Hiking Project Logo

A loop showcasing some of the area's most beautiful passes, alpine lakes, and forested valleys.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

22.3

Miles

35.9

KM

Loop

12,669' 3,862 m

High

8,396' 2,559 m

Low

5,436' 1,657 m

Up

5,456' 1,663 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Overview

This route links the Maroon Snowmass Trail, Buckskin Pass Trail, and East Snowmass Trail by way of two passes above 12,500', forming a 22 mile loop that takes you past two alpine lakes and through lots of meadows and forest. It is often considered the sibling to the Four Pass Loop, though it is generally thought of as less challenging because of its lower mileage and less amount of vertical.

Description

Starting on the Maroon Snowmass Trail, head south up the valley along Snowmass Creek until it intersects with the Buckskin Pass Trail near Snowmass Lake (approximately 9 miles). Camp in the Snowmass Lake area with an advanced overnight permit, or continue the journey by branching left toward Buckskin Pass. The climb up Buckskin Pass will reward you with spectacular views of many of the Elk Range's 14ers once you reach the top.

Descend the east side of Buckskin Pass through the first set of switchbacks, keeping an eye out for your next left toward Willow Pass and Willow Lake.

After ascending up and over Willow Pass, you can add an extra half mile down to Willow Lake or just stay left heading north up the the last steep ridge crossing between "Peak 13,000' and Peak 13,336'". Many choose to make the Willow Lake area a camping destination as well.

Once over the ridge past Willow Lake, stay on the East Snowmass Trail and descend through the nearly 7 miles of beautiful meadows and forests until you reach Snowmass Creek Road. The Maroon Snowmass trailhead is just up the road to the west.

Flora & Fauna

Please be bear aware. Among other mountain mammals, bears frequent the area. For overnight trips, bear canisters are required and their use is strictly enforced.

Contacts

Shared By:

Evan Tabor

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 14 votes

#494

Overall
  5.0 from 14 votes
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#103

in Colorado

#494

Overall
20 Views Last Month
21,112 Since Jun 22, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
8%
92%
0%

Photos

West side of Buckskin Pass. Photo: Michelle Smith
Aug 31, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Cruising over the top of Bucksin Pass. Snowmass Mountain in the background. Photo: Michelle Smith
Aug 31, 2015 near Snowmas…, CO
Camping off buckskin and enjoying the view.
Nov 9, 2019 near Snowmas…, CO
View into Snowmass Lake
Jul 21, 2021 near Snowmas…, CO
Ascending Buckskin Pass on the 4 Pass Loop in Maroon Bells Wilderness.
Aug 8, 2020 near Snowmas…, CO
Snowmass Lake sunrise.
Sep 5, 2017 near Snowmas…, CO
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 8, 2021
Jessica Lamphere
Jun 24, 2021
Elena Semperfi
Beautiful hike with very few people on it. There've been a few patches of snow after the last peak but all can be easily crossed with trail runners 26mi
Sep 28, 2020
Mike Tozier
Aug 30, 2020
Eric Harrill
22.3mi
Aug 14, 2020
David Gean
beautiful trail, the altitude kicked out tails out there. I normally do 12+ mile days but out there I'm only able to do about 7. the trail is easy… 22.3mi
Jul 18, 2020
Kendra Frieden
Beautiful loop!! gorgeous wildflowers and great sunset and sunrise spots! Camp right below tree line on buckskin pass and summit for sunrise 28mi
Jul 30, 2016
Dan Broman
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.