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A very popular but steep day run often used as a starting point for extended backpacking trips.


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Map Key

6.7

Miles

10.9

KM

68%

Runnable

12,458' 3,797 m

High

10,137' 3,090 m

Low

2,692' 821 m

Up

1,695' 517 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

37%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

From mid-June through September, Maroon Creek Road is restricted to vehicles from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beyond the T-Lazy 7 Ranch. Take the shuttle from Aspen Highlands Ski Area, which leaves every 20 minutes; dogs are allowed on the bus.

The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is a recreation fee area; there is a mandatory fee. The Interagency, Senior & Golden Access Passes are honored.

Description

At the Crater Lake bulletin board, the trail forks to the right and climbs steeply through aspen and spruce forest for 1 mile to Minnehaha Gulch. A stream divides the nearly one mile long gulch in half with campsites available before and after the stream crossing.

The trail continues its steep ascent exiting the gulch into an alpine meadow with Buckskin Pass looming ahead. A trail sign for the Maroon-Snowmass /Willow Lake junction appears in another 1/2 mile. Take the left fork which continues to follow the Maroon-Snowmass Trail through the meadow to a series of switchbacks that climb steeply to Buckskin Pass. If running beyond the pass, the next available campsites are 2 miles ahead.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 9 votes

#467

Overall
  4.9 from 9 votes
5 Star
89%
4 Star
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3 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#91

in Colorado

#467

Overall
4 Views Last Month
3,444 Since Apr 1, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
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Photos

One of the many amazing high country lake views found on the Four Pass Loop.
Feb 1, 2018 near Snowmas…, CO
Camping off buckskin and enjoying the view.
Nov 9, 2019 near Snowmas…, CO
Back into the trees headed down the west side of Buckskin Pass. Photo: Michelle Smith
Aug 31, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Ascending Buckskin Pass on the 4 Pass Loop in Maroon Bells Wilderness.
Aug 8, 2020 near Snowmas…, CO
View into Snowmass Lake
Jul 21, 2021 near Snowmas…, CO
Goats love the top of Buckskin Pass.
Sep 5, 2017 near Snowmas…, CO

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