise and the views are actually value it, although! Simply know your bodily capabilities and adequately put together for this journey.
Is the 4 Cross Loop distant?
It’s thought-about a distant wilderness backpacking journey. Nonetheless, the 4 Cross Loop path is widespread amongst hikers and path runners, so you’re sure to come across different folks.
The climate is unpredictable and rapidly modifications at excessive elevations. Be sure you pack for all circumstances.
Are there bears on the 4 Cross Loop?
The path is in black bear nation. Because of this, you should use a bear canister or Ursack. To guard folks and bears, anybody tenting with out an accredited bear-resistant container will obtain a ticket and be required to depart.
Is the 4 Cross Loop well-marked?
Sure, the 4 Cross Loop is well-marked, however it’s nonetheless doable to get misplaced within the wilderness, particularly in snowy circumstances.
I like to recommend bringing a compass and a replica of the 4 Cross Loop map. You also needs to be sure to’re aware of learn a topo map and fundamental wilderness navigation strategies.
What path ought to I hike the 4 Cross Loop?
When you start on the Maroon Scenic Space (as I like to recommend), you’ll hike for about 1.5 miles from the parking zone/shuttle drop-off space earlier than you attain the fork within the path to hike the loop clockwise or counterclockwise.
I made a decision to hike the 4 Cross Loop clockwise from the Maroon Scenic Space and advocate going this manner. The views get higher every day, and the view of Snowmass Lake as you descend Path Rider Cross is unbelievable.
When you full this journey in 3 days, additionally, you will get to knock out two mountain passes on the primary day, making the opposite two days slightly extra manageable.
Each instructions are equally difficult, and the entire elevation achieve/loss is almost an identical. When you discover the incline uphill harder, clockwise is barely simpler.
The elevation achieve for West Maroon Cross is much less intense than the elevation achieve for Buckskin Cross in the event you had been to go counterclockwise. Nonetheless, if the descent is tough in your knees, it’s possible you’ll need to contemplate going counterclockwise for that very same purpose.
Do I want climbing permits for the 4 Cross Loop?
As of 2023, you should buy Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness In a single day Permits on Recreation.gov to spend the evening on the path. You could reserve these forward of time and print them to deliver with you in your journey, as you can not buy permits on the ranger station.
Earlier than your journey, you will have to resolve which path you’ll go (clockwise vs. counterclockwise), plan your itinerary forward of time (see the subsequent part), decide the place you’ll camp every evening of your journey throughout the designated areas within the in a single day allow zone, and reserve your permits accordingly.
You additionally should reserve a parking allow or shuttle transportation from the Aspen Highlands parking storage.
How many individuals can I deliver with me on my allow?
Many of the 4 Cross Loop campsite permits for every zone are just for teams with 1-4 folks. A choose variety of giant group permits of 5-10 individuals are accessible for Crater, Maroon, Snowmass Lake, and North Fork.
When you can not safe a big group website, you will have to have another person out of your group attempt to reserve a second allow (and camp at a distinct website) in the event you plan on going with a bunch of greater than 4 folks.
What’s the water availability on the 4 Cross Loop?
There are quite a few small creeks and is derived alongside the path for filling your water; nevertheless, you should deliver a water filtration system to purify your water earlier than consuming.
I like to recommend filtering your water at your campsite with a water filtration system to have 3-4 liters of water in a reservoir always.
For the reason that availability of some water sources can range relying on the season and circumstances, learn latest studies earlier than your journey to plan your water refill stops.
Sections with out water
Greatest time of yr to hike the 4 Cross Loop
Though permits are issued and required year-round, the most effective time to hike the 4 Cross Loop path and go to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July by September for the most effective climate circumstances. I accomplished the loop in early September and had good circumstances (sunny skies, not too scorching or chilly).
Whereas there’s a danger of summer season thunderstorms with nearly all of the hike being above treeline, I like to recommend planning your journey in July, August, or September for private security and the most effective probability of nice backpacking circumstances.
For the reason that in a single day wilderness permits are good for 7 nights, you may all the time modify your journey barely based mostly on the forecast as wanted.
Snow risks
Since this path sits at such a excessive altitude within the Rocky Mountains, the remainder of the yr presents distinctive dangers. The 4 Cross Loop path, together with campsites and mountain passes, tends to be coated in snow from the start of October by the tip of June.
4 Cross Loop Itinerary Choices
Backpacking the 4 Cross Loop requires a good quantity of preparation. You could get hold of in a single day campsite permits for every evening of your journey, make a parking or shuttle reservation, and pack the required gear.
I’ll dive into the whole lot you want to find out about planning your 4 Cross Loop backpacking journey under.
The place to start out the 4 Cross Loop
Earlier than you choose an itinerary, you should resolve if it makes extra sense so that you can begin the loop in Crested Butte or Aspen. There are a few minor variations in the event you resolve to start out in Crested Butte versus Aspen.
When you park on the East Fork trailhead in Crested Butte, you don’t want a parking allow or shuttle reservation; nevertheless, you will have to drive up a tough dust highway. Additionally, you will miss out on seeing Maroon Lake within the Maroon Scenic Space (except you add on the additional 3 miles).
If you’re driving from Denver, it’s extra handy to start out the hike in Aspen, as it should prevent two hours of driving time.
From Salt Lake Metropolis, the East Fork trailhead in Crested Butte is simply 20 extra minutes of driving time than the Aspen Highlands start line, making each choices equally handy. The one purpose I would advocate beginning in Crested Butte somewhat than Aspen is so that you should not have to pay for a parking allow or shuttle.
Selecting an itinerary
Earlier than you buy your in a single day wilderness tenting permits, you want to resolve the place you’ll start your journey (Aspen/Maroon Scenic Space or Crested Butte/East Fork), which path you’ll journey by the loop (clockwise or counterclockwise), and what number of nights you plan to remain.
Most individuals full the 4 Cross Loop in 3-4 days. As a consequence of schedule restrictions, I needed to full the loop in 3 days, leading to lengthy days of climbing with little time for stress-free or including optionally available extensions.
If I had been to do that hike once more, I’d comply with the 4-day itinerary. This lets you hike at a leisurely tempo, hike one mountain cross per day, and account for any surprising afternoon thunderstorms.
Listed below are 4 completely different 4 Cross Loop itineraries, two for going clockwise from Aspen/Maroon Scenic Space, and two for going counterclockwise from Crested Butte/East Fork.
3-day itinerary (beginning in Aspen; clockwise)
That is the itinerary I adopted.
4-day itinerary (beginning in Aspen; clockwise)
3-day itinerary (beginning in Crested Butte; counterclockwise)
4-day itinerary (beginning in Crested Butte; counterclockwise)
Day hikes and in a single day choices
If you wish to expertise the Maroon Bells 4 Cross Loop however don’t have time to do the entire thing, listed here are a couple of different choices.
Navigating the 4 Cross Loop Path
The 4 Cross Loop path is well-marked, and in the event you plan your journey between July to September, you will note loads of folks alongside the path. It’s a widespread path for day hikes, backpacking journeys, and path runs.
Nonetheless, I like to recommend bringing a tough copy of a map of the world and a compass. I’ve heard tales of individuals by accident wandering off the path and ending up on the cliff face of a mountain cross.
You should purchase a Colorado Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Map. This map additionally notes water sources alongside the route so you possibly can plan the place you’ll fill/filter your water whereas climbing.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness In a single day Permits
As of 2023, you should get hold of wilderness permits to camp in a single day on the 4 Cross Loop. You could plan your journey to make sure you reserve the proper permits.
4 Cross Loop permits FAQ
7 campsite allow zones
The 4 Cross Loop campsites are divided into seven zones as follows. They’re listed under within the order you encounter them when climbing clockwise from Aspen.
Necessary Allow Dates
These are the allow launch dates for 2024.
4 Cross Loop Parking and Shuttle Reservations
Along with superior preparation for the tenting permits, you should determine your parking scenario forward of time. Since you can begin the hike in both Aspen through the Maroon Scenic Space or Crested Butte through East Fork, I’ve included the parking info for every.
Aspen/Maroon Scenic Space
The Maroon Scenic Space is the preferred spot for beginning the 4 Cross Loop path. When you plan to start/finish your backpacking journey right here between Could 15-October 31, you should reserve both a parking or shuttle reservation, or organize a drop off.
In case you have further questions on Maroon Bells parking and shuttle reservations, name 970-930-6442 or e-mail data@visitmaroonbells.com.
Parking at Maroon Scenic Space
The value to park is $10/car. Aside from the night parking time talked about under, you should plan to reach earlier than 8:00 AM on the day of your parking reservation between Could 26-October 22.
There are 4 completely different parking instances you possibly can reserve relying on if you’re climbing your entire loop, the size of your day hike, and the time of day you need to go to.
Drop offs at Maroon Scenic Space
You would possibly contemplate having somebody drop you off within the Maroon Scenic Space if you’re doing a day hike from Aspen to Crested Butte on the West Maroon Path.
You might have a non-public car drop you off between 6:00 AM to eight:00 AM and not using a parking reservation. Industrial drop offs are usually not allowed.
Shuttle to Maroon Scenic Space
After I backpacked the 4 Cross Loop, I took the shuttle. Listed below are some vital issues to notice in regards to the shuttle.
Useful Tip
Free parking for the shuttle
If taking the shuttle, you possibly can park totally free on the Brush Creek Park & Trip in Aspen. There’s a free shuttle service from right here to Aspen Highlands. I didn’t know I might do that for my journey and paid $40/day to park my car on the Aspen Highlands parking storage.
Crested Butte/East Fork
You do not want a allow to park on the East Fork trailhead. You’ll be able to park in a single day totally free. This parking space is about 45 minutes from the city of Crested Butte, and you will discover it on the suitable after passing Emerald Lake.
It’s a giant dust lot with a lot of parking areas. There are studies of the highway being tough; nevertheless, in the event you drive fastidiously over the potholes, it’s doable in any car and doesn’t require 4-wheel drive.
Bearfoot Idea founder Kristen drove this highway in her Sprinter Van again in 2019. The most important challenge she skilled is the highway is kind of slim in a few locations with room for just one bigger automotive at a time.
My 4 Cross Loop Journey Report
I hiked the 4 Cross Loop in 3 days through the first weekend of September 2022. Hikers can comply with this similar itinerary by buying the in a single day permits famous within the description for every day. Beneath is my detailed journey report.
Day 1: Maroon Scenic Space to North Fork Zone / Fravert Basin
Day 1 Path Fundamentals
Attending to the trailhead
I departed Fort Collins, Colorado early on September 3, 2022 to start the 4-hour drive to Aspen. I finished at a restaurant for a fast breakfast in Aspen earlier than heading to the parking storage to park my automotive and catch the shuttle.
Upon arriving on the Aspen Highlands parking storage, I organized my backpacking gear with my good friend within the parking zone. As soon as I had divvied up the provides, I waited on the desk for the 8:00 AM shuttle tickets I had reserved, then boarded the shuttle to the Maroon Scenic Space.
The shuttle driver supplied an fascinating commentary with details in regards to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness through the 25-minute drive.
Upon arriving on the Maroon Scenic Space, I used the restroom amenities. I took images on the iconic Maroon Lake earlier than setting off on the path.
Mountaineering the path
I hiked at a gradual incline for slightly over 1.5 miles. My contemporary legs and adrenaline made this primary stretch cross rapidly.
Earlier than I knew it, I reached the wood indicators that mark the fork to resolve whether or not to proceed clockwise or counterclockwise. Since I had deliberate the itinerary and campsites to hike the loop clockwise, I adopted the signal pointing towards Crater Lake.
I reached Crater Lake round 9:30 AM and stopped once more for some images. This scenic lake is surrounded by the long-lasting peaks of the Maroon Bells and exquisite aspen timber.
Many individuals select this at their ending level for a day hike; nevertheless, it was simply the beginning of my journey.
I hiked uphill on the rocky path within the solar, stopping solely as soon as for a 20-minute break in a spot with shade to eat lunch. I’d have preferred to cease and relaxation extra, however I knew I had many miles to cowl on that first day.
Whereas climbing to West Maroon Cross, I loved the views of the inexperienced grass, remaining wildflowers, and inexperienced aspen timber that had been simply beginning to flip yellow round us. This part of the 4 Cross Loop follows West Maroon Creek, so there have been ample alternatives to refill my water as wanted.
The path was clearly marked, and I interacted with many encouraging backpackers. After 4 hours, I reached the summit of West Maroon Cross.
West Maroon Cross
Though it felt troublesome on the time, West Maroon Cross was most likely the best cross I climbed out of the 4 mountain passes within the loop. The incline was regular and manageable.
From Crater Lake to the highest of West Maroon Cross, you achieve 2,367 toes of elevation over 4.3 miles. I loved the huge views of the Maroon Bells wilderness on the summit.
The descent was difficult, because the rock scree was free and slippery. I felt grateful for my trekking poles and grippy climbing boots!
Frigid Air Cross
Two hours after I reached the summit of West Maroon Cross, I discovered myself on the highest of Frigid Air Cross. Though the ascent of Frigid Air was comparatively quick, it was extraordinarily steep.
You achieve virtually 500 toes of elevation in half of a mile whereas climbing above 12,000 toes. I wanted to cease for frequent breaks to catch my breath earlier than taking a couple of extra steps.
As I descended Frigid Air Cross round 3:30 PM, I felt exhausted and determined to discover a tenting spot to settle in for the evening.
I assumed I’d discover a campsite comparatively rapidly; nevertheless, it took about two hours after I had reached the highest of Frigid Air Cross earlier than I discovered a spot to arrange camp. This was because of an absence of dispersed campsites on the southern tip of the North Fork Zone.
I discovered a spot in Fravert Basin alongside the Crystal River and ensured I used to be 70 steps away from the water. I arrange my tent round 5:30 PM, made dinner, and fell asleep shortly afterward to arrange for an additional lengthy and scenic day of climbing.
Day 2: North Fork Zone / Fravert Basin to Higher Snowmass Zone
Day 2 Path Fundamentals
Mountaineering in Fravert Basin
On the second day, I departed my campsite round 7:30 AM and set out on the path. I loved strolling by Fravert Basin, which options forests, pure creeks, and waterfalls.
I additionally appreciated the consolation of the shade and the cushion of the pine needles beneath my toes whereas climbing that morning.
After climbing a couple of miles, I additionally reached the primary (and solely) water crossing the place I wanted to vary into my climbing sandals. The water was low and solely about 6 inches deep, however I didn’t need to danger climbing the remainder of day in moist socks and boots.
I might have added two miles to my day to see Geneva Lake earlier than ascending Path Rider Cross. Nonetheless, since I felt drained from the day prior to this and knew I had one other lengthy day forward, I made a decision to not.
I finished for a fast lunch at a small physique of water earlier than beginning the ascent of Path Rider Cross.
Path Rider Cross
I bear in mind the ascent to Path Rider Cross feeling lengthy and steep, and I moved slowly. To distract my mind and assist cross the time on the path, I struck up a dialog with a solo feminine hiker.
After telling her the place I had camped final evening, she instructed me that she had camped a couple of miles additional into the forest of Fravert Basin within the North Fork Zone. She awoke to moose surrounding her campsite that morning! Though I didn’t see any wildlife on the loop, it was enjoyable to listen to about her expertise and see her images.
Round midday, I reached the summit of Path Rider Cross. It was my favourite cross of your entire journey as a result of I might see the attractive blue water of Snowmass Lake.
The beautiful water views plus the sleek descent from the highest of Path Rider Cross all the way down to Snowmass Lake made it my favourite stretch of the 4 Cross Loop path.
Snowmass Lake
I reached Snowmass Lake round 2:00 PM and stopped to eat a snack, relaxation my legs, and watch folks swim within the cool water.
Snowmass Lake stays one among my favourite alpine lakes of all time. I want I might have camped at this lake, however it will have made for a protracted final day of climbing.
After having fun with the lake for about half an hour, I continued to the Higher Snowmass Zone and located a campsite close to Snowmass Creek. I arrange camp round 5:00 PM, napped, made dinner, and fell asleep round 7:00 PM.
Day 3: Higher Snowmass Zone to Maroon Scenic Space
Day 3 Path Fundamentals
On my closing day on the 4 Cross Loop, I awoke and departed my campsite round 7:00 AM. I loved watching the dawn gentle up the encircling mountain peaks as I hiked by the forest to Buckskin Cross.
Buckskin Cross
The ascent of Buckskin Cross featured quite a few steep switchbacks. After a sluggish and regular climb, I reached the summit round 9:00 AM.
I took a brief break to take images and admire the views from the highest of the ultimate cross of the loop.
The miles between the highest of Buckskin Cross to the Maroon Scenic Space appeared to final without end. I admired the altering aspen timber round me however felt drained from the lengthy days of carrying my heavy pack.
In my rush to complete, I slipped as soon as and obtained a small reduce on my hand. Sadly, I additionally obtained stung by a bee!
I arrived on the parking zone to catch the shuttle simply earlier than midday.
After I returned to the Aspen Highlands parking storage, I known as my husband to inform him about my journey. I grabbed a celebratory lunch with my good friend at a restaurant in Aspen earlier than hitting the highway again to Fort Collins.
Useful Tip
Camp at Willow Lake if time permits
When you descend Buckskin Cross, there may be an optionally available path to see Willow Lake. The hike to Willow Lake provides 7 miles (and one other steep climb) to the entire hike. I made a decision not to do that extension; nevertheless, I’ve heard it’s a secret gem with fewer folks than the remainder of the 4 Cross Loop path. In case you have one other evening to spare, you may add on this lake (it isn’t in a allow zone and doesn’t require an in a single day allow to camp there).
Suggestions for Backpacking the 4 Cross Loop
Listed below are a few of my private suggestions and issues I want I had recognized earlier than backpacking the 4 Cross Loop. Use the following pointers that will help you know what to anticipate on the path and plan your journey accordingly.
4 Cross Loop Backpacking Gear
Begin with this 3-day backpacking guidelines. I additionally advocate some particular items of substances under that you need to contemplate to your 4 Cross Loop backpacking journey.
Even in the event you plan to finish this path in the summertime, climate circumstances might change unexpectedly at excessive elevations. It’s essential to arrange for all components and funky evenings.
In search of extra backpacking trails? Try some extra of our favourite routes:
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Would you hike the Maroon Bells 4 Cross Loop Path? Please share your feedback, questions, or tales from the path within the remark part under.
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