While this area does get very crowded, if you show up early enough, you're almost guaranteed a camping spot. NOT OKAY! This 26 mile (42 km) circuit climbs over four mountain passes higher than 12,000ft, past alpine lakes and among high Elk Range peaks. The north face of the North Maroon Peak should be visible and maybe Pyramid Peak. Four Pass Loop: The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route in the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. Our original plan was to see Lake Geneva but it would add 4 miles to our hike for the day, 12 miles in total. The Ditch Trail is an easy, flat hike that winds around the back side of the Snowmass Ski Area with spectacular views… HAZ uses cookies . For a more intimate look at the Maroon Bells, hikers can proceed passed Maroon Lake and enter the wilderness along the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. 8.5 miles; +2,180 / -3,560 feet; Snowmass Lake to Maroon Lake Trailhead. Overnight Trip: The lake can be accessed as part of a long day-hike, but I'd recommend coming for an overnight. This trail can be accessed by Snowmass Creek approach off Divide Road Snowmass Village or the Geneva Lake trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Maroon-Snowmass Trail (Snowmass Trailhead), White River National Forest – Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 to Snowmass Lake (Hiking), White River National Forest – Four Pass Loop – West Maroon to Buckskin (Hiking). Dry - Totally clear all the way with barely any snow on even the shaded parts of k2 and Capitol. Find a park. Snowmass Lake view from the top of Trail Rider Pass View from the top of Trail Rider Pass in the other direction from Snowmass Lake. This pass allows you to visit both the east and the west side of Snowmass. This is a lovely hike from the Buttermilk ski area through woods and over hills, ending in Snowmass. Snowmass Lake is a 17 mile hike. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Only San Luis Peak, Windom Peak, Eolus Peak and Sunlight Peak are more remote. The colors of sunrise light on Snowmass Peak on a blue sky morning, as reflected in ripples on Snowmass Lake. Snowmass cannot be seen from any roads or towns. There are dispersed campsites near the trail at numerous points before hikers reach Snowmass Lake. Trail. Overnight Trip: The lake can be accessed as part of a long day-hike, but I'd recommend coming for an overnight. Enjoy :), Mostly Dry - A few fallen trees only at first park of the hike. From the trailhead, you’ll immediately start to gain elevation as you hike through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness accompanied by the sound of a rushing creek flowing from Cathedral Lake. The Snowmass-Maroon trail winds up Snowmass Creek to a beautiful alpine lake at the base of Snowmass Mountain. Distances: There's still avalanche debree, especially in a section right near the start but the paths through/over are well worn. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and When I was in 7th grade I had a rather silly ambition; I wanted to hike from the front door of my house in Littleton to the front door of my grandparents’ house in Snowmass. Stunning lake and vista. One of the most spectacular and accessible hikes in the Colorado's Maroon Bells Recreation Area is the hike up the Maroon-Snomass Trail from Maroon Lake to Crater Lake. Connects: Four Pass Loop, Three Pass Loop, Aspen to Marble, Maroon-Snowmass Trail, Geneva Lake Trail, Snowmass Peak dominates the background of the lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. I love backpacking but am looking forward to climbing a mountain again, it seems like forever (July 27) since we were on a summit. This is a long hike and is best attempted during months where snow remains on the snowmass of the mountain. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. On the Maroon-Snowmass trail, there is a clearly marked side trail to descend to the lake. Snowmass Lake (10,980 ft) is an alpine lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness accessed at the junction of the Maroon-Snowmass Trail and Geneva Lake Trail, below Trail Rider Pass. Snowmass is perched above breathtaking Snowmass Lake. It lies just above treeline in a stunning alpine basin east of Willow Pass (12,572'). Located 37 miles southeast of Glenwood Springs Colorado. A 2 or 3 day climb, this peak experience offers a true backcountry adventure with a … The hike to Cathedral Lake begins near the ghost town of Ashcroft. Directly accessed from the Village, hikers can explore over 80 miles of trails including everything from short jaunts to multi-day adventures. White River National Forest – Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 to Snowmass Lake (Hiking) This is about an injury or accident Dry, Some Mud, Fallen Trees - Perfect Fall colors! Start the hike from the Maroon Snowmass Trailhead and continue 8.5 miles to Snowmass Lake. White River National Forest – Four Pass Loop – West Maroon to Buckskin (Hiking), By using this site you agree to the terms of our. The portion of the trail between Snowmass Lake and Buckskin Pass is extremely scenic with views of Snowmass Peak and Snowmass Lake below. Offering the unique ability to alpine climb on snow for most of the summer, Snowmass Mountain (14,092') is an ideal setting for the "new-to-snow 14'er climber". Hiking/climbing. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until September. Dry - Great hike. August and July are the best months to enjoy this hike. Spikes would be very helpful. Maroon-Snowmass Trail (Snowmass Trailhead) to Snowmass Lake – 8.3 Miles, More information about Snowmass Lake can be found at: I did both the East and West summits. It is remote and beautiful and you can access snowmass lake or even further, great opportunies. On the hike, when the weather is wonderfully warm and sunny, it is NOT unusual to see sheep grazing in a meadow, as the trail passes close to where they are. Snowmass Lake and Mountain via Maroon Snowmass Trail is a 20.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Snowmass Village, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. From the lake are views of Snowmass Peak (13,627 ft), Hagerman Peak (13,841 ft) and Snowmass Mountain (14,092 ft). Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. Snowmass Lake – Soaring peaks, tumbling brooks, wildflower meadows and crystal-clear lakes define the route over Buckskin Pass to Snowmass Lake, easily one of … From the lake are views of Snowmass Peak (13,627 ft), Hagerman Peak (13,841 ft) and Snowmass Mountain (14,092 ft). Snowmass, CO – Lake Snowmass Lake (10,980 ft) is an alpine lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness accessed at the junction of the Maroon-Snowmass Trail and Geneva Lake Trail, below Trail Rider Pass. Snowmass Lake and Mountain via Maroon Snowmass Trail is a 20.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Snowmass Village, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Something else? Snowmass Lake - If you backpack once this summer, make it to a location worth the hike. Surrounded by the 2.3 million acres of the White River National Forest, the options in and around Snowmass are truly endless. From the trailhead (1), hike south up the Snowmass Creek trail. Find a trail. Beautiful scenery throughout entire trip! What I would consider one of the prettiest lakes in all of Colorado, Snowmass Lake features unbelievable views of the Snowmass peaks (Snowmass Peak, Snowmass Mountain, and Hagerman Peak), pristine blue water, and great camping. We hike over Trail Rider Pass and down to Snowmass Lake to set-up for our climb the next day. To get here, you can take the Maroon Snowmass Trail or Buckskin Pass Trail from the Aspen side, or the Geneva Lake Trail from the CB side. Take the right fork to continue on the Maroon-Snowmass Trail. Theout-and-back trail leads hikers to an elevation of 10,078 feet and Crater Lake, which rests directly below North Maroon Peak, which rises … We backpacked the area in late May of 2012 with the intent of climbing the mountain, but turned back above the lake because of less than ideal conditions. Near Snowmass and Aspen, CO, Capitol Peak meanders along Capitol Creek. It’s among the largest alpine lakes in the Wilderness, and one of many highlights on the 4-Pass Loop. Three friends of ours from Grand Junction hike in from Snowmass Creek to meet us. Trail Summary: Snowmass Mountain is a long hike that tops out at 14,092 feet, the 4th highest peak in the Elk Mountains and one of the most remote 14ers in Colorado. Find. Hiking/climbing. Everything else was beautiful and the sunset was great. Capitol Peak itself is a Class IV 14er for the experienced climber July-Sept.Show more Use the drop downs to find the perfect park. Trail Map | Photo Gallery While the lake is exceptional, the hike itself is equally compelling. It is possible to reach the summit between Hagerman Peak and Snowmass Mountain, but is much more difficult. Being a jerk / offensive? The route used to climb Snowmass Peak is the Trail Rider Pass trail to Hagerman Peak. From here, it is a very short and mild descent (roughly 0.1 miles) to reach the obvious campgrounds that rest near the shore of the lake. Please remember to start very early if you plan to do the summit as a day trip. The route to the summit starts at Snowmass Lake, which is itself an 8.1-mile (13.0 km) hike up Snowmass Creek from the parking area. This longer hike is the best way to soak in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness’ largest (and perhaps most spectacular) alpine lake will alleviate any sore muscles. Don't miss the sunrise here, it's must-see. Prints Available Despite my grumpiness about the crowds at Snowmass Lake on the last night, all in all this was an absolutely fantastic trek and certainly the highlight backpacking trek of … This is a great trail to take after watching the sunrise from the bottom of Maroon Lake. The trail connects the Maroon Snowmass Trail (#1975), the Willow Lake Trail (#1978) to East Snowmass Trail (#1977) (in that order). This was the hardest section of the hike, with the snow banks rising and falling throughout the trail, making travel slow and laborious with heavy packs on. No snow on the direct line. You can also see Snowmass Mountain's south and west side rising north of the lake. The trail descends steeply through Minnehaha Gulch which provides excellent camping (remember, your site must be 100 feet from the trail or stream) then continues its steep descent to the junction at Crater Lake. The route most commonly used to climb Snowmass Mountain is the Snowmass Creek approach. You will pass many campgrounds along the trail on the way to the shore. Nonetheless, we arrived at the trail junction for Snowmass Lake and headed on up, following Snowmass Creek, which was quite full of water. Dry - Crater Lake was bone dry. The loop can be done in either direction, but it is easier to begin the loop on the Maroon – Snowmass trail which follows the Snowmass Creek up a scenic mountain valley to Snowmass Lake. It is popular and crowded during the peak hours when the shuttle bus is running, so doing it early is recommended. This hike is for you! Home. Backpacking permits are necessary, and the area does have bears, so having proper bear equipment and storage is necessary. It lies at treeline in a massive cirque framed by Snowmass Peak (13,619’), Hagerman Peak (13,841’) and Snowmass Mountain (14,092’). Spam? The trail to Capitol Lake is 12 miles RT. This 16-mile hike is best enjoyed with a picnic lunch and plenty of water in your pack. At mile 13 we arrived at a decision point. In the first mile, pass through one or more fence gates (2) and reach a small trail junction after about 1.5 miles where the West Snowmass trail drops down to the right. To get here, you can take the Maroon Snowmass Trail or Buckskin Pass Trail from the Aspen side, or the Geneva Lake Trail from the CB side. This journey will take you about 4 hours of steady hiking and is 8.5 miles each way, 17 miles round trip. Trail ends at the saddle between the Peak and Mt Daly. Maroon Bells-Snowmass … The route is steepest as it climbs up some rock to a shelf above the lake at about 12,000ft. Create Recommended Route or Use 1 or all 4 drop downs to customize your search for the right trail. This trail starts on the back side of Snowmass mountain so the drive to get to the start is long, you can take the divide trail to get to it as well. Most people hike to the lake… Passed by the far too crowded area, stayed lower on creek: https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2014/07/capitol-snowmass-snowmass-lake.html. For a good many years this remained more or less an idle dream that I’d bring up every once in a while but never act on. Home FAQ Contribute. On day 2 from Snowmass lake , we turn east continuing on the Maroon – Snowmass trail to 12,462 foot Buckskin Pass. The best sites are near Snowmass Lake where there are many of dispersed sites. Stay left on the main, Maroon-Snowmass trail. 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