We woke up on day three and wanted to get moving to avoid having to follow/hike at the same pace as anyone.
The hike was beautiful and we were enjoying ourselves. I was amazed that each day my body let me put my 40 pound pack back on and from the muscle memory I had already created my body moved on. Enjoying the nice easy path it then turned up into the trees, and went up and up; steep switched backs were what we were greeted too. The journey was beautiful but it was very intense. Then mother nature decided to play a cruel joke and tricked us by placing a false peak before the summit. The view was incredible and one that looked like a scene from The Sound of Music. Then in the distance you saw what you were going towards—the real Trail Rider Pass. Once we again made it to the top and we enjoyed another stunning view and this time Snowmass Lake was visible. We could see where camp would be. We headed down and set up along the river. Then after a nap and a rain storm we walked over to the lake for happy hour and some awesome photo opportunities and let our legs rest after the seven miles they carried us that day.
The final day wasn’t nearly as bad being a little shorter with only being six miles. The trail went through more forest and it was one that I felt the best on. Fourth day’s a charm! We summited and really enjoyed some time on the top! On our way back to the start we found a beautiful camp site and decided to stay one more night! Though we were dreaming of all the food we could eat we knew this moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city and phones was worth it!
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!
- ENJOY YOURSELF!!!
