Four Pass Loop conditions

Trailhead condition requests, questions, alerts, etc.
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jomagam
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Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by jomagam »

What are the conditions along the Four Pass Loop ? Passable ? I usually don't consider it until late July, but heard that this year was bad for snow in the Elks.
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DoctorBreaks
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by DoctorBreaks »

jomagam wrote:What are the conditions along the Four Pass Loop ? Passable ? I usually don't consider it until late July, but heard that this year was bad for snow in the Elks.
I plan on running up Willow Lake Pass today after work, I can send you a PM with observations.

-John
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jomagam
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by jomagam »

DoctorBreaks wrote:
jomagam wrote:What are the conditions along the Four Pass Loop ? Passable ? I usually don't consider it until late July, but heard that this year was bad for snow in the Elks.
I plan on running up Willow Lake Pass today after work, I can send you a PM with observations.

-John
Thanks!
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jchapell
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by jchapell »

DoctorBreaks wrote:
jomagam wrote:What are the conditions along the Four Pass Loop ? Passable ? I usually don't consider it until late July, but heard that this year was bad for snow in the Elks.
I plan on running up Willow Lake Pass today after work, I can send you a PM with observations.

-John
Would one of you mind posting it here as well as a PM? I'm sure others would like to know...
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tomcat32
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by tomcat32 »

DoctorBreaks wrote:
jomagam wrote:What are the conditions along the Four Pass Loop ? Passable ? I usually don't consider it until late July, but heard that this year was bad for snow in the Elks.
I plan on running up Willow Lake Pass today after work, I can send you a PM with observations.

-John

I would like to hear the updates too. I am planning a backpacking loop around the Bells, Snowmass, and Capitol as soon as conditions allow and would like to get some first hand condition reports of the area.
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DoctorBreaks
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by DoctorBreaks »

I can post the updates this weekend. I just got off and it's too late to run that high.
"Mountains are not Stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion."

-Anatoli Boukreev

Be humble enough to respect the mountain, but confident enough to climb it.


Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by TakeMeToYourSummit »

Taken on 05-31-18... I hope these help!
GEDV0037.JPG
GEDV0075.JPG
GEDV0099.JPG
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DoctorBreaks
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by DoctorBreaks »

TakeMeToYourSummit wrote:Taken on 05-31-18... I hope these help!GEDV0037.JPGGEDV0075.JPGGEDV0099.JPG
Nice pics Brad! Willow Pass is about as dry as I've been hearing!

FWIW, West Maroon has melted out really quickly. I was up near campsite 11 on 06/04 and it's melting out quick.
"Mountains are not Stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion."

-Anatoli Boukreev

Be humble enough to respect the mountain, but confident enough to climb it.


Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.
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mikjik86
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by mikjik86 »

Might be slightly off topic, but I have a logistics question regarding accessing Maroon Lake. I plan to backpack Four Pass Loop in early July and have learned that after 8 AM you must take the bus to reach Maroon Lake. My question is where to park my vehicle for 3 days while backpacking? I have read that the Aspen Highlands parking lot is the traditional option, yet is it true parking is $20 per day? Also i understand there is a 35 car lot for backpackers/long term. I have heard if you tell them you are backpacking and there are still spots, they might let you past the 8 AM mark? Any info is helpful. I have already visited multiple websites for information, and $60 for 3 days seems pricey for parking.
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rosscgent
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by rosscgent »

mikjik86 wrote:Might be slightly off topic, but I have a logistics question regarding accessing Maroon Lake. I plan to backpack Four Pass Loop in early July and have learned that after 8 AM you must take the bus to reach Maroon Lake. My question is where to park my vehicle for 3 days while backpacking? I have read that the Aspen Highlands parking lot is the traditional option, yet is it true parking is $20 per day? Also i understand there is a 35 car lot for backpackers/long term. I have heard if you tell them you are backpacking and there are still spots, they might let you past the 8 AM mark? Any info is helpful. I have already visited multiple websites for information, and $60 for 3 days seems pricey for parking.
We are planning on doing the loop starting Tuesday the 19th, I'd love this info as well
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macgyver
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by macgyver »

If anyone has been to the creek in the last few days, curious on the crossing conditions at West Maroon Creek. I'll assume the snow bridge from a few weeks ago is kaput.
-MacG
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RWinters
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Re: Four Pass Loop conditions

Post by RWinters »

I crossed it on Sunday climbing Thunder Pyramid. It was ok as I crossed it on the return about noon. It won’t last too much longer with these warm days for sure. There is another bridge about 50 yards upstream. Accessing it may be challenging given it is more guarded by some small cliffs and steep banks but doable.
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