Reservation9/10
Conundrum Hot Springs
Natural hot springs at 11,200 ft in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness—one of ...
View Conundrum Hot Springs Permit permit details and availability
ReservationThru-HikeVery High Demand
Four Pass Loop Permit
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
Colorado's most iconic backpacking loop—27 miles crossing four 12,000+ ft passes through the heart of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
“Cross four mountain passes above 12,000 feet as you circumnavigate the most photographed peaks in Colorado.”
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Four Pass Loop Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelExtremely High9/10
Cost$12/person/night
Max Group Size15 people
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level9/10
LocationUSFS
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
27 miles
Elevation Gain
8,500 ft
Route Type
Loop
Duration
3-4 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
9,580 - 12,500 ft
Highlights
- •26-28 miles over 3-4 days with approximately 8,500 feet of cumulative elevation gain
- •Four passes above 12,000 feet—significant altitude exposure
- •World-class wildflower displays in late July
- •Snowmass Lake—one of the largest and most beautiful alpine lakes in Colorado
- •Afternoon thunderstorms are nearly guaranteed in summer—be below treeline by 1pm
Best Time to Visit
Mid-July through mid-September. Late July offers peak wildflowers. August has more stable weather but larger crowds. September brings fall colors but potential early snow.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Afternoon thunderstorms—lightning is a serious threat above treeline; plan to be over passes by noon
- !Altitude—all four passes exceed 12,400 feet; altitude sickness possible
- !Stream crossings—can be difficult in early season high water
- !Snow—passes may hold snow into July; check conditions before departing
- !Wildlife—black bears are active; proper food storage mandatory
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk3/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit hikers comfortable with significant elevation gain and high-altitude travel.
Recommended Experience
Should have prior backpacking experience and be acclimatized to elevation above 10,000 feet.
Not Recommended For
Those without high-altitude hiking experience or unable to manage 3,000+ feet of daily elevation change.
About This Permit
The Four Pass Loop is a 26-28 mile backpacking circuit in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, Colorado. The route crosses four mountain passes—West Maroon (12,500'), Frigid Air (12,415'), Trail Rider (12,420'), and Buckskin (12,500')—accumulating approximately 8,500 feet of elevation gain.
The loop circumnavigates the iconic Maroon Bells, passing through some of Colorado's most spectacular alpine scenery. Most hikers complete the route in 3-4 days, camping at designated areas along the way.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Four Pass Loop is widely considered the finest backpacking route in Colorado. It circles the iconic Maroon Bells—the most photographed mountains in North America—crossing four passes that each top 12,400 feet. The route showcases everything that makes Colorado special: wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, and high-altitude adventure.
The Route
From Maroon Lake, the trail climbs through aspen groves to Crater Lake at the base of the famous Maroon Bells. Most hikers go clockwise, saving Buckskin Pass for the end.
West Maroon Valley stretches ahead, carpeted with wildflowers in July. The climb to West Maroon Pass (12,500 ft) is steep but rewards with views into the Fravert Basin. A short descent and brutal climb leads to Frigid Air Pass, where the back of the Bells reveals itself.
The descent into the North Fork brings you to the base of Trail Rider Pass. Snowmass Lake appears like a mirage—turquoise water against gray cliffs. The final morning climb over Buckskin Pass provides perhaps the most iconic viewpoint of the entire Maroon Bells massif before dropping back to Crater Lake.
The Feeling
The Maroon Bells are always present—sometimes directly overhead, sometimes glimpsed from a distant pass, always defining the horizon. Each pass brings its own revelation: the rust-red soils of West Maroon, the hidden amphitheater of Fravert Basin, the first glimpse of turquoise Snowmass Lake from Trail Rider Pass. By the time you crest Buckskin Pass on the final day and see the Bells framed perfectly across the valley, you understand why this loop has become a rite of passage for Colorado hikers.
Trailhead Information
Maroon Lake Trailhead
9,580 ft elevationPrimary trailhead requiring shuttle bus or parking reservation during peak season.
Restrooms
Water Available
Weak Signal
Parking
Maroon Bells Scenic Area requires RFTA shuttle bus or advance parking reservation during peak season (mid-June to early October). Reserve at recreation.gov.
Getting There
9 miles from Aspen on Maroon Creek Road. Private vehicles restricted during peak season 8am-5pm.
Nearest Services
Aspen (9 miles) has full services. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area has a small visitor center and restrooms.
East Fork Trailhead (Crested Butte side)
9,400 ft elevationAlternate access from Crested Butte side, bypassing shuttle requirements but requiring 4WD.
Restrooms
Water Available
No Service
Parking
Primitive parking area. High-clearance 4WD required for access road.
Getting There
From Gothic (near Crested Butte), take rough 4WD road to East Fork trailhead. Not recommended for rental vehicles.
Nearest Services
Crested Butte (18 miles) has full services.
Rules & Regulations
- •Overnight permit required—reserve via recreation.gov
- •Bear canisters required for all overnight visitors (hard-sided, IGBC-approved)
- •Camping only in designated zones (Maroon, North Fork, Snowmass Lake)
- •Group size limited to 15 people
- •No campfires above treeline
- •Pack out all human waste—wag bags recommended at high-use areas like Snowmass Lake
Gear Checklist
Required
- Bear canister (hard-sided, IGBC-approved—required by regulation)
- Rain gear and insulating layers for sudden weather changes
- Water filter (numerous sources but all require treatment)
- Sun protection for high-altitude exposure
- Good footwear for rocky, uneven terrain
Recommended
- Trekking poles (essential for the four steep pass crossings)
- Gaiters for early season snow travel
- Crampons or microspikes if traveling before late July
- Lightning protection plan (be below treeline by noon-1pm)
- Camp shoes for stream crossings and camp comfort
Key Landmarks
↑
8,500ft
Gain↓
8,500ft
Loss⛰️
12,500ft
High📏
27.0mi
Distance📐
1.9%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•11 landmarks
Landmarks (11)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Four Pass Loop FAQ
How do I get a Four Pass Loop permit?
Four Pass Loop permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Four Pass Loop?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Four Pass Loop permit?
This permit has a demand score of 9/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Four Pass Loop permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Buckskin Pass with the Maroon Bells glowing in alpenglow is the loop's signature shot. Sunset reflections in Snowmass Lake are equally spectacular.
Best Light
Morning light from Buckskin Pass illuminates the east face of the Maroon Bells. Evening light at Snowmass Lake provides dramatic reflections.
Beat the Crowds
Weekday starts see fewer crowds at camps. Snowmass Lake is the most popular—arrive early to claim a good site. Fravert Basin offers more solitude.
Classic Shots
- 📍Maroon Bells from Buckskin Pass at sunrise
- 📍Snowmass Lake with the massive Snowmass Mountain backdrop
- 📍Wildflower meadows in West Maroon Valley
- 📍Looking down into Fravert Basin from Frigid Air Pass
- 📍The iconic Crater Lake/Maroon Bells reflection
- 📍Trail Rider Pass with Snowmass Lake below
Can't Get a Four Pass Loop Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Snowmass Lake Out-and-Back
Easier Alternative16-mile round trip to Snowmass Lake via Trail Rider Pass—experience the loop's highlight without completing all four passes.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Same permit system but shorter commitment. Misses the other three passes and classic Maroon Bells views.
Maroon-Snowmass Traverse
Similar ExperiencePoint-to-point traverse from Aspen to Crested Butte via the loop's most scenic sections.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Requires shuttle logistics but avoids less scenic sections of the loop.
Conundrum Hot Springs
Same Area17-mile round trip to natural hot springs in the same wilderness area. Different experience but equally popular.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Hot springs destination vs. peak scenery. Still requires advance permit reservation.
Other Maroon Bells Permits
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