Colorado’s 4 Cross Loop Journey Information

This journey information takes you round 4 of Colorado’s most iconic peaks, the Maroon Bells, that are the guts and soul of the 4 Cross Loop.

Over the course of 26 miles, the loop climbs over 4 12,000-foot passes whereas it circles two of essentially the most traditional 14ers. All through the journey, views abound with alternatives to identify Snowmass Mountain and Pyramid Peak in addition to the numerous different 13,000 and 12,000-foot peaks within the space. With comparatively well-graded trails, loads of tenting, and a well-established route, this loop gives a ton of payoff on your work. It’s properly well worth the effort to go to at the least as soon as.

Path Overview. – photograph credit score: Caltopo

Fast Info

Distance: 26.5 miles from Maroon Lake Trailhead
Days Wanted: 1-4 days
Peak Elevation: Buckskin Cross- 12,494 toes
Low Elevation: Maroon Lake Trailhead- 9,600 toes
Elevation Achieve/Loss (Approximate): 8,600 toes
Greatest Time to Hike: July-September
Permits: Sure
Problem: Troublesome

A red mountain side covered in red grass transitions to a willow and grass filled meadow. Trees on the right side of the photo surround a large waterfall in the distance. — A great sized water fall mountain climbing alongside the North Fork Crystal River. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Highlights

Unimaginable alpine views whereas mountain climbing over Buckskin, Path Rider, Frigid Air, and West Maroon passes.
Loop hike makes logistics simple for in a single day journeys.
Plenty of bang for the buck- nice views with well-graded trails.
Entry Snowmass, the Maroon Bells, and Pyramid Peak 14ers (for knowledgeable climbers)
Many facet journeys and add-on choices

A person wearing a backpack is standing next to two dogs and looking at the camera. There are standing on a pass with a large, striated peak to the left. — Buckskin Cross gives good views of the Maroon Bells. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Lowlights

Extremely busy on the West Maroon Path
Excessive altitude could also be troublesome for these coming from sea stage
Monsoon thunderstorms can pose a hazard in July and August
IGBC-approved bear-resistant containers are required
Permits are required for parking and in a single day journeys

A German Shepherd Dog wearing a backpack is standing on a dirt trail. A leash held by the photographer is attached to the dog's pack. The trail leads to the top of a ragged looking ridge and the landscape is generally rocky. — Canine should be leashed on the 4 Cross Loop. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Greatest Time to Hike

Because of the excessive altitude nature of this loop, one of the best time to hike is July, August, and September. Extra skilled hikers could possibly get away with late June journeys, significantly in low snow years. Nevertheless, snow within the Colorado Rockies tends to stay round till the start of July, significantly on the north faces of passes the place cornices have shaped over the winter. Given the central location of this hike and its proximity to a number of 14,000-foot peaks, snow will probably stick round a bit longer right here in comparison with different areas of Colorado.

July generally is a great time to backpack within the mountains. It’s when many wildflowers start to bloom, water sources are plentiful, and the air temperature looks like summer season. Hikers ought to beware that remoted monsoon thunderstorms roll by way of most afternoons in July. It’s a good suggestion to plan your days and campsites to keep away from being on the passes within the afternoons. The rule of thumb is to move all the way down to treeline by midday, although it’s at all times greatest to observe the skies. Monsoon thunderstorms are much less widespread in August, and the flowers are normally peaking by this time.

By September, the alpine is ablaze with the traditional golden yellow, and the tundra turns orange and crimson. Whereas nonetheless sizzling within the afternoon, temperatures start to chill off, significantly at night time. The danger of snow will increase all through the month, and water sources start to accumulate a movie of ice at night time. This additionally interprets to fewer bugs and delightful, golden aspens close to the Maroon Lake trailhead.

By October, plan for snow. It is not uncommon to get something from a light-weight dusting to toes at a time, and it’s not advisable to plan journeys after October 1st until you’ve acquired a transparent climate window and are ready for the sudden.

View of some ragged mountains with a trail running down into the valley. It is mostly open due to being above tree line with some patches of snow. — Wanting again in direction of the Maroon Bells and Aspen from West Maroon Cross. Snow typically lingers into late June as proven on this photograph. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Problem of Path

The 4 Cross Loop is well-maintained and marked, making it a fantastic selection for hikers of any stage searching for a gorgeous journey. That stated, the altitude, specifically, might be difficult for these not but acclimated.

TERRAIN

Nearly all of the paths are packed filth with some sturdy rocks all through. The West Maroon path between the Maroon Lake Trailhead and Maroon Lake can really feel particularly tiring to hike on the return journey to the automobile after finishing the Loop.

The larger subject with the path tread tends to be erosion as a result of excessive site visitors. Many steep sections, significantly under the passes, have braiding or ruts from water runoff. As a lot of the path traverses alpine tundra, it’s best to attempt to comply with the official path and keep away from strolling on the grasses. They take a very long time to develop and might undergo immensely from foot site visitors.

Views of a large valley with mountains in the distance. — The view to the west from the highest of Path Rider Cross. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

GRADIENT

Like a lot of the western US, the paths making up the 4 Cross Loop are constructed with switchbacks to make the climb extra gradual. The general price of elevation acquire is about 330 toes per mile, which is pretty simple going. In fact, some sections, significantly near the passes, might be a lot steeper.

Buckskin Cross, specifically, generally is a brutal climb, with 800 toes of acquire per mile on the east facet. The whole route is taken into account a category one walk-up: there isn’t a scrambling or want to make use of fingers to succeed in the passes. The path is walkable always.

A wide open valley takes up most of the foreground with some mountain peaks in the distance. — Wanting west from the highest of West Maroon Cross. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

ELEVATION

By far essentially the most daunting and difficult side of this hike is the excessive altitude. All 4 passes high out at over 12,400 toes above sea stage.

In fact, when you acquire all that vert to the go, you drop fairly a bit to get to the subsequent strategy. For these coming from sea stage, the probabilities of altitude illness bogging you down is fairly excessive. Taking a couple of days to acclimate in Denver or Aspen earlier than mountain climbing is a good suggestion.

Even locals who haven’t accomplished a number of high-altitude hikes ought to plan to take it sluggish and look ahead to indicators of altitude illness. Consuming a number of water and taking issues slowly can go a good distance in stopping signs. Selecting campsites on the low factors between the passes can even make an enormous distinction.

View of a ridge line from a trail. The area is open with no trees, the rocks are red in color, and the sky is a deep blue with some clouds. — Wanting up in direction of the east face of West Maroon Cross. The path is pretty mellow till the ultimate climb to the highest. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

PERMITS & Restrictions

This space isn’t any secret and to guard this beautiful panorama, permits and use restrictions are in place. Learn rec.gov’s Have to Know part on the Maroon Bells-Snomass Wilderness for particulars on fireplace restrictions, pets, tenting, waste administration, and group sizes.

Permits are snatched up shortly. Both attempt to reserve a allow as quickly as they turn out to be obtainable in case you don’t have flexibility or look ahead to cancellations throughout June, July, August, and September.

PERMITS

These seeking to guide a allow can discover the entire data and make their reservation at Recreation.gov, however right here’s the abbreviated model:

On February 15, hikers could make reservations for June and July journeys.

August and September permits can be found beginning June 15 for that yr. Every individual is barely allowed to guide two permits per yr for as much as seven days every. A number of totally different tenting zones overlap with the 4 Cross Loop.

Remember to examine which zone you’re planning to camp in every night time earlier than reserving your reservation. Charges are presently listed as $10 per individual per night time plus a $6 non-refundable reservation payment.

The sun is peaking over the silhouette of ragged mountains. The sky above the sun is cloudy. — Early begins are a fantastic thought in the summertime to keep away from afternoon thunderstorms. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

BATHROOM PLAN

Ah, sure. Pooping within the wilderness might be mighty satisfying expertise. Nevertheless, you’re removed from the one individual pooping in these woods. For that motive, we advocate utilizing a wag bag and packing out your waste.

BEAR-PROOF YOUR SMELLY STUFF

This loop is in black-bear nation, and as chances are you’ll know, a fed bear is a useless bear. Meals, trash, and scented objects must be saved in an IGBC-approved container. Right here’s the PDF of accredited merchandise. We want to make use of an Ursack bear sack as a result of it’s light-weight, works nice, and isn’t cumbersome.

Sheep a grassy tundra above tree line. A Pyrenean Shepherd stands near one of the sheep in the center of the photo. — It’s not unusual to see sheep grazing under Frigid Air Cross. Remember to give the guardian canine a large berth. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Getting There

PARKING

It must be famous that backpacking permits don’t embrace parking, which is proscribed and managed by visitmaroonbells.com in cooperation with the White River Nationwide Forest. Parking passes are $10 per automobile as a flat price for as much as three days.

If parking is full, a bus runs from the Maroon Bells Welcome Heart at Aspen Highlands Ski Space. The associated fee to journey the bus is $16 per individual for adults. It must be famous that each one costs are as of 2025 and are topic to alter.

TRAILHEADS

The 4 Cross Loop is positioned between Aspen and Crested Butte, Colorado. Most hikers choose to start out on the Maroon Lake Trailhead, which is positioned about 12 miles south of Aspen up Maroon Creek Street. Parking or shuttle reservations are wanted to entry this trailhead from Could by way of October, even if you’re simply planning to day hike.

Some hikers select to start out from the West Maroon Trailhead which is positioned about 14 miles north of Crested Butte over Schofield Cross. Excessive clearance is advisable to succeed in this trailhead and it could possibly nonetheless be fairly busy in the summertime.

Each Crested Butte and Aspen are a number of hours from Denver by automobile, however the scenic drive is properly well worth the effort. For many who determine to finish their hike early or hike the Aspen to Crested Butte route, it takes a number of hours to drive from Aspen to Crested Butte and vice versa.

A black and white photo of a wilderness sign in a forest of aspens. The sign reads: "Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. White River National Forest". — The 4 Cross Loop is throughout the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness close to Aspen, Colorado. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Planning Your Itinerary

There are lots of web sites, Fb teams, and on-line boards devoted to planning a visit on the 4 Cross Loop. The White River Nationwide Forest and Recreation.gov web sites present extra details about required gear and permits. When planning a hike, we use a cellphone GPS app resembling GAIA GPS to trace mileage, search for water sources, and discover campsites.

Although some avid path runners and hikers full the loop in a single day, many choose to separate the journey into 2-4 days to completely take in the surroundings. We wish to hike the loop counterclockwise and deal with Buckskin Cross first. For the match hiker, this implies the entire passes shall be summited early within the morning to keep away from encountering afternoon thunderstorms. Those that aren’t as used to the altitude or as match could want to strategy West Maroon Cross first, because the climb is rather more gradual.

MAPS & RESOURCES

In a single day Permits (required): Recreation.gov
Outside Trails Maps: Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
Nationwide Geographic Maps: Maroon Bells, Redstone, Marble Map
Skyview Maps: Aspen, Crested Butte, Maroon Bells
FarOut App: 4 Cross Loop
CO Trex: Colorado Path Explorer (GPS app and browser model obtainable). Nice for planning, downloading offline maps, marking tenting and water.
Caltopo GPS: Route

A wooden sign with two arrows pointing to the left read: "Fravert Basin" and "Frigid Air Pass". It is marking a trail junction in the woods. — The 4 Cross Loop has loads of signage. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Day 1: Maroon Lake Trailhead to Snowmass Lake by way of Buckskin Cross

On day one, begin off from the Maroon Lake Trailhead and comply with the principle path to Crater Lake. A facet path will department off to ascend Buckskin Cross. Make sure that to make use of a GPS, there are numerous social trails and some path junctions alongside the way in which. This route takes you across the north facet of the Maroon Bells as much as Buckskin Cross. There are lots of wildflowers across the go in the summertime. The views from the highest of the go are stupendous, with Pyramid Peak seen to the east and Snowmass Mountain to the west.

Descend the west facet of the go down a sequence of switchbacks to Snowmass Creek. There are lots of campsites on this valley, however essentially the most scenic websites are a bit additional across the shores of Snowmass Lake. Take pleasure in lounging round camp or taking a dip within the lake after your arduous work is accomplished for the day.

Each day Mileage- 8.3 miles

Each day Elevation Achieve- 3228 toes

There is a lake in the foreground of the photo with a large cliff and scree fields in the background. The scree fields lead up to several mountain peaks. — An early morning view of Snowmass Peak considered from Snowmass Lake. That is one among our favourite campsites alongside the loop. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Day 2: Snowmass Lake to Fravert Basin by way of Path Rider Cross

Ranging from Snowmass Lake, the path shortly begins climbing once more in direction of Path Rider Cross. After climbing a couple of steep sections across the facet of some scree fields, the path ranges out and gives fanatic views down the valley. A fast climb up some switchbacks tops out on a ridge saddle under Snowmass Peak.

After taking a break to soak within the views, the hike downhill oscillates between steep and mellow sections. Cross a couple of small ponds and a turnoff for Geneva Lake earlier than making the ultimate descent to the North Fork Crystal River.

The afternoon is spent mountain climbing up the valley in direction of Fravert Basin. There are numerous campsites all alongside the valley, however we want tenting near treeline to higher arrange the ultimate day.

Each day Mileage- 7.4 miles

Each day Elevation Achieve- 2,437 toes

A person wearing a backpack is standing on a trail admiring a view of a lake. The lake is surrounded by mountains. — Climbing down from Path Rider Cross with Snowmass Lake in view. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Day 3: Fravert Basin to Maroon Lake Trailhead by way of Frigid Air and West Maroon Passes

The ultimate day of the journey ascends the ultimate two passes of the 4 Cross Loop. Tenting excessive up in Fravert Basin on day 2 signifies that the climb as much as Frigid Air Cross is comparatively quick. The path wanders by way of some willows and wildflowers earlier than reaching the highest in the midst of a couple of switchbacks.

After marveling on the views of the Raggeds off within the distance, the path loses some elevation on its solution to West Maroon Cross. This part doesn’t descend under 11,700 toes, so the views are beautiful. Generally sheep ranchers graze their sheep right here in the summertime. Hold an eye fixed out for guardian canine and provides the flock house!

The climb as much as West Maroon can really feel tiring at this level within the hike: it’s a bit steep, however it’s the final massive uphill push. The crimson rocks encompassing this go are a bit extra sheer than the opposite passes on the hike. There might also be extra foot site visitors from day hikers and people mountain climbing the Aspen to Crested Butte path.

After a fast drop off of the go, the remainder of the path slowly loses elevation. It winds down the West Maroon Creek valley previous the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak earlier than finally rejoining the unique path at Crater Lake. Proceed on to the Maroon Lake Trailhead, then head again to Aspen for a well-deserved meal on the town!

Each day Mileage- 10.8 miles

Each day Elevation Achieve- 2,087 toes

Scree and snow fields make up the foreground of this photo with striated mountains in the distance. — Views abound round each nook on the 4 Cross Loop. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Gear Record

Make sure that to take a look at our Final Backpacking Guidelines so that you don’t neglect one thing vital.

Under you’ll discover our present favourite backpacking gear. If you wish to see extra choices, our curated gear guides are the results of a few years of in depth analysis and hands-on testing by our staff of outside consultants.

BACKPACK

Greatest Backpacking Pack Total: REI Flash 55 – Males’s / REI Flash 55 – Ladies’s
Greatest Ultralight Backpacking Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40
Extra: Try our greatest backpacking backpacks information for ultralight and trekking choices

TENT

Greatest Backpacking Tent Total: Large Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
Greatest Ultralight Tent: Zpacks Duplex
Greatest Funds Tent: REI Half Dome SL 2+
Greatest Tent Stakes Total: All One Tech Aluminum Stakes
Extra: Try our greatest backpacking tents information for extra choices

SLEEPING BAG/QUILT

Greatest Sleeping Bag Total: Males’s Feathered Pals Swallow YF 20 / Ladies’s Feathered Pals Egret YF 20
Greatest Quilt Total: Enlightened Tools Revelation 20
Extra: Try our greatest backpacking sleeping baggage information and greatest backpacking quilts information for extra choices

SLEEPING PAD

Greatest Sleeping Pad Total: NEMO Tensor All-Season
Greatest Foam Sleeping Pad: NEMO Switchback
Extra: Try our greatest backpacking sleeping pads information for ultralight and trekking choices

CAMP KITCHEN

Greatest Backpacking Range Total: MSR PocketRocket 2
Greatest Backpacking Cookware Total: TOAKS Titanium 750ml
Greatest Backpacking Espresso Total: Starbucks VIA
Extra: Try our greatest backpacking stoves information and greatest backpacking cookware information for ultralight and enormous group choices

WATER & FILTRATION

Greatest Water Filter Total: Sawyer Squeeze
Greatest Hydration Bladder Total: Gregory 3D Hydro
Greatest Backpacking Water Bottles: Smartwater Bottles
Extra: Try our greatest backpacking water filters information and greatest backpacking water bottles information for ultralight and enormous group choices

CLOTHING

Greatest Climbing Pants Total: Males’s Outside Analysis Ferrosi / Ladies’s The North Face Aphrodite 2.0
Greatest Climbing Shorts Total: Males’s Patagonia Quandary / Ladies’s Outside Analysis Ferrosi
Greatest Ladies’s Climbing Leggings: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD
Greatest Rain Jacket Total: Males’s Patagonia Torrentshell 3L / Ladies’s Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Greatest Rain Pants: Males’s Patagonia Torrentshell 3L / Ladies’s Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Greatest Down Jacket Total: Males’s Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie / Ladies’s Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
Greatest Fleece Jacket Total: Males’s Patagonia Higher Sweater / Ladies’s Patagonia Higher Sweater
Greatest Sunshirt Total: Males’s Outside Analysis Echo / Ladies’s Outside Analysis Echo
Greatest Socks Total: Males’s Darn Powerful Gentle Hiker Micro Crew / Ladies’s Darn Powerful Gentle Hiker Micro Crew
Beste Ultralight Liner Glove: Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner
Extra: Try our greatest backpacking attire lists for extra choices

FOOTWEAR & TRACTION

Greatest Climbing Footwear Total: Males’s HOKA Speedgoat 6 / Ladies’s HOKA Speedgoat 6
Greatest Climbing Boots Total: Males’s Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX / Ladies’s Lowa Renegade GTX
Greatest Climbing Sandals Total: Males’s Chaco Z/1 Basic / Ladies’s Chaco Z/1 Basic
Greatest Camp Footwear Total: Crocs Basic Clogs
Greatest Traction System for Climbing Total: Kahtoola MICROspikes
Extra: Try our greatest backpacking footwear lists for extra choices

NAVIGATION

Greatest GPS Watch Total: Garmin Intuition 2 Photo voltaic
Greatest Private Locator Beacon (PLB): Garmin inReach Mini 2
Extra: Try our article Use Your Cellphone as a GPS System for Backpacking & Climbing to be taught extra

FOOD

FIRST-AID & TOOLS

Greatest First-Support Equipment Total: Journey Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
Greatest Pocket Knife Total: Kershaw Leek
Greatest Multitool Total: Leatherman Wave+
Greatest Headlamp Total: Black Diamond Spot 400-R
Greatest Energy Financial institution Total: Nitcore NB 10000 Gen 3
Extra: Try our greatest first-aid Equipment information, greatest pocket knife information, greatest multitool information, greatest backpacking headlamps information, and greatest energy banks information for extra choices

MISCELLANEOUS

Greatest Trekking Poles Total: Black Diamond Pursuit
Greatest Backpacking Chair Total: REI Flexlite Air
Greatest Backpacking Stuff Sack Total: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring
Extra: Try our greatest trekking poles information, greatest backpacking chairs information, and greatest stuff sacks information for extra choices

A German Shepherd Dog and Border Terrier sit on a dirt trail overlooking a view. There is a green valley below surrounded by red peaks. — Taking within the views close to Frigid Air Cross on a transparent morning. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

Conclusion

We completely loved ourselves on the beautiful 4 Cross Loop. Positive, it could possibly get hectic with crowds and navigating permits, however we nonetheless assume it’s well worth the work. Remember to assessment all the newest requirements for the best way to go away no hint whereas visiting the nice open air.

And make sure to take a look at a few of our different widespread content material:

A close up of a German Shepherd Dog and Border Terrier sitting next to some Columbine flowers. There is a lake and some mountains in the distance behind them. — The 4 Cross Loop is a canine pleasant hike. -Picture Credit score: Bailey Bremner (CleverHiker.com)

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