Complete Guide to Backpacking the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop (Permits, Campsites, & Pro Tips)
- Sierra McQuay
- Oct 18, 2025
- 16 min read
Updated: Nov 5, 2025
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If you're exploring this page, yes, you absolutely should do this hike, even though the logistics can be a bit of a headache.
If you look up backpacking routes in Colorado, one of the first results you’re going to see will be the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. This 26-28 mile backpacking route takes you over four high mountain passes (we’re talking no lower than 12,400ft per pass), through wildflower meadows, past turquoise alpine lakes, and beneath the famous Maroon Bells (the most photographed spot in Colorado!). It is iconic for a reason.
But with beauty comes a few challenges - permits, unpredictable weather, altitude, parking/transportation, and limited campsites. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to start planning your trip!
The Easiest Way to Plan this Bucket List Loop
The easiest way to plan this trip is to have someone else do it for you. That's right. If you want none of the stress but still want to hit the trail, consider booking one of our Custom Adventure Services and we’ll figure out all of the logistics for you! We'll find you a place to stay the night before your hike and the night you return (depending on preferences), transportation to and from the trailhead, and obtain your camp zone permits, provide offline maps for easy navigation, and so much more. All you will need to do is read through the packet we send and get excited for your trip!
Or, check out our $29, 40-page Everything You Need Four Pass Loop Itinerary and Guide. It includes:
Step-by-step directions on how to obtain camp zone permits and transportation to the trailhead.
Offline GPS maps of the camping zones, and the routes + a free app to use for offline navigation.
8 detailed daily itineraries for 2, 3, and 4 day trips, including mileage, elevation gain, maps, and more. Both from the Crested Butte side and the Aspen side.
Pro-tips from our personal experience hiking this loop in both directions!
It's got everything you need to successfully plan this breathtaking trip!
Quick Facts about the Four Pass Loop
Distance: ~26 miles starting in Aspen. ~33 miles starting in Crested Butte (both depending on where you camp)
Elevation Gain: ~8,000 feet total.
Passes: Buckskin (12,462 ft), Trail Rider (12,420 ft), Frigid Air (12,415 ft) , West Maroon (12,490 ft)
Recommended Time: 3–5 days. You can do it as an overnight (we have), but there is less time to take in the breathtaking scenery, and you’ll definitely feel a little sore on day two.
Best Season: Mid-July through early September (snow-free, wildflowers). If the weather is still snow free, mid September offers the best fall colors.
Strenuous Level: Difficult
Permits: Required
When to Go
July: Snow lingers on passes, but wildflowers are incredible. You will want to make sure you are carrying the right gear during this time. Microspikes, trekking poles, layers, etc. Also be aware of afternoon thunderstorms!
August: Peak season (as in it will be busy and you may need to battle for campsites in certain camping zones) with warm days, cool nights, and dry trails. The weather is a little more reliable during this time, but still susceptible to afternoon thunderstorms.
September: Stunning fall colors (especially mid-September) but expect possible frost and early snow. Check the weather before you go! Make sure you bring layers. In my experience, people tend to cancel their permits more in September due to cold weather. This is a great time to pick up a last-minute permit! I once hiked an entire day in September and saw no one but a ranger. Although it was lightly snowing…
How Long Does it Take?
Okay this is kind of a trick question. People run this loop in a day. That's right. Every time I've backpacked it, I have been passed by people running with nothing but little vests, a liter of water, and some snacks.... It's a great confidence booster as you huff up those 12k passes and they pass you while talking. Back to the point.
If you're just looking to check this loop off of your bucket list and don't care to spend that much time observing the beauty of it, you can do this as an overnight trip and camp in the North Fork Zone about halfway through the loop. I have done this. It hurt and I forgot parts of the trail, because I was just trying to get through it to get to town for dinner. I don't recommend it.
I think spending 2-3 nights out on the four pass loop is the sweet spot. Not only will you be able to take it all in, but your body with thank you. Those passes are no joke. If you aren't used to hiking around 10k ft all day, then odds are, your body and lungs are going to struggle a little bit. When I hike this loop, I am nowhere near my normal 3mph pace. It will take longer than you anticipate. The ups are steep and downs are equally steep, with loose footing in places making it hard to go fast.
Pro Tip: If you have sensitive knees, do yourself a favor and start doing PT exercises and stretches for them BEFORE and during your trip.
Typical Trip Lengths:
3 Days / 2 Nights (Fast-Paced)
Best for strong, acclimated hikers.
Expect long days of 9–11 miles and multiple high passes in a single day.
Little downtime for relaxation or side trips.
4 Days / 3 Nights (Most Popular)
The sweet spot for most backpackers.
Breaks the loop into manageable sections of 6–8 miles per day.
Allows time to enjoy Snowmass Lake, Fravert Basin, and Maroon Bells views without feeling rushed.
5 Days / 4 Nights (Relaxed)
Great for first-timers at altitude or those who want to linger at alpine lakes.
Daily mileage of 5–7 miles with plenty of rest built in.
Ideal for photography, fishing, or just soaking up the scenery.
Factors That Affect Time:
Altitude: All four passes are above 12,400 ft, which slows most hikers.
Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms can force early stops or delays.
Campsite Availability: Some zones are first-come, first-served. This means that you may have to hike a little longer through your zone to find a campsite.
Permit & Regulation Facts (Get ready, this is a long one)
The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness has some of the strictest backcountry regulations in Colorado. And you can’t blame them! They receive an enormous amount of use from both day hikers, and overnight visitors. These regulations are especially important because much of the Four Pass Loop is located in fragile alpine environments. These ecosystems have enough stress (do you know how much snow they get up there??), humans shouldn’t add to it. Here’s what you need to know:
Overnight Permits Required
You need to reserve camping zones for every night you spend in the wilderness. They are divided into 7 different zones that each span many miles. Your reservation locations determine your itinerary for the trip. You MUST camp within your zone on the date on your permit. Most of the zones are first-come, first-served, with a few exceptions.
You must specifically pick a site number in the Crater Lake Zone
Reservations are made through Recreation.gov
When to book:
Permits are released in phases starting in February (typically the 15th but check as it gets closer) for the summer season (April 1-July 31st). They sell out quickly, especially for weekends.
Permits are released in June for the fall season (August 1-November 30th)
Cost: $10 per person per night and a non-refundable $6 permit fee. Children under 16 are free!
Refund/Cancellation policy: Permit holders may cancel their permit up to 48 hours before their trip and receive a full refund (minus the $6 reservation fee).
Group size limit: 10 people for "large group" permits or 4 people for "small group" permits.
💡 Tip: If the exact zones are booked, you can sometimes work your itinerary around to camp outside of them, but you’ll need to hike longer days.
See a complete step-by-step guide to planning The Four Pass Loop with camp zone recommendations/names, mileage, and so much more in our Pre-Made Four Pass Loop Itinerary $29. Screenshot how-to's included!
Food Storage
Bear-resistant canisters are mandatory for all overnight visitors.
Hanging food is not allowed.
Store all scented items (food, trash, toiletries) in the canister at least 100 ft away from your campsite.
Campfires
Campfires are prohibited above 10,800 ft and within 1/4 mile of most alpine lakes, including Snowmass Lake, Crater Lake, and Maroon Lake.
The route spends most of its time above treeline and at times there is limited wood to be found. Don’t rely on having a fire.
Camping Rules
Camp only at designated sites in established permit zones (like Crater Lake, Snowmass Lake, and Geneva Lake).
Outside of those zones, practice dispersed camping at least:
100 ft from lakes, streams, and trails (there are a lot of “established” campsites in the North Fork Zone that do not adhere to this rule. Just don’t create more!)
On durable surfaces (gravel, rock, bare ground)
Do not build new fire rings or disturb vegetation.
Dogs
Allowed on the loop, but must be leashed at all times.
Owners must pack out dog waste.
Keep in mind: steep passes and talus can be rough on paws, and dogs also add weight to your pack for their food & waste bags.
Check out what we recommend bringing for dogs on backpacking from the free packing list on our website!
Human Waste
In some high-use zones (like Conundrum Hot Springs, which is not a part of the 4 Pass Loop), wag bags are required. These are bags that you poop in! Pack it in, pack it out rules apply for your number two’s. There are too many cat holes out there with TP that are being dug up by critters, so please adhere to this rule even though it is a little gross. As of now, the Four Pass Loop does not require you to pack out your poop.
In wilderness zones, use a cat hole 6-8 inches deep, 200 ft away from water, camps, and trails.
Always pack out toilet paper. If this rule is ignored, they may start to enforce wag bags. I recommend buying black zip-lock bags, or duct taping a zip-lock if you are squeamish.
Other Rules to Know
No drones (they are prohibited in designated Wilderness).
Leave No Trace is strictly enforced. Rangers patrol frequently.
Overnight visitors must display a permit printout with them at all times.
Where to Get Your Permit
Go to Recreation.gov → Maroon Bells–Snowmass Overnight Permits
Choose your entry date and the zones where you’ll camp.
Pay the fees and download/print your permit.
Carry a printed copy with you on trail.
Bottom line: You’ll need to plan your itinerary around permit zones, carry a bear canister, and follow strict camping/fire rules. These regulations protect the fragile alpine ecosystem and keep the Four Pass Loop wild for years to come.
💡 Pro Tip: Book early! Permits for summer weekends sell out quickly.
Camp Zones & Loop Direction
I have done the loop both ways. Most people recommend going clockwise to help make the ascent up Buckskin Pass (the last and toughest pass) easier - less weight in your pack.
I personally prefer going counterclockwise. The first climb up to Buckskin Pass hurts. But it is going to hurt regardless. My personal bias is that the prettiest part of the hike (if you can even compare) comes after Frigid Air pass (the third pass counterclockwise), all the way down to Crater Lake. I LOVE ending my trips on a high note. I also noticed that even though you'll be doing Buckskin pass with less weight, you'll still have to do the other passes with a full pack, and they are not that much easier. In the end, it is up to personal preference!
If you are in good shape, I'd recommend counterclockwise. If you think you might need time to acclimate, I'd recommend clockwise.
These are the zones you'll encounter going counterclockwise.
Crater Zone: You'll be camping at designated campgrounds around Crater Lake. About 1.8 miles from the Maroon Lake Trailhead.
Maroon Zone: There are a handful of campsites between Crater Zone and Upper Snowmass Zone on the north part of this zone going up towards Buckskin pass. Not a lot! They are nestled into the trees for the most part. If you break into the clearing and can see the trail to the top of the pass, you have gone past the campsites and I would recommend backtracking.
There are many small campsites sprinkled throughout the southern part of this zone going up towards West Maroon Pass. They become less reliable after you get above tree line.
Upper Snowmass Zone: There are a few really secluded, pretty campsites along streams in the trees in this section. It is dry until you get down most of Buckskin pass. This is a GREAT option if the Snowmass Lake Zone permits are already filled. You'll definitely have more space to yourself if you are looking for that remote feel.
Snowmass Lake Zone: A very popular first-day option for people going counterclockwise or a last-night option for people going clockwise. Permits go fast. You'll be in designated, numbered campsites along the lake. Very pretty.
Geneva Lake Zone: This zone is not typically part of the Four Pass Loop. It adds roughly 2.6 miles round trip to your already 26-27 mile loop. Honestly? Worth it if you can include it into your Itinerary. This lake has established sites around it that are numbered with wooden posts. The first one you will encounter, campsite 8, is off a trail to the left of the lake as you come down the trail. The rest of the sites are across a small creek towards the right on the northern and western end of the lake.
North Fork Zone: This zone is the long life saver. Dispersed camping rules apply here (see the permits and regulations section to refresh on what that means). This zone has so many campsites, I don't know where to start. As soon as you drop from Trail Rider pass, there is a small pond with campsites around it. Absolutely gorgeous.
After that, you'll drop a ways down to the North Fork Crystal River. There are a few campsites both in the meadows and under tree cover throughout this section. It's also fairly flat walking! You'll reach a waterfall at the head of the valley. There is an amazing campsite in the trees at the base of it, but unless you get there early, odds are it will be taken.
Next, you'll climb to the top of the waterfall. There are quite a few close proximity campsites from the top of the waterfall to where the trees start to thin towards Frigid Air Pass. This stretch is fairly popular for those who are trying to do both Frigid Air and West Maroon pass in one day. That means they tend to get a little full. If they are full, fill up your water and keep going! There are more campsites further than you think, and you will go back into the trees as you start to climb towards Frigid Air.
East Fork Zone: There are technically campsites here. A couple of them are a little way off the trail to the south towards the creek. I haven't personally camped here, but I have heard that it is terrifying if there is any lightning or storms. The area is pretty exposed and secluded. I would recommend trying for a different permit if possible!
💡 Pro Tip: It is good practice to camp below tree line if you think there is ANY chance of there being a storm. Being out in the open but in a tent does not protect you from lightning. It would suck to have to pack up and move at 3am.
If you want more detail (mileage, offline maps, elevation gain, etc) broken up day by day for a 2, 3, and 4 day itinerary, check out our $29, Everything You Need: Four Pass Loop Pre-Made 2, 3, and 4 day Itinerary Package.
Getting to the Trailhead (Shuttle vs Driving)
You would think this would be easy right? Wrong. There is a weird complexity to getting to the Maroon Lake Trailhead at the time you wish to start with the correct permits/tickets. Usually, you are going to want to start your day early to avoid being on top of a pass during an afternoon storm. This gets tricky because the first shuttle arrives at 8am. If you want to start before that, you'll have to get a parking reservation (or two). Make sure to book these plenty in advance! These reservations fill up during the busy summer months.
Parking Reservation Rules
Parking reservations will be required from May 15th through October 31st
Parking Cost: $10 per vehicle for overnight parking (2 nights). If you plan to spend more than two nights out there, you'll need to get two parking permits.
To book permits go here! www.visitmaroonbells.com
From May 24th through October 20th you must arrive before 8 am or after 5 pm
Drop offs: There will be the ability for private vehicles to drop off passengers between 6 AM and 8 AM without a parking reservation; however, visitors who are dropped off during this time will need a one-way ticket to ride the shuttle down to Aspen Highlands after 8 AM. Commercial drop-offs are not allowed at any time.
Shuttle Reservation Info
The RFTA shuttle service runs from May 23 through October 19
Departs from:
Maroon Bells Welcome Center
75 Boomerang Rd
Aspen CO, 81611
Times:
The shuttle bus operates 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM from May 23rd through October 19th.
Download from Maroon Lake available until 5 pm
They run every 15-20 minutes
Shuttle Cost:
Advance Purchase Round-Trip Shuttle Tickets: $16 Adults, $10 Seniors over 65, $10 Children under 12
One-Way Downhill Shuttle Tickets: $10. One-way downhill tickets will be required from the Maroon Bells Scenic Area to Aspen Highlands. We encourage tickets to be purchased in advance.
Limited, Day-Of Tickets: If limited no-show tickets are available the day of, prices will be higher. We encourage you to purchase reservations in advance.
$20 Adults, $14 Seniors over 65, $14 Children under 12
Parking Fees & Options:
Parking at the shuttle pick up is located at the Aspen Highlands parking Garage. Mon-Fri $42 a day. Sat-Sun $48 a day
A free parking option is to catch a free RFTA bus to Aspen Highlands. Take a direct route from Ruby Park in downtown Aspen, or choose a bus stop from other locations along RFTA's routes. Free parking is available at the Brush Creek Park & Ride with free RFTA service to Aspen Highlands (with bus transfer).
Pro tip: If you're staying at a hotel, check to see if they offer overnight parking. Then get an uber or take the free bus to the shuttle pick up spot. It will save you that $42-48 a day parking fee.
Contact Blazing Adventures for transportation options to Maroon Bells when the RFTA shuttle is not running.
Dogs are allowed on the shuttle!
Where to Stay the Night Before
You have a few options with this, but I am pretty biased towards the cheapest and (in my opinion) the easiest one, which is car camping in the Bells the night before. It makes an early start the next morning much easier. You will already have received your parking permit from the welcome station, and all you will need to do is drive the 10 minutes up to the trailhead to get started. This is obviously only if you were able to secure a parking permit. We'll include more details below for this option and options for shuttle users.
Camping
There are three campgrounds past the check-in station for the Maroon Bells Scenic area: Silver Bar, Silver Queen, and Silver Bell Campground.
If you plan ahead and are lucky enough, you can reserve a campsite at one of these locations.
They have limited facilities (no water or electrical hook-ups). They do have picnic tables, vault toilets, bear boxes, and campfire rings.
Cost: $15 per campsite + a $10 day-use fee for unrestricted access to Maroon Lake and your campsite.
Refund/change policy: They charge you $10 to change your reservation dates or cancel your reservation.
Silver Bar offers 10 first-come, first-served campsites. That means if you weren't able to reserve a site, you can still show up and see if they have any availability. I have been able to get a site at 9 pm on a Thursday (It was raining) and at 4 pm on a Wednesday in September.
Book your campsite at recreation.gov and type in the campground name.
Hotels
This is a great option if you are taking the shuttle to the trailhead since you will be meeting them near town.
For those with parking permits.
The welcome booth does not open until 7am so if you are trying to start before that, you may need to call ahead and check to make sure you can just print your parking reservation off and put it in the dash. Usually, they give you a permit to hang on your mirror.
It is a 30-minute drive from Aspen to the trailhead. So a little longer commute in the morning than camping.
For those with shuttle reservations.
Check with your hotel to see if they offer overnight parking. See the transportation section for more info on that.
Shuttles don't start until 7am so don't plan on starting to hike until 7:30-8am.
Trail Highlights and Challenges
The Four Pass Loop isn’t famous just because it’s near Aspen. This backpacking loop is seriously jaw-droppingly beautiful and worth the headache of the logistics. There are times I go up over a pass and think, "wow! I must be in Scottland!" and then I go over another pass and think, "am I the only one out here?" If you love backpacking, or are new at it, this loop won't disappoint you. It might just hurt a little bit. I fully recommend training for this for max enjoyment. Doing it straight off the couch really doesn't do yourself a favor. Here is what stands out on the trail.
Highlights:
Maroon Bells Views: You’ll hike beneath the most photographed peaks in Colorado.
Snowmass Lake: A turquoise alpine lake framed by Snowmass Mountain, one of the best campsites in the Rockies.
Fravert Basin Wildflowers: In mid-summer, the meadows explode with color.
Four High Passes: Each one offers sweeping 360° views of jagged peaks, valleys, and lakes.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for pika, marmots, mountain goats, and (if you’re lucky) elk.
Challenges:
Altitude: All passes are above 12,400 ft. Expect thinner air, slower pace, and possible altitude sickness.
Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common; you’ll need to plan to be below the passes by early afternoon.
Permits & Logistics: Securing overnight permits and transportation takes planning.
Crowds: This trail is no secret. Expect company in popular zones like Snowmass Lake, and especially Crater Lake. SOOO many day hikers stop there. It can be jarring to finish your loop and run into the mass of humanity that congregates at Crater Lake on the weekends.
Steep Ascents & Descents: With ~8,000 ft of each, your legs and knees will feel it.
What to Pack
Packing smart can make or break your trip. Pack too heavy? Ouch. Your muscles and back will tell you. Pack too light? Oh no, my socks are wet and I don't have a backup. I have successfully completed two separate thru hikes and have spent countless weekends backpacking around the US. My gear is narrowed down to all of the essentials at this point. I have put together a list of everything I bring on the Four Pass Loop, and its available in our Four Pass Loop Guide. For a more generic backpacking list, go to our website and enter your email in the pop-up and one will be emailed to you for free!
Final Thoughts on the Four Pass Backpacking Loop and our Digital Guide
The Four Pass Loop is a bucket-list hike for a reason. It delivers nearly everything you could want from a Colorado backpacking trip: soaring peaks, wildflower valleys, alpine lakes, wildlife encounters, and a good dose of challenge. Every mile is amazing!
Yes, the permits, shuttles, and altitude can feel like a headache to figure out, but don’t let that stop you. With the right planning (or by letting us handle it for you), you’ll be rewarded with one of the most unforgettable multi-day hikes in the country.
We offer a Ready to Roam 40 page Four Pass Loop Backpacking Digital Guide that has everything you need to have a successful trip. It includes instructions on how to get the permits, what to look for, campsites, daily itineraries for different paces, offline maps, and so much more. Check it out HERE!
Bottom line: if you’re considering it, go for it. This loop is worth every step.
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