Elk Mountains
The Four Pass Loop with Snowmass Mountain
In August 2010 we did a seven day backpack trip in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. We did what is known as the "Four Pass Loop" but we added two nights at Geneva Lake and then climbed Snowmass Mountain (14,092'). This album is a collection of pictures from that trip with a small amount of description. Please feel free to vote or comment on this page or any of the pictures.**NOTE: There are more pictures in the picture gallery**
Day 1: Maroon Creek approach
We decided to do a lengthy approach to Snowmass Mountain by starting at Maroon Lake and crossing over Maroon, Frigid Air, and Trail Rider Passes. We camped the first night about five miles up Maroon Creek at the base of Maroon Peak.
Maroon Bells from the start of our trip
Columbine in the Maroon Creek drainage
Day 2: Maroon and Frigid Air Pass
The second day we crossed over Maroon Pass and Frigid Air Pass, giving us a 180 degree view of the Maroon Bells and our first glimpse of Snowmass Mountain.
Maroon Peak from Maroon Pass
Upper East Crystal Basin on the other side of Maroon Pass
Snowmass Mountain visible for the first time from Frigid Air Pass
Day 3: Geneva Lake
We laid over at Geneva Lake at the foot of Snowmass Mountain's west face. That night we experienced one of the worst thunderstorms I have ever encountered in the backcountry.
The Maroon Bells from the "cut-off" trail
Looking up at Snowmass Mountain from Geneva Lake
Storm Approaching on the third evening, the first of many
Day 4: Layover at Geneva Lake
The day after the storm we enjoyed the beautiful scene at Geneva Lake trying to calm our nerves that had been rattled by the apocalyptic storm.
Geneva Lake
Day 5: Trail Rider Pass
With better weather the next day we hiked over Trail Rider Pass and established a new base camp on the mountain's other side.
On the way to Trail Rider Pass on the west side
Snowmass Peak and Mountain on descent from Trail Rider Pass
Snowmass Peak and Lake
Day 6: Climbing the Mountain at Last
We climbed Snowmass Mountain via the standard West Slopes route. Despite being loose and strenuous, the class 3 route was one of my favorites of a 23 fourteener summer.
Approaching the upper portion of Snowmass Mountain
Approaching the notch in the cliff band that allows more direct passage in late summer
The very loose, class 3 notch
Me standing at the top of the notch
Looking south at Hagerman Peak from 13,900' on Snowmass Mountain
Snowmass Mountain's summit
Geneva Lake From the summit of Snowmass Mountain
Capitol Peak as seen from the summit of Snowmass Mountain
Day 7: Last Morning and Hike Out
On day 7 we hiked out via Buckskin Pass. The Four Pass Loop is a beautiful adventure. Extending it as we did made for a beautiful Colorado backcountry experience.
Snowmass Lake on our last morning
North Maroon's north face
Looking up where we came from
The Maroon Bells at the End
