A Guide to Backpacking Colorado's Legendary Four Pass Loop

Film photography, gear essentials, and do's & don'ts for managing crowds and finding solitude on Aspen’s most legendary backcountry trail

A Guide to Backpacking Colorado's Legendary Four Pass Loop

Author

Alex Eaton

Photographer

Alex Eaton

Camera

Pentax K1000

Film

Kodak Portra 800, Kodak Gold 200

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.

Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-7
Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-14

We decided to travel counter-clockwise, which fewer people do because it's supposedly harder. While the jury’s still out on the complete truth of that, a tougher first day was well worth it to avoid some of the crowds.

Ten miles and 3,000 vertical feet later we arrived at Snowmass Lake. I could've ended the trip there completely satisfied.

"I was constantly reminded that we don't conquer mountains, they let us exist in their world."

Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-6

Over the next four days I was constantly reminded that we don't conquer mountains, they let us exist in their world. We enjoyed perfect weather, and every day a new pass greeted us with another spectacular view completely different than the last. The usual attention tung of war between social media, TV, and advertising was replaced by towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and fields of wildflowers. 

Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-16
Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-15

Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-11
Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-17

We met an older man from Australia who joked about rules against running on the trail when we passed him. A lady from New Hampshire said the exposure in the mountains here makes her cry. Her husband mouthed "thank you" when we told her the rest of the way was well protected. Our final day was spent with a crew of guys from Salt Lake swapping stories and quotes from Dumb and Dumber. 

It wasn't a quiet trip by any means, but meeting people from all over the world is a part of the Four Pass experience. It reminded us how special this place is, how lucky we are to live in Colorado, and how many experiences are better shared. 

Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-13

Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-18
Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-8

6 Gear Essentials for Backpacking Aspen’s Four Pass Loop

Thermarest NeoAir XLite, $123
Extremely comfortable and packs down small. A good sleeping pad pays dividends in the mountains. 

Darn Tough Merino Hiking Socks, $23
The best hiking socks I’ve ever worn. Period.

Osprey Aether AG 70 Backpack, $310
Dependable and comfortable, this pack has been a lot of places with me.

BearVault BV500 Food Container, $80
Required for this trip—and other areas in California, Montana, etc where bears are prevelant—to make sure your food stays yours.

Alpine Start Coffee, $9
For when you don’t want to haul your Aeropress, this stuff is actually pretty good. 

Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Liner, $64
For when you don’t feel like sticking to the inside of your sleeping bag after a long day of hiking. Also great for shoulder seasons when an extra couple degrees of warmth make all the difference.

Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-9
Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-2

10 Do's and Don'ts for Backpacking Aspen’s Four Pass Loop

  • DO go when the wildflowers are in bloom. Usually before September. 

  • DO take four days to finish. It's worth taking the time to soak it all in.

  • DON’T forget rain gear. Especially in early season there's a high chance you'll get stormed on at least once. 

  • DON’T be selfish. With so many people on this trail, you'll witness a lot of disrespect for the rules. Read the regulations and leave no trace. Please.

  • DO catch a sunrise at Maroon Lake, Crater Lake, and Snowmass Lake. 

  • DO bring a bandana or wide brim hat. You'll spend a lot of time above tree line with no shade. Pro tip: soak your bandana in a stream and then put it on. Life-changing.

  • DO share the adventure. People come from all over the world to hike here. Swap stories and get to know those on the journey with you.

  • DON’T forget trekking poles. They help immensely with all the steep uphill and downhill on this route. 

  • DON’T go the typical way (clockwise) if it's busy. The first day is tougher, but you'll have more solitude.

  • DO drive Independence Pass on your way in or out. The views are simply spectacular.

Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-3
Alex-Eaton-Four-Pass-CO-Fieldmag-4

Related articles
Essential Hiking Gear for Beginners: All You Need to Know Before You Buy
The Ultimate Hiking Gear Checklist for Beginner Hikers: Where to Start & What to Pack

Hit the trails prepared with our complete guide and checklist to hiking gear, from shoes to backpacks, according to pros

GR20 Hiking Guide: All You Need to Know About the Toughest Trek in Europe
We Fastpacked the Toughest Trek in Europe So You Don't Have to

A comprehensive overview of the legendary 112-mile trail, from history to what I learned while fastpacking it, and what I would do differently

How to Choose Between Lightweight and High-Capacity Hiking Backpacks
Lightweight vs. High-Capacity Hiking Backpacks: A Comparison Guide

Multi-day backpacking trips require the right kind of pack -- here's how to choose the right style for your needs

How to Pick the Perfect Hiking Backpack, According to a Pro Gear Tester
How to Select the Perfect Hiking Backpack: Pro Tips & Recommendations

Using the right backpack makes all the difference for comfort and convenience when hiking - here's how to find the right one for you

The 6 Best Folding Wagons of 2024: Gear Editor Tested & Approved
The 6 Best Folding Utility Wagons for Hauling Gear to the Beach & Campsite

Take gear from Point A to Point B with ease with these folding wagons, which make for easy storage and transportation as well

The 7 Best Backpack Coolers for Camping, Hiking, Beach Days & Beyond
The 7 Best Soft Cooler Backpacks for Outdoor Adventures

From picnics to day hikes, these backpack coolers make it easy to enjoy your favorite foods and refreshments in the great outdoors

More articles
A Guide to Backpacking Colorado's Legendary Four Pass Loop

Gallery Mode

Photographer

Alex Eaton

Camera

Pentax K1000

Film

Kodak Portra 800, Kodak Gold 200

Back to article