Maroon Bells - 4 pass loop 9-7 to 9-11

[overheadx2]

Maroon Bells

Did Quick trip to Aspen to do the 4 pass loop in the Maroon Bells wilderness. There is a no quota permit system which was good and bad since permits are easy to get, but makes the area pretty crowded. Since it was after labor day, the crowds were reduced, but still more than I like. That said, it was very similar to the sierra in the fact that if you get off the main trail even a half mile you can find solitude.
The hike was amazing and each day we were amazed at the new beauty as we summited another pass.

Overlooking the Fravert basin from frigid aire pass

West Maroon Pass

Snowmass Lake from Trailrider Pass

I much as I was amazed at the extreme natural beauty that is significantly different from the sierra, I was disappointed at the lack fishing along the trail. Most creeks were very small and at 11k' to 12k' seemed to be devoid of any significant fish. We did see some nice fish at Snowmass lake, but were unable to land any thing although I must admit that we didn't really try that hard due to rain.

Snowmass Lake

Each day was very similar with a campsite at about 10600' and a 12400' pass over a 6 to 7 mile hike.
Overall it was spectacular. A little crowded, but not to bad, the popular areas to camp were pretty over used, but we were at the end of the season.

[maverick]

Very nice! The first shot is a classic and will have hordes of photographers there in a few weeks, for the Fall colors.

[overheadx2]

Yes, the aspens where starting to turn. In a few weeks it should be incredible. The place is a photographers dream. It's trips like this that make me wish I had better photo skills.

[Jimr]

I'd say your photo skills are pretty good so far.

[Wandering Daisy]

We are taking a road trip with the trailer to Durango, to see my daughter, in two weeks. I hope the Aspen are turning by then. I was there about the same time two years ago and it was peak colors. However, we are not hualing the trailer over from Silverton- instead will just drive up there from Durango. That road is pretty scary, even without a trailer! Was your route part of the Colorado Trail?

[overheadx2]

I have no idea WD. It's a 26 mile loop out of aspen, but don't know about the Colorado Trail. The colors should be amazing now. They were just turning when we were leaving. Have a great time!

[jartelt]

Awesome pictures! I wonder how long before they institute a permit system?

[overheadx2]

I would imagine it has to be soon. It was nice just self permitting at the trail head and not having to jump through the permit hoops, but with such beauty it is inevitable that the place is really over used. Lots and I mean LOTS of toilet tissue and sort of buried human waste at the popular spots. Also very surprised to see a complete disregard for fire regulations along the trail as fire rings were everywhere even though prohibited and many active camp fires were noted along the way even though it was prohibited. I had kind of assumed it would be crowded so we ended up camping across the river and off of the loop trail several nights in order to get some solitude. We did camp at Snow mass Lake one night in order to get some photos, and it was very similar to LYV. Next trip to Colorado will be to a more remote location like some had suggested in my earlier post for intel.