In-depth Trail Guide/ Review Colorado Four Pass Loop
Vložit
- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- UPDATE
PAID PERMITS ARE REQUIRED AS OF 2023
This trail is in the Maroon Bells SnowMass Wilderness.
This guide covers distance, permits and everything you need to know before you take your trip!
BEAR CANISTERS ARE REQUIRED
I spent 6 days and 5 nights on this trail.
July 30th- Aug4th over 30 miles and 4 mountain passes starting from the West maroon trailhead via Crested butte. It rained every day from 3pm - 5:30am. Temperatures at night were in the low 40’s maybe high 30’s.
It was an amazing trail and I would highly recommend it.
Map: amzn.to/3xVJxEq
Gear
Backpack: amzn.to/39qTTTf
Tent: amzn.to/3ObS6jq (I had the Marmot Limelight 2p)
Sleeping bag: amzn.to/3zG0SSR
Sleeping pad: amzn.to/3Oj1MJ2
Bladder: amzn.to/3b2tXOj
Pillow: amzn.to/3Qnfw7u
Bear Canister: amzn.to/3zEwOHj
Trekking Pole: amzn.to/39qW1KJ
Stove: amzn.to/3mOCYNo
Dry Bag: amzn.to/3b1ei1w
Filter: amzn.to/3O8NXNy
Trowel: amzn.to/3xBz4wy
Spoon: amzn.to/3MW233N
Pot: amzn.to/3tFU2cq
Rain coat: amzn.to/3b1EWHs (Used Rei)
Head Lamp: amzn.to/3OgwLFD
Compass: amzn.to/3mSR9Rw
Power Bank: amzn.to/3xPxdnZ
Mitchell, that was the best over view of the 4 pass loop that I've seen yet. Great attention to detail; photography, although minimal, was vivid. What camera did you use? Can you post the other video you were talking about? Thank you for the contribution to the 4 pass community.
Thank you very much! I hope this helps with any questions you had. I just used my IPhone 11 Pro Max for the video. If you are referring to the Crested butte video it is on my channel!
I just found this channel in September 2023 and noticed you haven't posted a lot recently, especially Colorado content. With your quality if you stuck with it, your channel could get pretty big here.
I agree 100%
The goal is to be able to create that content again, especially with all my upgraded camera gear. We’ll see what happens next year but I definitely want to create that kind of content for people
Mitchell- this is one of the best overviews I have come across - bar none. Not too long, super detailed, well produced, and attention where attention is needed. Bravo and thank you so much! I'm fixing to try this look in mid/late Oct so I know I'll need to be Dailed in - and lucky with the weather - or just downright gritty. Happy trails!
Awesome!! I’m glad it was helpful to you!! Have a great trip!!
What a great report out. This is definitely on my bucket list but I think with this information summer of 2022 will be off my bucket list. Thanks once again.
Thanks! Definitely give this trail a try! It’s so worth it!
The info he provided is invaluable. You will be glad you watched this video. It gets confusing at some points out there. Easy to get lost but this dude pretty much walked you through everything you need to know. I’m going back in July. Hope you take it off your bucket list this year. Good luck!
So helpful! These are just the kinds of videos and blogs I search out before our summer backpack trips. Much appreciated.
So glad I could help!!
Thank you for all of the time you put into this! It is super helpful.
Thank you! I'm just glad it helped you!!
Thank you so much for the details.
No problem! Permits are now required as of 2023
I see. Thanks. I’m still in the planning stage.
Hi Mitchell. You already mentioned acquiring a free permit in this video. Are you saying we have to pay for it now in 2023?
@@FirstHandExplore yes as of 2023 you have to pay for permits to hike the trail. From what I could tell from looking online it seems pretty strict now.
@@Garrett_Logan Yes, they are pretty strict. You have to have permit for the specific zones to camp. Its hard to change plans during the hike. Everything has to work on schedule.For us from Florida, this just adds in to the nightmare of logistics( flights,car!rental, lodging, etc.)
Amazing video, really can’t imagine a better intro to this trail. Now I have to go do it!
Thanks!! I definitely want to do it again!
Glad I found your video to help plan our trip. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Fantastic job documenting your trip. I have a permit for the loop in August. I originally planned to come up through Aspen. After watching this video, I just may change my itinerary!
Awesome!!! Thanks!
Enjoy the trail for me! I wanted to do it again this year but couldn’t because of the permits. Maybe next year!!!
Fantastic overview of the trail. I did this one about 4 years ago and it's nice to see much of it's still the same. I wouldn't mind getting out there again!
Thanks! It was an amazing trail and I’m definitely going to try to make it out there again.
Thank you for the video. I will hike it with a med sized group Sept 23. I feel a little more confident after watching this👍
No problem!!! I’m glad it helped!
Great video Mitchell. Very informative as it looks like you could get turned around in some areas.
We will be out there in early June, as we are considering making this hike.
Do you even think it is worth hiking with potential snow on the ground?
Thanks again for the great content!
I know there can definitely be snow during the month of June. I would say it depends on your hiking experience. If you’re new and not that experienced I would say it may not be the best idea. However I’ve never hiked this trail in June so it could be no snow, 1ft of snow or more, I’m personally not sure. I would recommend going to the FPL Facebook group and there are local people in the area that can give you up to date information. You most likely will have to hike in through the Aspen route as the CB route will be closed because it’s so early in the year. Thanks a ton and I wish you the best!
Awesome Video! My gf and I are about to do this trail, and I've been very curious of the layout and how much water resupply there is. This was extremely helpful!
Thank you! Be safe and enjoy the trail!!
Great overview. Backpacking this trail in August this year and really appreciate the video!
Awesome I’m glad it helped! Enjoy the trail for me lol!
This is fantastic. Keep these coming and you’ve got my subscription!
Thank you so much!
this was SO helpful! I'll be watching it more as I plan my trip for this summer :) thank you!
Thanks! I don’t know if you read the description but paid permits are required now.
@@Garrett_Logan yes! I booked mine early this year :)
Thanks for the video!
No problem! As an update, permits are now required as of 2023
This place is on my bucket list, thank you for sharing it I learned a lot! ❤️
Thanks for sharing this video. This trip is on my bucket list. I have been to Crater Lake and have backpacked to Willow Lake. It is a beautiful area!
I hope it helped!
Can't thank you enough for this overview!! Trying to plan a trip (coming from Iowa) & this is the BEST resource I've found. Also, thanks for your crested butte road video-- it really helped me decide which way I want to start hiking from. 🙏 Hope to see more reviews from you on other trails!
No problem! I’m glad it helped!!
👍👍 super helpful. Looking forward to seeing more.
Appreciate you making this guide! I'm thinking of doing this loop in August.
Thank you for watching! It's an amazing trail and I would highly recommend it!
Awesome Video! Very informative and well shot, thank you
Thank you so much! I'm glad it helped!
Great tutorial, man! Wish it had been out last year when my cousin and I made our first attempt at MB4PL. We ended up like the couple you mentioned who traveling counter clockwise out from Aspen area veered right instead of left over the creek crossing. There was a log over the trail which apparently means DO NOT enter🤷♂️. We ended up in some sketchy area and had to go straight down a boulder field (😬) and across a river to get back on the trail. We both realized we needed better planning so we turned around. We will return this July. Again…thanks for your videos! You provided what many are wishing they had seen prior to doing the Loop. Hope future hikers see your videos. 🤙
Man that was a steep boulder field 😅. I’m glad you made it safely! I would have went the same way if some guys hadn’t let me know a half a mile before hand.
Great video Mitchell!! This video is very detailed and straight to the point. We will have to be on guard against elevation sickness.
Thanks for the info! This loop is on my short list.
Absolutely! I still want to hike the trail again!
Wow, this is an awesome video covering the Four Pass Loop. Thank you for taking the time to make this! My family and I are going to do this in July and your video is awesome prep for it.
Awesome! I'm glad it was helpful! I know you guys will love the trail!!
@@jaredpgrigg awesome! Lol we completed it June 29th - July 3rd. Only got rained on a little bit the first day, then just a few short, light showers throughout the rest of the trip. Have fun and safe travels!
I am aiming to do this trail this year if I can get a permit. This was so, so helpful in planning!
Awesome!!! You’ll love it!
You did a very nice job with your video and explaining the whole process. Look forward to doing this hike possibly this summer. Kudos...
Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful!
Amazing amazing details !!!!! Great video !!!!
Thank you! Glad I could help!
Great summary and video. Thank you for taking the time to put it together. Planning on doing this in July 2022.
Thanks! I’m glad it helped!
That was a great video and explanation. Thx.
I'm glad it helped!
Mitchell, great info. I’ve been around the loop a couple of times - epic scenery. Too bad much of your trip was in the rain, though still beautiful. Hope you get to see it in good weather sometime.
Thanks! I think the bad weather made the good weather that much better!
This is an awesome video! I'll be doing this loop in two weeks. Also if you live in CO we should link up for a trip! I'm always looking for new friends to go with
I so wish I could! I really want to do the trail again!
This was awesome. Subscribed!
Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful!
Hey Mitchell, very good review. Thanks for sharing. I’m considering this hike in August. It’s a toss up between this and Wind River Range, which I did a couple years ago and shared videos on my channel. This year I’m doing “Trails less Traveled” each month. Great to find your channel. Just subscribed.
Awesome! I actually plan on doing Wind River Range this year!
@@Garrett_Logan it is an amazing hike. Beautiful throughout.
Great video
Thank you!!
Great use of maps and gps in the video
Thank you!
Excellent overview and looks like a fantastic trip ! I am planning to hike the Loop starting from the Snomass Trailhead about 6 miles north of the loop - in early August. It looks like there is lots of water available -- did you find any dry sections requiring that you carry more than a few liters?
Thank you! I never ran across any places where water wasn't available. There was water everywhere, even going up the passes. The only passes that doesn't have water were West Maroon and Frigid Air, But Trailrider and Buckskin do have water coming off the passes.
@@Garrett_Logan Thanks for the helpful info ! Great hiking !
I am looking to start the hike where you did. I cannot find it on some maps. Do you know if they changed the name of it to East Fork Trailhead?
Great video man!!! We are planning to do this hike with friends at the beginning of July. Do we need any permits for overnight?
Thanks! Yes you do have to apply for permits online now in order to hike the trail and in order to hike it overnight. The permits are pretty strict now but hopefully you’ll be able to find permits for the dates you’re wanting to hike
I’m curious how and who will be checking those permits. I checked out their website, it’s so confusing. Why not to make one permit for the hike? Why you need to get a separate permit for each zone? What if someone overestimated their ability to hike or high altitude sickness and won’t be able to reach some of the camp you planned for and decided to make a camp earlier?
@@jackmarushchak6978 buddy I share you concerns exactly. The way that they set all this up just makes the process so complicated. I planned on doing the trail again this year but because of how they have it set up I’m not going to be able to. I assume they’ll have park rangers out checking everyone possibly
Exactly…by the way can you recommend some similar your favorite trails like that? Colorado or other states
Can you sleep in your vehicle at the parking lot west maroon trail head? Great video btw
Thanks!
Absolutely! You shouldn’t have any problem sleeping in the parking lot because you’ll be leaving your vehicle there for a couple of days anyway.
Ok thank you!
@@Jeremy-bh5cm absolutely!!!
So can I not just go in the woods somewhere near snowmass lake and set up camp? Do I have to camp at the designated spots ?
Yes camping in designated camp sites is required. It just helps maintain the trail so that people aren’t going all through the woods off trail and also that would introduce another problem with trash.
@@Garrett_Loganyo crazy I already watched this. I actually got a permit now so I’m going in a week lol
@@Garrett_Loganwhat is parking like when you get there? Just park at shuttle and pay for 5 days parking and shuttle to trail head ?
Mitchell do you have a public copy of the map through Gaia?
Hey so sorry I haven’t seen your comment and hopefully I’m not too late. You can log into Gaia and you should be able to type in the trail. It should pull up the four pass loop map and you can download it so that you know where you are at all times in the trail. Hopefully this helps!
Whats shortest trail from Aspen to crested butte ?
If I’m understanding your question correctly then the shortest route would be going over West maroon Pass
Idk if anyone will see this but was there any steepness at all when descending
Oh yes lol. It’s nothing people can’t handle but you definitely have to take your time. It’s only small sections that are really steep. The areas with the steepest sections I’d say for me were west maroon and frigid air.
@@Garrett_Logan ok thank you this is going to be me and my friends first trip like this so I’m trying to get a good knowledge on everything and this was my main worry.
@@caleb419 Gotcha! It’s nothing you can’t handle, you got this!!
@@Garrett_Logan thank you for the motivation your advice helps a lot