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| Backpack | 26.21 Miles |
8,302 AEG |
| | Backpack | 26.21 Miles | 3 Days | | |
| 8,302 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | The Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop is an AWESOME multi-day backpacking trek near Aspen, CO. This trip was ladies-only with us 4 girls rocking it the entire way. We went counter-clockwise and kept up a good pace, finishing in 2.5 days.
Day 1: Maroon Lake to Snowmass Lake, over Buckskin Pass. 8 miles
Day 2: Snowmass to Belleview mountain valley, over Trailrider Pass & Frigid Air Pass. 10 miles
Day 3: Over Maroon pass back to Maroon Lake. 8 miles
Everything went off without incident, except... while making our way to the base of the 2nd pass of the 2nd day (frigid air), a man coming down the pass had a terrible accident. He lost his footing at the top and fell the entire way down the pass, 200' or so. He was covered in blood from gashes on his forehead and legs, and had broken out his teeth but miraculously had no broken bones. He swore he was OK and not in shock but we were all suspicious that he was still in adrenaline mode and not really as OK as he said he was. After rescuing his gear that was scattered down the mountain (including setting up a simple belay system to retrieve items off the chute), his hiking partner was pretty adamant that she didn't want any help, so onward we went, all of us feeling a bit freaked out from the experience. (Note to Self: It's seriously time to take that wilderness first aid course!!)
I'll never forget this trip, it was so much fun and we all probably laughed more in those few days than in an entire year. I'm so grateful for the bonds of friendship, the smiles shared with kindred spirits along the way, the unbelievable scenery, the perfect weather, the bears we didn't meet, the feelings of elation each time we got to the top of a pass, the challenges we faced and overcame with our combined outdoor experience. I loved the area so much and found myself in utter disbelief of all the gorgeous surroundings the entire time. It was over much too soon but I already can't wait for the next big trip!
Photos forthcoming... I promise.  |
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