Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop

Group size 10 people. Dogs are NOT permitted in the wilderness. Please read details carefully!

• $33 per person - this covers permit and campground reservations**.** You will be put on the waitlist before being approved. I will contact you to arrange payment via Venmo/PayPal/Other to reimburse me for the cost of the reservations. Once paid, your spot will be secured, and you'll be moved to the "Going" list. If you need to cancel, the cost is non-refundable, unless I can reach out to others on the waitlist to commit before refunding you.
• Preference will be given for 2 drivers that can accommodate 3-4 people + gear.
• It is expected that riders contribute gas money and potentially parking reservation cost.
• Lower preference will be given if you cannot carpool or share tents at certain times.
• You must also meet the below requirements to attend.

Required actions before trip:

1. *Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2. *Complete a qualifying hike. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities - we post qualifying hikes once a month in April, May, June, and sometimes July.
3. Attend a pre-planning Google Meet meeting one week before trip start date.

*including any 1+

Driving/Carpooling & Parking:

• Parking is by reservation & the campground is limited to 1 vehicle per site (3), so carpooling is necessary. I will need 2 volunteers to drive and will need your vehicle information to make reservations.
• If you choose not to carpool, you're responsible for getting to the campground and/or trailhead via your own reservations and/or shuttle.

Description:

• 1st night: Car camping @ Difficult Campground near Aspen
• 3 days / 2 nights backpacking: 26 miles and 8,700' of elevation gain
• Rating: Difficult
• Route: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/cbIQ4qq0ArOcRpG8H5wU6z1Y/

Day 1 (Sun 7/5):

• Meet @ 9:00 am to carpool
• Drive 4.5 hrs to Difficult Campground and set up camp (car camping) - 2:00 pm check-in. Sharing tents is necessary for at least 2 people per site - each of the 3 reserved sites has space for 2-3 small tents and must accommodate at least 3-4 people.
• Lunch stop on the way / dinner in Aspen (bring ideas to the planning meeting)
• Forecast at camp: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.14259030959633&lon=-106.77316041772156&site=all&smap=1

Day 2 (Mon 7/6):

• Hike clockwise from Maroon Lake TH into North Fork BZ
• Camp @ the "waterfall site" after Frigid Air Pass
• Sharing Tents may be necessary here due to site availability & size
• Forecast at camp: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.06912491140963&lon=-107.01490868879458&site=all&smap=1

Day 3 (Tue 7/7):

• Hike to Snowmass Lake BZ
• Camp @ eastern side of lake near outlet
• Sharing Tents may be necessary here due to site availability & size
• Forecast at camp: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.117461706502894&lon=-107.02986946079437&site=all&smap=1

Day 4 (Wed 7/8):

• Hike to Maroon Lake TH
• Stop for lunch in Aspen
• Drive home 4.5 hrs

Resources:

• Route: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/cbIQ4qq0ArOcRpG8H5wU6z1Y/
• Bear safety: Bear canister required
• LNT principles are enforced by this group: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
• What to Bring Backpacking: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html
• 10 Essentials: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
• Microspikes recommended - this is early season but snowfall has been low.