Originally published on October 28th 2013. View from the top of West Maroon Pass. They had an awful winter for snow so the rivers will all be really low and easily cross-able. From Aspen to WMP it's 6.5 miles with the first 5 miles being up/down, up/down with plenty of rocks on the trail and sometimes all rocks. Buses run about every 20min. Wildflower bloom peaks in mid-to-late July. the final push to the pass . July 14, 2019 Update. Sometimes it also delivers an … Conditions on West Maroon Pass have greatly improved since our last post. Continuing down, there was no shade. The trail from CB to the West Maroon Pass is only 4.5 miles and is a gradual climb with few rocks on the trail. At 10:45am (mile 22, 12500ft) we made it to West Maroon pass. This past weekend I wandered west on a bit of an adventure…to Aspen and the Maroon Bells with plans to run the 4 Pass Loop with Ann, Holly, Paula and Logan. West Maroon Trail is a 20.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Aspen, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Note: The Four Pass Loop is often snow-bound from October through June. Note: The Four Pass Loop is often snow-bound from October through June. There was a surprising amount people at the pass including day hikers since we were closer to the trail head. Check the weather forecast before you go. Point weather forecast for West Maroon Pass: Here. At approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday, rescuers made contact with the overdue hiker near the summit of West Maroon Pass. Fees : No fee is required to backpack in the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness or hike the Four Pass Loop. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Max Elevation: 12,480' (West Maroon Pass) When to Go. Eventually we continued on the trail up a scenic valley toward West Maroon Pass. Powered by the National Weather Service Digital Forecast Database. The hike starts at 9,580-feet at the Maroon Lake trailhead, and climbs 3,000 feet over 6.5 miles to West Maroon Pass before descending another 4.5 to Schofield Pass. The trail from Frigid Air Pass to West Maroon Pass has very little water, althought it is possible to lose elevation down to the East Fork of the Crystal River is water is needed. The route curved around to the right through verdant green meadows and gracefully ascended to the 12,500’ pass. getting closer to west maroon pass . Call Aspen Ranger Station (970) 925 3445 or check current NOAA Weather conditions. Daily; Hourly; Map; Averages; 11/14/2020 << Previous Week. Maroon Bells Scenic Area lies at the edge of the wilderness, but the Maroon Lake and the peaks of the Maroon Bells as backdrop are the main attraction for most visitors. Finally the trail will start to veer to the right (west) as you find yourself at the bottom of a high alpine cirque. Later in the summer you will see amazing wildflowers and in the fall you can enjoy the Aspen trees changing colors. West Maroon Pass is known for some of the most breathtaking and colorful wildflowers in the area, especially from mid-July into August. The Four Pass Loop backpacking season stretches from July to October. West Maroon Pass (12,465') is located 6.45 miles from Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The first 1.8 miles to Crater Lake climbs through giant aspen groves. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed . The story of a beautifully ass kicking trail run with some bad ass ladies! From Aspen to WMP it's 6.5 miles with the first 5 miles being up/down, up/down with plenty of rocks on the trail and sometimes all rocks. This complete one-day epic hiking trail from Crested Butte to Aspen traverses through stunning alpine scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and beauty-filled meadows of native wildflowers. As you probably guessed, the trail takes you over four passes: West Maroon Pass, Frigid Air Pass, Trail Rider Pass, and Buckskin Pass. In this blog, I’ll share the logistics of our planning, the experience of the hike itself, and the realities of some of our miscalculations. Going from Aspen to Crested Butte is more difficult due to the 1,000-foot ascent to the summit of West Maroon Pass. There are far fewer people on this hike as compared to West Maroon! In the early season, expect muddy trails, big creek crossings, and snow on the passes. Conditions: Chance of light snow showers. This annual tradition started in 2018 when we decided to hike over West Maroon Pass (elevation 12,500’) from Crested Butte, CO to Aspen, Colorado, ending our 13-mile hike at the iconic Maroon Bells Lake. The four pass loop is absolutely gorgeous and a must if you’re up for it. At Schofield Park, you’ll turn right to follow the West Maroon Pass Trail along the Crysteal River’s East Fork. There will be spots that have snow but you’ll be able to navigate around them or get across them easily enough. West Maroon Pass is busy hikers again, snow continues to melt, flowers continue to grow, and… Read more. Depending on the previous winter's snowfall, the trail typically becomes passable in late June to mid-July. Follow Highway 82 west to the roundabout. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until September. The trip details below outline our Maroon Bells adventure, and everything we packed for it. I've been in some hairy situations forging on west maroon pass in the spring. West Maroon Pass (12,465') is located 6.45 miles from Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Weather and conditions should be very good that time of year. There are some campsites in this area. I would anticipate the weather to be at or below freezing at night if you are camping up high, otherwise in the high 30's. On the bright side, you'll see far fewer people. West Maroon Trail, Aspen Picture: Looking over Crater Lake - Check out Tripadvisor members' 7,379 candid photos and videos. Day 1 18° 3° 88%. In fact, we didn’t make it over the first pass, West Maroon. Needless to say, they are the most photographed peaks in North America. Finally begin the ascent up the rocky slopes to West Maroon Pass. Nov 14. 21. The last mile to the first pass is a set of steep switchbacks, but the view at the top is the reward. Near mile 4.2, (mile 2 if you started at Schofield Park), bypass the Hasley Basin Trail and continue toward a rolling basin below Frigid Air and West Maroon passes. We met some college-age hikers on our way up the final stretch of West Maroon Pass. The West Maroon Pass Trail, famous for its wildflowers in July and August, serves up beautiful fall colors in September. I'd prefer to go later in July but due to schedules this is the only time we could coordinate. Bus service from Aspen Highlands to the Maroon Bells trailhead on the Aspen side. To your right will be Belleview Mountain at 4033 m and to your left will be an unnamed 4002 m mountain. The trail to West Maroon Pass starts at the East Fork trailhead. Keep your eyes on the clouds and know when to turn back. on the trail up the valley . Fees : No fee is required to backpack in the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness or hike the Four Pass Loop. The new plan was to sleep long and deeply and be transformed into well-rested machines for the 13 mile, 4,000 vertical foot hike to Snowmass Lake on Day 2. We called it a day early, high in the West Maroon Basin, with the pass an arm’s length (~1 mile) away. However, this hike is easier overall and much less crowded. Take the second exit onto Maroon Creek Road. Jul 2019. maroonbellsshuttles Uncategorized. July 20, 2019 Conditions Update For West Maroon Pass. The trail from CB to the West Maroon Pass is only 4.5 miles and is a gradual climb with few rocks on the trail. Ideal hiking months: mid-June to mid-October . (See driving directionns.) The popular West Maroon Pass also follows the first part of this trail. Answer 1 of 6: We're planning to hike from Aspen to Crested Butte the last week of June - stay a few nights in Crested Butte and then hike back to Aspen. Wind (gust) / Humidity; Today . 23 mph (44 mph) 63% humidity . Maybe bring spikes in case. Then go up buckskin pass trail and camp along the creek there. Hiking down from Frigid Air, making way to West Maroon Pass. After gaining the pass, the trail angles to the left and descends steadily through willow and then tundra. Hike wildflower terrain from Crested Butte all the way to the iconic Maroon Bells in Aspen via West Maroon Pass. It's the most commonly used route for thru-hikers between Aspen and Crested Butte, and the first encountered when traveling clockwise on the 4-Pass Loop. From Aspen to WMP it's 6.5 miles with the first 5 miles being up/down, up/down with plenty of rocks on the trail and sometimes all rocks. I’ve spent the last few days recuperating and I think I’m finally ready to actually tell the story. It all starts at Maroon Lake, with the iconic and most photographed mountains in the nation – the Maroon Bells. Fishing Information. And if it is too much, you can always hike up to west maroon pass, check it out, then camp along the river or down by crater lake. Please don’t pick, cut, or walk on wildflowers or other plants. 14. More information here. Call Aspen Ranger Station (970) 925 3445 or check current NOAA Weather conditions. Photos and Story By Laurel Miller. Most of this route is above treeline, but is lined by bushes and wildflowers during the summer. The trailhead information describes the loop going counterclockwise: starting with Buckskin Pass, Trail Rider Pass, Frigid Air Pass, and West Maroon Pass. Contact the Aspen Ranger District (970.925.3445) for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when planning your trip. Forecast High / Low Precip. 8% PM. If using this trail as part of the Four Pass Loop, the West Maroon Trail starts from an intersection with Fravert Basin Trail in Scholfield Park where you'll head east, away from Schofield Park to West Maroon Pass. We arrived at the pass at 10 am, after hiking 4 miles and climbing 2100 feet from the trailhead. Because this part of the wilderness area provides access points to many of the surrounding 14ers and different trails, like Buckskin Pass, it can be very crowded. West Maroon Pass Summit: 12,500 feet . Trip Report about hiking East Maroon Pass: Here. Number of nights – This Four Pass trail is typically done in four days. I was the last hiker of the day heading to West Maroon Pass. There is still some… Read more. This area is very open and Crater Lake can be seen in the distance. Soon the trail curves to the left (northeast) and leaves the river behind as it climbs switchbacks on moderate grades. It was a very steep incline but short lived. Follow the trail as it heads east through spruce trees along the north side of the East Fork of the Crystal River. The trail from CB to the West Maroon Pass is only 4.5 miles and is a gradual climb with few rocks on the trail. Trip Report about hiking West Maroon Pass: Here. Jul 2019. maroonbellsshuttles Uncategorized. We certainly added a few to that photo count :-). ... Areas by State; Map; Favorites; Mobile; Widget; Colorado | Maroon Bells. Getting Here and There From Aspen .

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