These stunning, wine-colored peaks are our number one summer destination. There is nowhere to get water between West Maroon (Pass 1) and Frigid Air pass (Pass 2), 1 large bag of Bark Thin chocolate (probably didn’t need such a big bag), 1 package of organic pasta (1/2 for each night), 1 large roll of salami (1/2 for each night), 1/2 of a large bag of Stacy pita chips (these worked the best for me), Snack bag of goldfish each (they didn’t get eaten until the bus ride at the end), Two Kind bars each (more of these would’ve helped), Liquid electrolytes (highly recommended taking a dose of this before each pass) –, Camping is not allowed within one hundred (100) feet of any lake, stream, or trail. Day 1. This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past alpine lakes and among high Elk Range peaks. Important tips and rules from expert local trail riders to ensure we maintain a respectful right to the great outdoors. We did also include distances, elevation gain, and other recommended camping spots because while we had an epic time, hiking all 4 passes in 1 day is hard. About an hour past Crater Lake you will reach the first creek crossing at 3.5 miles. We followed the sign toward the campground at Snowmass lake but only to give us a spot to sit for almost an hour to prepare dinner and take pictures. Snap your picture-perfect shot and share it with us by tagging @VisitAspen. Maroon Creek Road to Maroon Bells is closed for the winter season. Experience a night under the stars in the Maroon Creek Valley at one of the three campgrounds available during the summer season:Silver Bar Campsite, Silver Bell Campsite, and Silver Queen Campsite. You gain the last 800 ft in .7 and your legs feel it. When we were there the creek was very low but it’s obvious by the number of rocks lining the creek bed that at certain times of the year it is a huge creek. Want to be mindful with your kids this holiday season? Get more information about Maroon Bells and the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District. It’s pretty obvious.Then you get on the CM (Castle Maroon) bus which will take you for free to Aspen Highland. All our insider knowledge into backpacking Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop. We encourage you to arrive by bus or by bike for the most convenient, cost-effective and eco-friendly experience. If you are hiking clockwise, there are places to fill water at these points: Dehydrated meals may be better for this type of trip just to save space. East Maroon Pass - 19.4 Miles Round-Trip East Maroon Pass is located 9.7 miles from East Maroon Portal in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Related: How to Use Your Smartphone as a GPS. Note that we could’ve used these things and it was mid-August. (We barely made it btw). Since we only carried one bear canister among 3 hikers, it was hard to fit enough food in it for all of us for two nights. Considering how many photos of Maroon Bells are in every "This is Colorado" picture, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to take my own amazing photos. Travel by bus, by car or by bike to the Maroon Bells with ease using these tips. Parking permits will cost $10 per car. Explore Aspen’s Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America, and discover how a journey through over 300 million years of jagged stone inspires travelers from around the world to Defy Ordinary. From the lake it took us 40 minutes to get to the top of Pass and seeing the view of Snowmass lake after three hours of climbing felt like we had just reached heaven. You go right your backpack while hiking is a popular spot and only more. Backpacking Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness there really isn ’ t anywhere to camp in between these two.! 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