Run the 4-Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

*The 4-Pass Loop likely won't be doable until July due to the heavy snowpack this year and wet slide danger on the steep pass approaches.

Taking on the 4-pass Loop is no easy feat but completely worth the training and effort. The run starts at Maroon Lake and heads up to Crater Lake where the loop splits left or right. Counter-clockwise is the preferred direction as it allows you to tackle the harder passes first. You'll go over the 4 following passes: Buckskin @ 12,500 ft, Trail Rider @ 12,420, Frigid Air @ 12,415 ft, West Maroon - 12,500 ft. There's a fair amout of distance and elevation drop between the first 3 passes but Frigid Air to West Maroon is relatively short.

The best time to run the loop is early July to mid-September; the high passes typically don't melt out before then and the chance for heavy fall snows increases dramatically towards the end of September. With much of the trail above treeline, afternoon thunderstorms are a frequent risk, never go over a pass in one. Typical time to finish with lots of stops for photos is 8-10 hours.

Elevation profile and run map: Strava.com

This is one of the most used trails in Colorado so with that in mind please be respectful of hikers and backpackers. If you're running with a dog leashes are required, the trails are patrolled regularly from Maroon Lake to Buckskin or West Maroon Pass. With that in mind you will see off-leash dogs, just don't be that person who lets their dog run far ahead or off-trail.

For the multi-day backpacking trip, check out this adventure.