Four Pass Loop Good for Scouts?

[Brad P]

I’m looking at options for a “roll your own” high adventure trip in 2023 for our troop. One I’m considering is Four Pass Loop in Colorado near Aspen.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/four-pass-loop–5

Do you think this would be appropriate for a scout group of 10-11 (including adults) in late July/Early August? I think earlier risks too much snow. Later is not possible due to school schedules.

[Dan]

I believe the group size is limited to 10. It’s an easy enough hike for people accustomed to that type of terrain/elevation and prepared for the potential weather conditions; much of it is above timberline obviously. The route is very clear and well-traveled. As you probably know, it’s an extremely popular hike, basically an ant-trail, so while there is great scenery, you won’t get a real sense of wilderness or isolation. And because it’s so crowded, you actually do need to be aware of bears.

[H W]

I’ve done this loop several times and as Dan said this is a beautiful time with wild flowers and scenery but it has become an over crowded grand central station type experience and why a timed and fee based reservation system is being seriously considered, which IMO a very good idea. I’d look at the San Juan mountain area in southwest Colorado as an excellent less crowded option.

https://www.aspentimes.com/news/next-few-months-will-make-or-break-plans-for-reservation-fee-in-maroon-bells-wilderness/

re: bears — approved bear containers are required in the Snowmass Wilderness. Don’t get caught without them. Fines and free escort out.

[Brad P]

It’s starting to look like this isn’t ideal for a scout group.

I am looking at the Weminuche Wilderness as an option. If anyone has suggestions there, I’d love to hear it.

I have Dolly Sods as our bargain option since it’s not to far from us (northern VA). But I’d prefer to take them someplace different. So I’m looking at western US options. Locations that do not require permits is beneficial. And even better if there’s a nice side activity.

Then I’ll present viable options to the troop with estimated costs.

Thanks!!

[Dan]

I don’t necessarily think there is anything wrong with the 4PL as long as you understand that it’s highly traveled. After my first post, I reconsidered, and realized that what I am looking for in a hike may not be the same as what a group of scouts would want. Of course, if a reservation system goes into effect, that will impact your decision.

I have spent a fair amount of time in the Weminuche (and the South San Juans), but it’s quite a large wilderness, so it’s hard to know where to start talking about it. In general, it’s more rugged and less traveled than the previous option you mentioned, but quite diverse. Chicago Basin from the Animas River is probably the most popular destination, again relatively crowded.

In general, that western part of the wilderness (Needle Range, Grenadiers) has amazing alpine scenery, but it’s not always easy going. Frequent steep ups and downs over rocky terrain, overgrown willows, deadfall, poorly marked/maintained trails, and good campsites can sometimes be hard to find, especially for a large group. It could be frustrating for novices, especially without local knowledge to help choose easier routes.

Farther east in the Weminuche (the CDT is the main thoroughfare), the terrain becomes more moderate and there would be plenty of options for a decent out-and-back, e.g. some pretty accessible lakes with reasonable camping.  Anyway, I don’t really know the parameters of your hike so I couldn’t make a specific suggestion. But if you have a particular trailhead or route in mind, I’d be happy to give you my thoughts by private message.

[Author]

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