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Upcoming events
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- Network event
a.foot adventure | independence pass + aspen + maroon bells wilderness
Maroon Lake Trailhead, Maroon Creek Road, Aspen, CO, US4 attendees from 2 groupsI am returning to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness to lead one of my favorite hikes. This has always been difficult to plan for a group. So I leave it up to you to put on your adventure hat and plan your own lodging or camping. There are hotels in Aspen, Snowmass and Carbondale. I found a camp site at Difficult Campground. We will meet very early (7:00 AM) at the Maroon Lake parking lot where I will lead a hike that takes us off the main corridor and away from tourists to two spectacular places.
You must purchase in advance a $10 parking permit. Permits are limited. Here is a link: https://www.visitmaroonbells.com/.
7:00 AM
We will join the many photographers at sunrise all trying to capture the reflection of North and South Maroon Peaks in the water. Then we will begin our hike to the top of Buckskin Pass. Topping out at 12,462 we will have the vantage to see five peaks of the Elk Mountains over 14,000 feet including Capitol, Snowmass, North Maroon, South Maroon and Pyramid Peak.
Afternoon
Now for the extra special treat. I will lead the group up the lower part of the standard route on Pyramid Peak to a point called the Amphitheater. Pyramid Peak is a fierce, rugged and dangerous mountain. In fact, the peaks in the Elk Range - Maroon Bells Wilderness are some of the most dangerous fourteeners to climb. BUT GUESS WHAT! I discovered the lower part of the route is extremely easy and not dangerous. I would rate it a Class 2. And it has awesome views of the Maroon Bells looking west. You will experience the thrill and exhilaration of climbing a fourteener without climbing a fourteener.Recommended route to arrive in Aspen the day before: The very scenic Independence Pass. Twin Lakes to Aspen.
Who its for
This is not a beginner hike. It is for those who are fairly fit, hike often and have experience with mountain terrain.The Maroon Bells and Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado's fourth largest Wilderness exemplifies Rocky Mountain splendor. Over 175 miles of trail lead over nine passes above 12,000 feet, vast regions lie above the tree line and long glacial valleys point the way to glistening alpine lakes. With six peaks rising above 14,000 feet, this area draws mountaineers and hikers by the thousands annually. The awesome, jagged symmetry of the twin 14,000 ft. the Maroon Bells, reflected in Maroon Lake, is the most photographed peaks in all of North America.
3 attendees from this group
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Past events
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