The hike from the split to Crater Lake up through Minnehaha Gulch definitely gets the blood pumping, however once you get through the gulch you hike through a splendid meadow at the base of North Maroon Bell and Sleeping Sexton. Snowmass Lake is gorgeous! A stretch of broken aspen are evidence of this area's winter avalanche danger. This area is renowned for wildflower displays in the month of July. I would recommend leaving around sunrise. We had wildflowers and autumn colors. Bag a rugged fourteener on this 20.8-mile lasso loop linking shady evergreens and long sunny scrambles to a beautiful peak high above the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Shades of emerald and sapphire. I assume crews with clear that soon. This rocky outcropping hides another campsite, just 100 feet to the right of the trail. Some of the scouts taking a break on the large open meadow on the pass. I would definitely do it again! Turn right and take the Maroon-Snowmass Trail North west over Buckskin Pass (12,462 feet). During the ascent of North Maroon Peak. The trail ends at the creek and there’s no sign of the trail continuing on the other side of the creek because the snow covers up the continued trail. Don't miss the sunrise here, it's must-see. Gem Type: Lake Take the left fork which continues to follow the Maroon-Snowmass Trail through the meadow to a series of switchbacks that climb steeply to Buckskin Pass. No big deal, though, a side trail takes you around to the other side of the pass, a detour of about 100 m. Just watch out for the goats there. Hanging out at the top of Buckskin Pass. The trail ascends into the valley and begins a steep climb to Buckskin Pass. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. The right goes to Buckskin Pass, the counterclockwise direction, and leads to Snowmass Lake. When we got to the top of Buckskin Pass the snow drifts were waist deep on me (I'm 6'2"). The north face of the North Maroon Peak should be visible and maybe Pyramid Peak. Simply follow the trail to the Crater Lake/Maroon-Snowmass trail split, and take a right for the Maroon-Snowmass trail. This popular trail climbs to a 12,462-ft. pass with breathtaking panoramic views of the 14,000-ft. peaks towering above the heart of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Buckskin Pass near Aspen Colorado in the Maroon-Bells Wilderness Area - This popular trail features spectacular views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak, traverses gorgeous meadows, visits two beautiful lakes and ends at a dramatic pass with sweeping panoramic views of the Snowmass Mountain massif and Capitol Peak. © Kristy Holland, A trailside cascade is a good resting point before the final push toward Buckskin Pass. The hike is a must do if you are really invested in the backpacking world. It’s a hard trek but totally worth the views! There is fierce competition for the finest scenery on this challenging trek to Snowmass Lake: alpine lakes, rocky chasms, and 14,000-foot peaks. © Kristy Holland, Overnight hikers are required to self-register at the wilderness area boundary. It was hard but worth every step. About 2 miles from the pass, the descent mellows for a pine-shaded roll past a beaver-dammed marsh and a several well-marked junctions leading to Snowmass Lake’s rocky shore. Buckskin Pass Approach This approach is a little shorter, but more strenuous. A trail sign for the Maroon-Snowmass /Willow Lake junction appears in another 1/2 mile. We stayed on the trail for about a … This stretch is definitely the hardest part, but if you persevere the view from Buckskin Pass is definitely rewarding. This challenging, 16-mile roundtrip traverses Buckskin Pass for a sampling of Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area highlights. Buckskin pass itself is covered in snow and impassable. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: Buckskin Pass and Electric Pass 7/30/09 ... (14,014 ft.) - the Maroon Bells - loom over the 9580‘ lake. For one thing, East Snowmass and Snowmass Creeks see a lot less traffic these days than the traditional Four Pass Loop trails. Nonetheless, the views from Buckskin Pass and at Maroon and Snowmass Lakes were spectacular, and it was well worth the effort. There was a little snow up top in early Oct of this year, but there were enough footprints to make out the trail. Did this 7/26/2020, wonderful hike, great views. We did it just this past weekend and there was still snow covering some of the trail up near the pass. This one is perched near the top of a cliff a few hundred feet left of the trail. We went to Buckskin pass and returned. Started late camped overnight about 3.5 miles in. Hagerman, Snowmass Mountain, and Snowmass Peak viewed from Snowmass Lake. Definitely get an early start on it to get out ahead of the Maroon Bells crowd (and snag a good parking spot). spikes wouldn't hurt. We ate 5lb (it seemed) wraps we purchased the day before in Snowmass Mall. 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. At Snowmass Lake, turn east continuing on the Maroon – Snowmass trail to 12,462 foot Buckskin Pass. Buckskin Pass 12.6 Miles 3,378 Feet Elevation Gain Strenuous Shortly before Crater Lake, the Maroon-Snowmass Trail forks. Looking down at the area that 39 years ago was a good sized lake! After climbing for 4.8 miles and gaining about 3000' you reach a breathtaking view from the pass (approx. 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.From the lake are views of Snowmass Peak (13,627 ft), Hagerman Peak (13,841 ft) and Snowmass Mountain (14,092 ft). In the distance you will be able to see Capitol Peak, Hagerman Peak, Snowmass Lake and Snowmass … But this trail goes to the gorgeous Snowmass Lake, which is a must see for anyone! We just went from the Maroon Lake Trailhead to Crater Lake and then up to the top of Buckskin Pass and back. My wife and I did this as part of the Four Pass Loop ( why that's not listed here I don't know) Be careful, this trail is steep and strenuous crossing the pass, especially with the foot of snow that fell overnight that we were not expecting ( but knew it was coming soon being the first of October in the Rockies!) Buskskin Pass (12,462 ft.) is this route's high point. My son and I on Buckskin Pass. There are more sites along the trail ahead, too. Looking down at the area that 39 years ago was a good sized lake! Gorgeous views as you rest going up to the pass, lots of wildflowers to enjoy. My son and I on Buckskin Pass. Overnight Trip: The lake can be accessed as part of a long day-hike, but I'd recommend coming for an overnight. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/buckskin-pass--2 From the Maroon Lake, hike west toward Crater Lake. There was still quite a bit of snow on the pass. It's a big day but so spectacular. Turn left @ Y-junction toward Buckskin Pass, bypassing the Willow Pass and Willow Lake Trail. From here, many longer options are possible, such as hiking down to Snowmass Lake and then to the Snowmass Creek Trailhead, if you left a shuttle vehicle there. A gentle 1.8 mile climb to an intimate view of the popular Maroon Bells from the lapping shores of Crater Lake. Share your experience by blogging your hiking, traveling, outdoor fitness stories and GPX on a map. We summited Buckskin Pass (12,500’) around 11:30am. Showy cone flowers below Snowmass Lake. It was steep at times and after about 11,000 feet you lose all tree coverage so it can get hot. A trail sign for the Maroon-Snowmass /Willow Lake junction appears in another 1/2 mile. Looking back towards Snowmass Lake in the fog. The first 1.8 miles to Crater Lake climbs through giant aspen groves. My phone clocked it as 14 miles round trip just from Maroon Lake Trailhead to the top of Buckskin Pass. We did it as a thru hike which required a car shuttle, one car at the Maroon Snowmass trailhead the night before and then an early drive up to Maroon Lake to beat the bus. Rugged Capitol Peak (14,130-ft.) and Mount Daly rises to the northwest of Snowmass Mountain. Showy cone flowers below Snowmass Lake. It’s among the largest alpine lakes in the Wilderness, and one of many highlights on the 4-Pass Loop. From here, many longer options are possible, such as hiking down to Snowmass Lake and then to the Snowmass Creek Trailhead, if you left a shuttle vehicle there. We ate 5lb (it seemed) wraps we purchased the day before in Snowmass Mall. After the fork, it was straight up for 3 miles to Buckskin pass. More information can be found at: White River National Forest – Four Pass Loop – West Maroon to Buckskin (Hiking) Interpretive signs at the beginning of the trail warn about the hazards of backcountry travel. This lake, near our 1981 camping area, has mostly disappeared. Camped and hiked for three days until I got snowed out. © Annie Whetzel, The dramatic cliffs of the Maroon Bells are also dangerous. Hiked the entire four pass loop (26 miles). Read adventure travel stories from Backpacker. Other than that, the scenery and quality of hiking is bar none. Buckskin Pass Trail to Snowmass Lake is a 15.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Aspen, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. In addition to toilets and water, there are three parking lots and a shuttle bus stop that helps reduce traffic during peak summer hours. Leave early and get to the pass by noon to avoid hiker traffic and potential weather issues. Buckskin Pass came highly recommended from a friend, and the hike did not disappoint. Watch your footing as you wind around piles of angular rock. The people coming up mid day looked a lot more miserable than we did. Majestic views of the Bells near the fork in the trail. Max Taam, Jessie Young and I planned to run the Four Pass Loop outside of Aspen yesterday however the weather did not agree with those plans. Snowmass area viewed to the west from Buckskin Pass. Up and over Buckskin Pass with Snowmass Lake next up on the agenda. Continue following the switchbacks and follow the sign to Buckskin Pass. The largest creek fording happens before the trail junction with the willow creek trail. Insane amounts of … Take the left fork which continues to follow the Maroon-Snowmass Trail through the meadow to a series of switchbacks that climb steeply to Buckskin Pass. Icing: sweet alpine views and abundant trout along shore. You get a wide open view of Snowmass Mountain, Hagerman Peak, and Capitol Peak. Great views at the pass, and a good hike to wonderful Snowmass lake. However, it was totally worth it for all the beautiful views! The 2nd day, we went back over Willow Pass, climbed over some unnamed mountain to avoid the longer hike over Buckskin Pass and connected with Maroon Snowmass trail. Below it, you might be able to glimpse the crystal clear Snowmass Lake. The … This backpacking trip in the Colorado wilderness features mountain-encircled alpine lakes, 360º views at 12,462’ Buckskin Pass, lush wildflower meadows, and unbeatable backcountry campsites. From Crater Lake you can hike clockwise (West Maroon Pass (12,465 ft), Frigid Air Pass (12,405 ft), Trail Rider Pass (12,415 ft), and Buckskin Pass (12,462 ft)) or counterclockwise through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Heading down the switchbacks of Buckskin Pass. Heading down the switchbacks of Buckskin Pass. Admire Maroon Lake’s surface reflection of the Maroon Bells before a steady climb through aspen turns sharply uphill from Crater Lake. Take it for 1.5 miles to the east end of Crater Lake. From here, you will have to make a steep ascent over Buckskin Pass (12,500 ft), before descending down toward the lake. After dropping quickly from the pass, the trail crisscrosses a small stream before leveling out along the relatively flat, marshy valley. Lake is beautiful, campgrounds are busy. Leave early and get to the pass by noon to avoid hiker traffic and potential weather issues. Start at the Maroon Lake Trailhead. Buckskin Pass: Now this is a HIKE! Photo credit: Clay Malott. -Mapped by Kristy Holland and Annie Whetzel. A clearing next to Snowmass Lake is a great spot for a picnic and offers great views of Snowmass Mountain looming above. Snowmass Mountain dominates the western view but nearby grassy slopes offer dramatic contrast. Overnight hikers must self-register and carry the free overnight permit with them during their trip. Explore rugged peaks, and pristine alpine lakes on this 13.3-mile route in an under-appreciated Rocky Mountain getaway. Beware the mountain weather! The trail continued up West Maroon Creek, past Crater Lake. Buckskin Pass 4.3 + 9.6 Total miles 74.7 Today we started thinking that we were going to see a new area of Snowmass. During the trek you hike over four high elevation mountain passes, reach a peak altitude of ~12,500 feet, and climb nearly 9,000 feet of elevation. Turn right @ Y-junction and follow the Maroon-Snowmass Trail #1975 away from Crater Lake. Luckily there were mountain streams everywhere. Cross Snowmass Creek then Climb northwest to Snowmass Lake. Visual delights along the trail include two stunning alpine lakes and pretty meadows sprinkled with wildflowers. A backpack over Buckskin Pass into the Snowmass Lake area makes a fine outing and offers a unique approach to a climb of Snowmass Mountain, one of the Fourteeners. We also ran out of water by the top (went with 5L for two people). This 10.2-mile out-and-back is a San Juan classic that spends a dramatic mile above treeline. Wildflower heaven!! On day 2 from Snowmass lake , we turn east continuing on the Maroon – Snowmass trail to 12,462 foot Buckskin Pass. Visit a dreamy, emerald-green lake just below the Continental Divide after climbing 2,099-feet in 4.2 miles. Great views from the top of Buckskin Pass. I used a SteriPen to refill all of our water bladders and we were fine and didn’t get sick. Atop the 12,462-foot pass, western views of Snowmass Mountain, southeast views of Pyramid Peak, and southern views of the Maroon Bells compete as photo-op backdrops before the trail drops quickly below red-hued cliffs into the marshy upper reaches of Snowmass Creek. Backcountry camping in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is free, but expect to pay a per-car fee or per-passenger shuttle fare to access the trailhead at Maroon Lake. As we started running from Maroon Lake, a light rain fell. Continue straight @ 3-way junction, or if you've come via shuttle bus, join the main trail heading west along Maroon Lake. Buckskin Pass, Maroon Bells in the background. If hiking beyond the pass, the next available campsites are 2 miles ahead. This trailside cascade is a great place to stop and rest before being fully exposed to the elements above treeline. At 28 miles in length, this loop is typically hiked over the course of 3 to 5 days depending on your fitness level. The view from the top is stunning in every direction. avalanche covers alot of the trail. Buckskin Pass came highly recommended from a friend, and the hike did not disappoint. Buckskin pass to Snowmass Lake at Maroon Bells. Shades of emerald and sapphire. One hikes over scree, through aspen and evergreen forests and up a breathtaking (literally) bowl with scattered wildflowers to the snow cornice at the pass. At the pass, mile 5, we had 360 views while we ate lunch. Just beyond it, the north face of the North Maroon Peak is visible. Passing by Crater Lake. Buckskin Pass Trail to Snowmass Lake es un sendero de ida y vuelta de 15.5 millas con tráfico ligero localizado cerca de Aspen, Colorado. There is no camping within 0.25-miles of the lake, and there are many established campsites outside that boundary. Almost to Buckskin Pass. just pay attention and you'll be fine. I can't wait to come back and tackle the Four Pass Loop! A left leads to Crater Lake (just a short distance beyond) and a right climbs steeply through forest and over alpine tundra to Buckskin Pass at 12,462 feet. Jeff Barish crossing the outlet from a beaver pond. There was still quite a bit of snow on the pass. Our tent squeezes into an area surrounded by logs and tall trees above Snowmass Lake. We summited Buckskin Pass (12,500’) around 11:30am. As of 2021 there will supposedly be permitting for the trail, which as irritating as the red tape might be should cut down on the amount of impact on the campground itself (idiots blaring EDM music at 2:00 in the morning who seem to believe the entire campground doesn't want to sleep or enjoy nature). Said to be the most photographed spot in the Colorado Rockies and that sounds right to me. Kai and the Maroon Bells themselves. Passing by Crater Lake. The trail continues through the meadow to a sign for the Maroon-Snowmass/Willow Lake junction. Snowmass looks as though it has been directly transported from the steep granite cliffs of Patagonia. The trail descends and offers glimpses of Crater Lake's muddy waters below the towering Maroon Bells. Be careful near the cliff edge, the log-jammed river is about one hundred feet below the rocky cliff. Directions from Aspen: From mid-June through September the Maroon Creek Road is closed from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., you will need to take a shuttle.If you get an early start, drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82 and turn left at onto Maroon Creek Road at the roundabout. Snowmass Lake is located 8.5 miles from Maroon Lake in a massive cirque ringed by Snowmass Peak, Hagerman Peak and Snowmass Mountain. Did this with the 4 loop pass hike - very fun. The famous Four Pass Loop backpacking route within Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness is an international treasure. The Ox and I ended up hiking from Maroon Lake to the Maroon-Snowmass trailhead, a one-way shuttle hike that required a hitch at the end. At Snowmass campground the amount of noise pollution (people blaring EDM music at 2:00 in the morning like complete idiots who seem to believe the entire campground doesn't want to sleep or enjoy nature) and irresponsible disposal of waste (not even trying to dig a cat hole or go 200 feet from water) was quite disappointing. This trail was very difficult and had spots that were quite steep. Brilliant asters along the trail to Buckskin Pass. Another beautiful meadow. … Definitely get an early start on it to get out ahead of the Maroon Bells crowd (and snag a good parking spot). View of Hagerman and Snowmass Mountain from the pass. 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