Trip Map
The 4 Pass Loop Maroon Bells is a sub-alpine trek that is sure to test the will of the most ardent of Fatlanders. We took the challange, overcame adversity, and drank a lot orange colored iodine treated water. We emerged victorious every one; and each of us were able to "skippy down the pass" in triumph. We smiled during exhausting upward climbs of mountain passes, laughed at approaching storms and "The pissed-off girl" AKA "Snarla". We drank Jaigermeister and roared our epithets across glass becalmed lakes until all the inhabitants both wild and human left the area in fear and disgust. - God we are a bunch of idiots !!!
DAY ONE
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These photos are presented in the chronological order that they were taken over a four day period. We started the trek at Crystal and hiked the loop in a counter clockwise direction (Frigid Air > West Maroon > Buckskin > Trail Rider). This is a view, standing in Fravert Basin valley looking back southwest toward Lead King Basin, Treasure Mts in background.
Standing in the same location but turned 90 degrees and looking west up Fravert Basin and the "Devils Rockpile".
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In Fravert Basin at almost the junction of Halsey Basin, looking east at peak 12490 with a view of the "North Fork Crystal River". Some very nice campsites just a little way further.
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Polly and Buell
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Late afternoon shot of Maroon Peak" peak (thanks Vince!)
DAY TWO
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Morning hike on the switchbacks alongside the falls in Fravert basin
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Out of the trees and into the subalpine terrain of Fravert Basin, Frigid Air Pass to the right and Belleview Mtn in the background .
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Frigid Air Pass, our first test and we passed with flying colors. One pass down and three to go.
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Resting atop Frigid Air Pass with the Treasure Mountains in background. For some reason the Treasure Mountains look really tall and massive though they are not necessarily shown to be so on the map???
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Same.
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Looking down East Fork toward Crystal Canyon and Schofield Park/Pass. To our back is West Maroon Pass of which we are beginning the approach, it's uphill and we are sloooow.
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Polly
DAY THREE
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Colors beginning to show on ridgeline north of Crater Lake.
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Maroon Bells.
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Starting up the trail in Minnehaha Gulch and looking back south toward West Maroon Creek, Bells are along the right of the valley .
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Exiting Minnehaha Gulch and looking northwest at Buckskin pass in center of photo .
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Standing in same location and looking back 180 degrees at the northern aspect of North Maroon Peak.
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Standing in same location looking more southeast with Pyramid Peak in background. Peak 12942 on the left.
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Resting atop Buckskin pass. Three down, Trail Rider left to go.
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Careful, she will chew your eyeballs out when you are asleep.
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View of Capital Peak to the west from atop Buckskin Pass . (ditto Vince)
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Snowmass Peak and Hagerman Peak .
DAY FOUR
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Enjoying a brisk morning hike .
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Beaver dam and lodge in Snowmass Creek in the swampy area depicted on the map.
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Condition of the trail was a typical National Forest Freeway.
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Snowmass Lake and Peak .
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Snowmass Peak .
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Starting up trail toward Trail Rider Pass and looking back down northeast toward Snowmass Lake.
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Snowmass Peak center, Trail Rider pass to the left.
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Standing atop Trailrider Pass looking southwest toward Lead King Basin and the North Fork Crystal River watershed .
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On ridgeline approaching Geneva and looking up Fravert Basin where we had hiked three days prior. Storm is rolling in on the left
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One of the camp sites near Geneva Lake .
DAY FIVE (Hike Out)
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Brother and sister discussing the merits and downfalls of various and assorted backpacking foodstuffs.
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A view of the old mining town of Crystal .
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The famous Old Crystal Mill.
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