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| Run/Jog | 11.19 Miles |
2,873 AEG |
| | Run/Jog | 11.19 Miles | 4 Hrs 25 Mns | | 2.62 mph |
| 2,873 ft AEG | 9 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | Big focus for this trip to CO was to see the Maroon Bells. Originally planned on doing the loop, but trying to find a place to camp on July 3 somewhere near Crusted Butt proved to be stressful, and I lowered my expectations accordingly. A 30+ mile trek through the Elks could've been too much to handle at that point... so we decided to just shoot for 5 hours of fun.
Showed up to a packed East Fork TH and started up. Goal #1 was West Maroon Pass. The lower part was typical Colorado (great), but above treeline you really start seeing the distinct red rocks that I assume give the Bells their name. The climb up to the pass was nice and steep, but the view was stunning. Took a break there, then started back towards Frigid Air Pass. On the way there we encountered the only group we would see running the loop.
The climb up Frigid Air proved to be even steeper than the one up West Maroon, and I would also not describe the air as "frigid". But the view was quite nice, with the grey Snowmass Mountain sticking out like a sore thumb behind all the red.
Went a half mile back down, then followed a trail labeled as a pack trail on the topo map to another pass. It doesn't look like many people visit said pass, but it was another very nice view.
We then followed a social trail which I figured would link back up with another pack trail and save us from having to go most of the way back to West Maroon. And it did.
Really enjoyed this one, definitely have to get back and explore more. One of the most scenic places I've been in CO. Noticed from the third pass that there are social trails everywhere. |
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