Last August we did the Four Pass Loop in Aspen.
It was one of the most incredible backpacking trips I have done because it was so challenging and incredibly beautiful. My groups plan was to do the 26.6 clockwise (which really ended up being 31 miles according to our GPS watch) mile hike in four days. On day four though about two miles out we found we found the most beautiful camp site so we decided to sit and relax another day away from civilization, so we completed it in five days but this can definitely be done in four.
We went in August which was a great time because while we were hiking with a few people that were around our pace but it wasn’t over crowded. One thing though was it did rain every afternoon/evening but it didn’t ruin the experience at all-just be prepared!
We attempted to park right at the trail head but were not early enough and had to park down at the hotel and pay for parking. We started at about 8 am and hiked in about five miles on day one and then set up camp before the first summit: West Maroon. That was the easiest day of course because we didn’t summit. We set up camp and enjoyed happy hour; bagged wine and cheese and prosciutto sticks (really suggest for camping happy hours!). That night there were massive thunderstorms and I was very scared; truly felt the thunder and the lightening was so bright. We were using our new Big Agnes tent and luckily we stayed pretty much dry!
The next day we set out for our first summit and I can not believe how hard it was. By the time we were doing the major incline I was walking five steps then stopping, then repeating. The feeling of accomplishment when I summited though was amazing and the views were even better. At this point I felt great! On the decline I was cruising and felt like a new person, then I realized we had another summit Frigid Air. I was like crap. At the top, right before the summit, I felt like I was actually climbing it was so steep, but this one was easier because we didn’t go down as far so not as much elevation to gain. We stood atop Frigid Air to enjoy the views when Aaron looked at my sister and her hair was standing straight up. We had heard and seen the storms in the distance and this sign was clear that it was coming in quick. We rushed down the mountain and were welcomed by rain. In our rush to get below tree line I slipped and with the weight of my backpack I was forced face down in mud and couldn’t roll over. Kara was too busy laughing to assist. Aaron luckily came and lifted me back to my feet and I was barely breathing due to of course the elevation and gut wrenching laughs.
We didn’t stay dry but we luckily avoided the lightening and then found camp. Another happy hour was enjoyed with sausage sticks and wine. We napped and enjoyed diner, which was quickly becoming one of the best parts of the day; we were hungry after our second day of about 8 miles and two summits.
I don’t want to read your post, what should I know?
- Do the Four Pass Loop if you are looking for a difficult backpacking experience
- Do the hike clockwise
- Do the hike in four days minimum, five if you want to enjoy nature even more!
- Be prepared for rain
- Bring happy hour snacks like these!
