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If you search on Google for pictures of Colorado, a lot of these breathtaking, iconic pictures of mountain peaks surrounded by alpine lakes and wildflowers are of the Maroon Bells close to Aspen. It’s no marvel that many individuals want to expertise this magic for themselves, making the 4 Move Loop one of the vital common Colorado mountain climbing trails.
The well-known 4 Move Loop path spans 26 miles. Because the title implies, this circuit contains 4 mountain passes (West Maroon – 12,500 toes; Frigid Air – 12,415 toes; Path Rider -12,420 toes; Buckskin – 12,500 toes). As a result of excessive elevation and rocky terrain, this route is taken into account difficult.
As somebody who had beforehand tried backpacking solely as soon as earlier than, I knew this could be an formidable journey for my first multi-night backpacking journey. Nevertheless, I had lived and hiked in Colorado for 5 years, so I eagerly accepted my good friend’s invitation to push my limits and accompany her on this 3-day tour.
The 4 Move Loop path stays considered one of my most treasured Colorado mountain climbing experiences. It’s the good backpacking journey for anybody who’s in search of scenic views and is keen to problem themselves. On this put up, I share every part you have to find out about mountain climbing the long-lasting 4 Move Loop.
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4 Move Loop Stats & FAQs
The 4 Move Loop is the way it sounds – a loop path the place you summit 4 mountain passes above 12,000 toes. It’s within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness close to Crested Butte and Aspen, Colorado.
Path Fundamentals
How lengthy is the 4 Move Loop path?
Whereas there’s some discrepancy on the precise distance, the 4 Move Loop is about 26 miles, with some saying barely roughly. There are a number of beginning and ending factors, however many hikers start and finish their hike on the Maroon Scenic Space on the Aspen facet.
How lengthy does it take to hike the 4 Move Loop?
I selected to do it in 3 days, however I like to recommend 4 days. The commonest itineraries are 3 days/2 nights or 4 days/3 nights. I selected to do it in 3 days, however I like to recommend 4 days as defined additional beneath.
It largely will depend on your bodily health, how a lot time your schedule permits, your need so as to add on non-obligatory excursions to Geneva Lake and Willow Lake, and the kind of expertise you want to have.
How tough is the 4 Move Loop path?
The 4 Move Loop is taken into account a difficult hike. There are steep switchbacks to climb and descend on the mountain passes and a complete of seven,752 toes in elevation acquire.
With a lot of the Maroon Bells 4 Move Loop being over 10,000 toes, you additionally need to give your self loads of time to regulate to the excessive elevation. Be sure you know the signs of altitude sickness and have a plan in case you or somebody in your group experiences this.
There are additionally lengthy stretches of solar publicity, so bear in mind to bring sun protection.
The expertise and the views are definitely price it, although! Simply know your bodily capabilities and adequately put together for this journey.
Is the 4 Move Loop distant?
It’s thought-about a distant wilderness backpacking journey. Nevertheless, the 4 Move Loop path is common amongst hikers and path runners, so you might be certain to come across different individuals.
The climate is unpredictable and rapidly adjustments at excessive elevations. Make sure to pack for all situations.
Are there bears on the 4 Move Loop?
The path is in black bear nation. Consequently, you could use a bear canister or Ursack. To guard individuals and bears, anybody tenting with out an accepted bear-resistant container will obtain a ticket and be required to depart.
Is the 4 Move Loop well-marked?
Sure, the 4 Move Loop is well-marked, however it’s nonetheless doable to get misplaced within the wilderness, particularly in snowy situations.
I like to recommend bringing a compass and a replica of the Four Pass Loop map. You must also be sure to’re conversant in how to read a topo map and basic wilderness navigation techniques.
What route ought to I hike the 4 Move Loop?
Should you start on the Maroon Scenic Space (as I like to recommend), you’ll hike for about 1.5 miles from the car parking zone/shuttle drop-off space earlier than you attain the fork within the path to hike the loop clockwise or counterclockwise.
I made a decision to hike the 4 Move Loop clockwise from the Maroon Scenic Space and advocate going this fashion. The views get higher every day, and the view of Snowmass Lake as you descend Path Rider Move is unimaginable.
Should you full this journey in 3 days, additionally, you will get to knock out two mountain passes on the primary day, making the opposite two days a bit extra manageable.
Each instructions are equally difficult, and the whole elevation acquire/loss is sort of equivalent. Should you discover the incline uphill tougher, clockwise is barely simpler.
The elevation acquire for West Maroon Move is much less intense than the elevation acquire for Buckskin Move in the event you have been to go counterclockwise. Nevertheless, if the descent is tough in your knees, chances are you’ll need to think about going counterclockwise for that very same purpose.
Do I would like mountain climbing permits for the 4 Move Loop?
As of 2023, you could buy Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness In a single day Permits on Recreation.gov to spend the evening on the path. You could reserve these forward of time and print them to deliver with you in your journey, as you can not buy permits on the ranger station.
Earlier than your journey, you have to to determine which route you’ll go (clockwise vs. counterclockwise), plan your itinerary forward of time (see the subsequent part), decide the place you’ll camp every evening of your journey throughout the designated areas within the in a single day allow zone, and reserve your permits accordingly.
You additionally should reserve a parking allow or shuttle transportation from the Aspen Highlands parking storage.
How many individuals can I deliver with me on my allow?
A lot of the 4 Move Loop campsite permits for every zone are just for teams with 1-4 individuals. A choose variety of massive group permits of 5-10 persons are obtainable for Crater, Maroon, Snowmass Lake, and North Fork.
Should you can’t safe a big group web site, you have to to have another person out of your group attempt to reserve a second allow (and camp at a special web site) in the event you plan on going with a bunch of greater than 4 individuals.
What’s the water availability on the 4 Move Loop?
There are quite a few small creeks and comes alongside the path for filling your water; nonetheless, you could deliver a water filtration system to purify your water earlier than consuming.
I like to recommend filtering your water at your campsite with a water filtration system to have 3-4 liters of water in a reservoir always.
Because the availability of some water sources can range relying on the season and situations, learn current experiences earlier than your journey to plan your water refill stops.
Sections with out water
Greatest time of 12 months to hike the 4 Move Loop
Though permits are issued and required year-round, the perfect time to hike the 4 Move Loop path and go to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness is July by way of September for the perfect climate situations. I accomplished the loop in early September and had good situations (sunny skies, not too scorching or chilly).
Whereas there’s a danger of summer time thunderstorms with nearly all of the hike being above treeline, I like to recommend planning your journey in July, August, or September for private security and the perfect likelihood of nice backpacking situations.
Because the in a single day wilderness permits are good for 7 nights, you possibly can all the time modify your journey barely primarily based on the forecast as wanted.
Snow risks
Since this path sits at such a excessive altitude within the Rocky Mountains, the remainder of the 12 months presents distinctive dangers. The 4 Move Loop path, together with campsites and mountain passes, tends to be coated in snow from the start of October by way of the top of June.
4 Move Loop Itinerary Choices
Backpacking the 4 Move Loop requires a good quantity of preparation. You could receive in a single day campsite permits for every evening of your journey, make a parking or shuttle reservation, and pack the required gear.
I’ll dive into every part you have to find out about planning your 4 Move Loop backpacking journey beneath.
The place to begin the 4 Move Loop
Earlier than you choose an itinerary, you could determine if it makes extra sense so that you can begin the loop in Crested Butte or Aspen. There are a few minor variations in the event you determine to begin in Crested Butte versus Aspen.
Should you park on the East Fork trailhead in Crested Butte, you do not want a parking allow or shuttle reservation; nonetheless, you have to to drive up a tough filth highway. Additionally, you will miss out on seeing Maroon Lake within the Maroon Scenic Space (except you add on the additional 3 miles).
If you’re driving from Denver, it’s extra handy to begin the hike in Aspen, as it can prevent two hours of driving time.
From Salt Lake Metropolis, the East Fork trailhead in Crested Butte is simply 20 extra minutes of driving time than the Aspen Highlands start line, making each choices equally handy. The one purpose I would advocate beginning in Crested Butte quite than Aspen is so that you shouldn’t have to pay for a parking allow or shuttle.
Selecting an itinerary
Earlier than you buy your in a single day wilderness tenting permits, you have to determine the place you’ll start your journey (Aspen/Maroon Scenic Space or Crested Butte/East Fork), which route you’ll journey by way of the loop (clockwise or counterclockwise), and what number of nights you plan to remain.
Most individuals full the 4 Move Loop in 3-4 days. As a consequence of schedule restrictions, I needed to full the loop in 3 days, leading to lengthy days of mountain climbing with little time for enjoyable or including non-obligatory extensions.
If I have been to do that hike once more, I’d comply with the 4-day itinerary. This lets you hike at a leisurely tempo, hike one mountain go per day, and account for any sudden afternoon thunderstorms.
Listed here are 4 totally different 4 Move Loop itineraries, two for going clockwise from Aspen/Maroon Scenic Space, and two for going counterclockwise from Crested Butte/East Fork.
3-day itinerary (beginning in Aspen; clockwise)
That is the itinerary I adopted.
4-day itinerary (beginning in Aspen; clockwise)
3-day itinerary (beginning in Crested Butte; counterclockwise)
4-day itinerary (beginning in Crested Butte; counterclockwise)
Day hikes and in a single day choices
If you wish to expertise the Maroon Bells 4 Move Loop however don’t have time to do the entire thing, listed below are just a few various choices.
Navigating the 4 Move Loop Path
The 4 Move Loop path is well-marked, and in the event you plan your journey between July to September, you will notice loads of individuals alongside the path. It’s a common path for day hikes, backpacking journeys, and path runs.
Nevertheless, I like to recommend bringing a tough copy of a map of the realm and a compass. I’ve heard tales of individuals unintentionally wandering off the path and ending up on the cliff face of a mountain go.
You should purchase a Colorado Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Map. This map additionally notes water sources alongside the route so you may plan the place you’ll fill/filter your water whereas mountain climbing.
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness In a single day Permits
As of 2023, you could receive wilderness permits to camp in a single day on the 4 Move Loop. You could plan your journey to make sure you reserve the right permits.
4 Move Loop permits FAQ
7 campsite allow zones
The 4 Move Loop campsites are divided into seven zones as follows. They’re listed beneath within the order you encounter them when mountain climbing clockwise from Aspen.
Necessary Allow Dates
These are the allow launch dates for 2024.
4 Move Loop Parking and Shuttle Reservations
Along with superior preparation for the tenting permits, you could work out your parking state of affairs forward of time. Since you can begin the hike in both Aspen by way of the Maroon Scenic Space or Crested Butte by way of East Fork, I’ve included the parking info for every.
Aspen/Maroon Scenic Space
The Maroon Scenic Space is the most well-liked spot for beginning the 4 Move Loop path. Should you plan to start/finish your backpacking journey right here between Could 15-October 31, you could reserve both a parking or shuttle reservation, or prepare a drop off.
You probably have extra questions on Maroon Bells parking and shuttle reservations, name 970-930-6442 or e-mail information@visitmaroonbells.com.
Parking at Maroon Scenic Space
The worth to park is $10/car. Aside from the night parking time talked about beneath, you could plan to reach earlier than 8:00 AM on the day of your parking reservation between Could 26-October 22.
There are 4 totally different parking occasions you may reserve relying on if you’re mountain climbing all the loop, the size of your day hike, and the time of day you need to go to.
Drop offs at Maroon Scenic Space
You may think about having somebody drop you off within the Maroon Scenic Space if you’re doing a day hike from Aspen to Crested Butte on the West Maroon Path.
You’ll have a non-public car drop you off between 6:00 AM to eight:00 AM with no parking reservation. Industrial drop offs aren’t allowed.
Shuttle to Maroon Scenic Space
Once I backpacked the 4 Move Loop, I took the shuttle. Listed here are some essential issues to notice in regards to the shuttle.
Useful Tip
Free parking for the shuttle
If taking the shuttle, you may park totally free on the Brush Creek Park & Trip in Aspen. There’s a free shuttle service from right here to Aspen Highlands. I didn’t know I may do that for my journey and paid $40/day to park my car on the Aspen Highlands parking storage.
Crested Butte/East Fork
You don’t want a allow to park on the East Fork trailhead. You possibly can park in a single day totally free. This parking space is about 45 minutes from the city of Crested Butte, and you’ll find it on the appropriate after passing Emerald Lake.
It’s a massive filth lot with a lot of parking areas. There are experiences of the highway being tough; nonetheless, in the event you drive fastidiously over the potholes, it’s doable in any car and doesn’t require 4-wheel drive.
Bearfoot Principle founder Kristen drove this highway in her Sprinter Van again in 2019. The most important challenge she skilled is the highway is sort of slim in a few locations with room for just one bigger automobile at a time.
My 4 Move Loop Journey Report
I hiked the 4 Move Loop in 3 days through the first weekend of September 2022. Hikers can comply with this identical itinerary by buying the in a single day permits famous within the description for every day. Under is my detailed journey report.
Day 1: Maroon Scenic Space to North Fork Zone / Fravert Basin
Day 1 Path Fundamentals
Attending to the trailhead
I departed Fort Collins, Colorado early on September 3, 2022 to start the 4-hour drive to Aspen. I ended at a restaurant for a fast breakfast in Aspen earlier than heading to the parking storage to park my automobile and catch the shuttle.
Upon arriving on the Aspen Highlands parking storage, I organized my backpacking gear with my good friend within the car parking zone. As soon as I had divvied up the provides, I waited on the desk for the 8:00 AM shuttle tickets I had reserved, then boarded the shuttle to the Maroon Scenic Space.
The shuttle driver offered an attention-grabbing commentary with info in regards to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness through the 25-minute drive.
Upon arriving on the Maroon Scenic Space, I used the restroom amenities. I took pictures on the iconic Maroon Lake earlier than setting off on the path.
Climbing the path
I hiked at a gentle incline for a bit over 1.5 miles. My contemporary legs and adrenaline made this primary stretch go rapidly.
Earlier than I knew it, I reached the wood indicators that mark the fork to determine whether or not to proceed clockwise or counterclockwise. Since I had deliberate the itinerary and campsites to hike the loop clockwise, I adopted the signal pointing towards Crater Lake.
I reached Crater Lake round 9:30 AM and stopped once more for some pictures. This scenic lake is surrounded by the long-lasting peaks of the Maroon Bells and exquisite aspen timber.
Many individuals select this at their ending level for a day hike; nonetheless, it was simply the beginning of my journey.
I hiked uphill on the rocky path within the solar, stopping solely as soon as for a 20-minute break in a spot with shade to eat lunch. I’d have preferred to cease and relaxation extra, however I knew I had many miles to cowl on that first day.
Whereas mountain climbing to West Maroon Move, I loved the views of the inexperienced grass, remaining wildflowers, and inexperienced aspen timber that have been simply beginning to flip yellow round us. This part of the 4 Move Loop follows West Maroon Creek, so there have been ample alternatives to refill my water as wanted.
The path was clearly marked, and I interacted with many encouraging backpackers. After 4 hours, I reached the summit of West Maroon Move.
West Maroon Move
Though it felt tough on the time, West Maroon Move was in all probability the simplest go I climbed out of the 4 mountain passes within the loop. The incline was regular and manageable.
From Crater Lake to the highest of West Maroon Move, you acquire 2,367 toes of elevation over 4.3 miles. I loved the huge views of the Maroon Bells wilderness on the summit.
The descent was difficult, because the rock scree was free and slippery. I felt grateful for my trekking poles and grippy hiking boots!
Frigid Air Move
Two hours after I reached the summit of West Maroon Move, I discovered myself on the highest of Frigid Air Move. Though the ascent of Frigid Air was comparatively quick, it was extraordinarily steep.
You acquire virtually 500 toes of elevation in half of a mile whereas mountain climbing above 12,000 toes. I wanted to cease for frequent breaks to catch my breath earlier than taking just a few extra steps.
As I descended Frigid Air Move round 3:30 PM, I felt exhausted and determined to discover a tenting spot to settle in for the evening.
I believed I’d discover a campsite comparatively rapidly; nonetheless, it took about two hours after I had reached the highest of Frigid Air Move earlier than I discovered a spot to arrange camp. This was because of an absence of dispersed campsites on the southern tip of the North Fork Zone.
I discovered a spot in Fravert Basin alongside the Crystal River and ensured I used to be 70 steps away from the water. I arrange my tent round 5:30 PM, made dinner, and fell asleep shortly afterward to organize for an additional lengthy and scenic day of mountain climbing.
Day 2: North Fork Zone / Fravert Basin to Higher Snowmass Zone
Day 2 Path Fundamentals
Climbing in Fravert Basin
On the second day, I departed my campsite round 7:30 AM and set out on the path. I loved strolling by way of Fravert Basin, which options forests, pure creeks, and waterfalls.
I additionally appreciated the consolation of the shade and the cushion of the pine needles beneath my toes whereas mountain climbing that morning.
After mountain climbing just a few miles, I additionally reached the primary (and solely) water crossing the place I wanted to alter into my hiking sandals. The water was low and solely about 6 inches deep, however I didn’t need to danger mountain climbing the remainder of day in moist socks and boots.
I may have added two miles to my day to see Geneva Lake earlier than ascending Path Rider Move. Nevertheless, since I felt drained from yesterday and knew I had one other lengthy day forward, I made a decision to not.
I ended for a fast lunch at a small physique of water earlier than beginning the ascent of Path Rider Move.
Path Rider Move
I bear in mind the ascent to Path Rider Move feeling lengthy and steep, and I moved slowly. To distract my mind and assist go the time on the path, I struck up a dialog with a solo feminine hiker.
After telling her the place I had camped final evening, she advised me that she had camped just a few miles additional into the forest of Fravert Basin within the North Fork Zone. She awoke to moose surrounding her campsite that morning! Though I didn’t see any wildlife on the loop, it was enjoyable to listen to about her expertise and see her pictures.
Round midday, I reached the summit of Path Rider Move. It was my favourite go of all the journey as a result of I may see the gorgeous blue water of Snowmass Lake.
The beautiful water views plus the graceful descent from the highest of Path Rider Move right down to Snowmass Lake made it my favourite stretch of the 4 Move Loop path.
Snowmass Lake
I reached Snowmass Lake round 2:00 PM and stopped to eat a snack, relaxation my legs, and watch individuals swim within the cool water.
Snowmass Lake stays considered one of my favourite alpine lakes of all time. I want I may have camped at this lake, however it will have made for an extended final day of mountain climbing.
After having fun with the lake for about half an hour, I continued to the Higher Snowmass Zone and located a campsite close to Snowmass Creek. I arrange camp round 5:00 PM, napped, made dinner, and fell asleep round 7:00 PM.
Day 3: Higher Snowmass Zone to Maroon Scenic Space
Day 3 Path Fundamentals
On my remaining day on the 4 Move Loop, I awoke and departed my campsite round 7:00 AM. I loved watching the dawn mild up the encompassing mountain peaks as I hiked by way of the forest to Buckskin Move.
Buckskin Move
The ascent of Buckskin Move featured quite a few steep switchbacks. After a sluggish and regular climb, I reached the summit round 9:00 AM.
I took a brief break to take pictures and admire the views from the highest of the ultimate go of the loop.
The miles between the highest of Buckskin Move to the Maroon Scenic Space appeared to final perpetually. I admired the altering aspen timber round me however felt drained from the lengthy days of carrying my heavy pack.
In my rush to complete, I slipped as soon as and obtained a small lower on my hand. Sadly, I additionally obtained stung by a bee!
I arrived on the car parking zone to catch the shuttle simply earlier than midday.
Once I returned to the Aspen Highlands parking storage, I referred to as my husband to inform him about my journey. I grabbed a celebratory lunch with my good friend at a restaurant in Aspen earlier than hitting the highway again to Fort Collins.
Useful Tip
Camp at Willow Lake if time permits
When you descend Buckskin Move, there’s an non-obligatory path to see Willow Lake. The hike to Willow Lake provides 7 miles (and one other steep climb) to the whole hike. I made a decision not to do that extension; nonetheless, I’ve heard it’s a secret gem with fewer individuals than the remainder of the 4 Move Loop path. You probably have one other evening to spare, you possibly can add on this lake (it isn’t in a allow zone and doesn’t require an in a single day allow to camp there).
Suggestions for Backpacking the 4 Move Loop
Listed here are a few of my private suggestions and issues I want I had identified earlier than backpacking the 4 Move Loop. Use the following pointers that will help you know what to anticipate on the path and plan your journey accordingly.
4 Move Loop Backpacking Gear
Begin with this 3-day backpacking checklist. I additionally advocate some particular items of substances beneath that it is best to think about to your 4 Move Loop backpacking journey.
Even in the event you plan to finish this path in the summertime, climate situations could change unexpectedly at excessive elevations. It’s essential to organize for all parts and funky evenings.
Searching for extra backpacking trails? Take a look at some extra of our favourite routes:
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Would you hike the Maroon Bells 4 Move Loop Path? Please share your feedback, questions, or tales from the path within the remark part beneath.
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