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Four Pass Loop Day 3: Snowmass Lake to Maroon Lake
Hiking Trail
Hard
8.39 mi
1,825 ft
The final pass of the trip, and a long descent back to the trailhead.
You'll begin Day 3 at the very bottom of Buckskin Pass, with an approximately 1,484-foot climb in front of you. Thankfully, with fresh legs, the climb to the top of Buckskin rolls by pretty quickly. The ascent isn't nearly as steep or difficult as Trail Rider, and the upper reaches of the climb provide unbelievable views back toward the formidable profile of Snowmass Mountain.
Congratulations, you've made it to the top of the final pass of the trip! This would be the perfect spot to pop a bottle of champagne... if it wasn't so heavy. Be sure to savor this final high point—and with a stupendous view of Pyramid Peak directly in front of you, it's tough not to!
Even though you've made it to the top of the pass, there's still a long way to go—almost 5 miles of descending, in fact. The descent down Buckskin is truly magical, with rushing mountain streams and cascades providing a soundtrack to your hike. Brilliant wildflowers carpet the ground, and you'll continue to enjoy incredible vistas of Pyramid framed by the trees as you slowly hike ever downward.
Once you make the left turn near Crater Lake toward Maroon Lake, brace yourselves for hordes of day hikers. Since it will undoubtedly be later in the day than when you set off on Day 1, the trail traffic will be much thicker. After a couple of days deep in the wilderness, the dense traffic is a bit jarring, especially as numerous people ask you where you came from, apparently never having heard of the Four Pass Loop before (despite the signs at the trailhead). Regardless, you're on the home stretch—almost back to the car and a cold drink at the trailhead! Written by Greg Heil
You'll begin Day 3 at the very bottom of Buckskin Pass, with an approximately 1,484-foot climb in front of you. Thankfully, with fresh legs, the climb to the top of Buckskin rolls by pretty quickly. The ascent isn't nearly as steep or difficult as Trail Rider, and the upper reaches of the climb provide unbelievable views back toward the formidable profile of Snowmass Mountain.
Congratulations, you've made it to the top of the final pass of the trip! This would be the perfect spot to pop a bottle of champagne... if it wasn't so heavy. Be sure to savor this final high point—and with a stupendous view of Pyramid Peak directly in front of you, it's tough not to!
Even though you've made it to the top of the pass, there's still a long way to go—almost 5 miles of descending, in fact. The descent down Buckskin is truly magical, with rushing mountain streams and cascades providing a soundtrack to your hike. Brilliant wildflowers carpet the ground, and you'll continue to enjoy incredible vistas of Pyramid framed by the trees as you slowly hike ever downward.
Once you make the left turn near Crater Lake toward Maroon Lake, brace yourselves for hordes of day hikers. Since it will undoubtedly be later in the day than when you set off on Day 1, the trail traffic will be much thicker. After a couple of days deep in the wilderness, the dense traffic is a bit jarring, especially as numerous people ask you where you came from, apparently never having heard of the Four Pass Loop before (despite the signs at the trailhead). Regardless, you're on the home stretch—almost back to the car and a cold drink at the trailhead! Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Road 13 Climb | 2.46 mi | 1,680 ft | 12.9% |
| Unnamed Road Climb | 0.41 mi | 187 ft | 8.7% |
| Buckskin Pass to Minnehaha Creek Crossing | 1.74 mi | -1,375 ft | -14.8% |
| Buckskin to Crater | 2.81 mi | -2,201 ft | -14.8% |
| Minnehaha Creek Crossing to Crater Lake Junction | 1.33 mi | -912 ft | -12.9% |
| N Maroon split to Maroon Lake (descent) | 2.18 mi | -1,188 ft | -10.3% |
| Crater to Maroon Lake (descent) | 1.42 mi | -571 ft | -7.2% |
| Pyramid intersect to Maroon Lake (descent) | 1.18 mi | -522 ft | -8.3% |