I have a climbing partner visiting from California this weekend and want to show them the fall colors and Maroon Bells. Not looking to climb out there, just hike and explore. What's a great day hike to do in the beautiful Maroon Bells? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I think Buckskin pass is a pretty basic hike. I haven't been there myself, but looking at it from N Maroon it looks pretty easy, and you'd have good views towards Capitol, Snowmass, and the Pierre Lakes.

I'll second the Buckskin Pass suggestion. I have been up there twice. It is a stunning hike! I would recommend continuing on to the summit of Buckskin Benchmark. This is an easy hike to its summit and the views are even better from there.

Another good option is Electric Pass Peak. Again, nothing complicated about this hike. I would guess that it will be busier than Buckskin Benchmark though.

Both are great options - both under 10 miles with less than 4000 feet of elevation gain -with stunning scenery most of the way on each. I have Albums in my profile for both of these hikes, which will give you a good idea of what kind of scenery you'll get - which is spectacular!

Thanks for those suggestions. I wasn't necessarily looking for easy, but if the scenery and views are great then that will make it more than worthwhile. The only problem with easy is having to share the trail with the masses.

Michele wrote:I wasn't necessarily looking for easy, but if the scenery and views are great then that will make it more than worthwhile. The only problem with easy is having to share the trail with the masses.

I went up Buckskin Benchmark on a Sunday in August and had the summit to myself. I would guess that the trail will be a little busy to Crater Lake, but the crowds will thin after that. You'll probably see a few backpackers on the way to Buckskin Pass (4 Pass Loop), but I doubt that it will be "busy". If you want to add some extra to the day you could always go up UN13039 from the Pass. I have not been up there, but have been informed that the ridgeline is Class 2+, with about 25 feet of solid Class 3+/4 stuff to get to the summit block.

I think Electric pass has better views than Buckskin, but both are nice.

Thank you again, for those ideas. Decisions, decisions. We definitely want to enjoy some fall colors along the way. Which of those two would be best for that? We're leaving in a couple hours, so may have to flip a coin on it when we are there.

Can't help you on the fall color thing - but if I remember there are more aspens on the way to Electric Pass (but I could be wrong). Be sure to report back though and let us know your thoughts!