Four Pass Loop Memorial Weekend

[jakegeiger21]

Hey there, I am interested in hiking the four pass loop this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend (Sat-Mon). I have done the loop before, however that was in late June during a dry snow year. I was just wondering if anyone has done it recently and what the conditions are currently like? Will the stream crossings be too high? Will the trail mostly be visible or still buried beneath snow?

Any help would be much appreciated!

[alsrun]

We still have a good amount of snow above 11K in the mountains surrounding Crested Butte and the streams are starting to run pretty fast. It's still cool at night and we haven't had any Arizona dust to help with the snow melt. Hope this helps.

[AlexeyD]

There's a conditions report for Snowmass Mountain from this weekend; this should give you some idea of what conditions are like in the vicinity of Snowmass Lake, at least.

From what I've gathered reading various condition reports from around the state, the gist of things is that there is deep, extensive snow cover just above everywhere above about 11,000 feet everywhere (which is a very substantial portion of that route), which devolves into a posthole nightmare during warm weather.

[Scott P]

Will the trail mostly be visible or still buried beneath snow?

Buried under snow, just like it is every Memorial Day weekend.

[SkaredShtles]

Check out conditions for yourself!

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http://aspen.roundshot.com/snowmass/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://aspen.roundshot.com/aspen/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jakegeiger21]

I love the Panoramic Shots from nearby Ski Mountains. That helps a lot. I did want to see if anyone has done the loop this year so far and what the conditions are like. I got out and hiked two 14ers last weekend so I am expecting pretty good snow coverage in the higher elevations. Just wanted to see what the stream crossings are like and if the trail is pretty easy to follow or route finding skills will be necessary. Any beta would be much appreciated.

To give a little more insight, I am now thinking about doing the loop next week starting 6/13. With the great weather that we've had lately I'm hoping much more of the snow will have melted.

Thanks again for all your help!

[AnnaG22]

I got out and hiked two 14ers last weekend so I am expecting pretty good snow coverage in the higher elevations. Just wanted to see what the stream crossings are like and if the trail is pretty easy to follow or route finding skills will be necessary. Any beta would be much appreciated.

To give a little more insight, I am now thinking about doing the loop next week starting 6/13. With the great weather that we've had lately I'm hoping much more of the snow will have melted.

Thanks again for all your help!

So someone recently did the Four Pass Loop...entirely on skis. If you're planning to do it next week, you should expect consistent snow above ~11,000 feet and plan to have full avalanche gear in addition to skis or snowshoes. But you are correct that Maroon Lake and Snowmass Lake will likely be dry.

[mountaingoat-G]

I don't know about the Elks specifically, but in some places, the snow is the consistency of mashed potatoes right now....

[Scott P]

But you are correct that Maroon Lake and Snowmass Lake will likely be dry.

It is very doubtful that Snowmass Lake will be dry. In fact, it's always frozen over and always has snow this time of year.

[AnnaG22]

But you are correct that Maroon Lake and Snowmass Lake will likely be dry.

It is very doubtful that Snowmass Lake will be dry. In fact, it's always frozen over and always has snow this time of year.

Most recent beta shows that Snowmass Lake is no longer frozen, it only has a few patches of ice left. Still snow around it, but looks to be headed toward mud-type conditions. I do think the snow will stay not far above it though. the passes generally don't melt out fully til mid-July.

[Scott P]

Good to know, but I still wouldn't expect it to be dry anytime soon, nor snow free. I am surprised however, that the ice is as melted as much as much as it is and you are correct that it isn't completely frozen over (it still appears mostly ice covered though).

I may be headed up there this weekend. If I do, I will report conditions.

[jakegeiger21]

That would be awesome. Thanks!