The Four Pass Loop is Colorado in all its glory. One of many Colorado destinations that refuses to bow to hype. Because of this, it’s one of least best kept secrets in the entire state.
The loop begins at the foot of the Maroon Bells in the Elk Mountains, just outside Aspen. It spans 28 miles, includes 7,000 feet of vertical gain, and crosses four mountain passes above 12,400 feet.
Over a recent long weekend a friend and I took on the loop. What seemed like thousands of others had the same idea. We arrived at the trailhead just before 6am, luckily out to grab the last spot in the lower lot. Car trunks opened as we headed to Maroon Lake to enjoy sunrise, revealing hikers who'd spent the night to reserve their own spot. That's Colorado for you.