SW-ish Colorado loop w/ dog help plz

[Jeffs Eleven]

Hey folks,

Just throwing out a line to see if anyone has any better ideas than doing the 4Passes loop at Maroon Bells. Its Sept 20-23. We’d like a loop for logistics ease. Around 30miles. With a dog.

We were planning the 4Passes loop but then we saw about reserving just to be there and shuttles and stuff. We like to be away from people and maybe it’s too many people on that trail?  Thoughts?

Does anyone have anything else that would be cool? We want some passes, a lake, you know… the good stuff. I won’t Instagram tag your spot if that’s a concern.

Really anywhere between Grand Junction and Durango would be work.  After the trail we are going to Ouray so it just needs to be in that proximity.

Any Help is appreciated!!

[Cathy P]

You can make a few different loops in the Grenadier Range and Needle Mountains in the Weminuche Wilderness.  Close to Ouray.  Way less people than the 4 pass circus.  Dog friendly.  On-trail and off-trail options.  

[Jeffs Eleven]

Ok ok. I see that. The purgatory to animas river to Chicago basin to twin lakes and hazel lake look pretty good. I wonder if you can get over to sunlight lake. Maybe Lillie lake?

thanks, Cathy.
That may be a winner. I was hoping to drive into the high country but without making a 4×4 todo of it. It looks like colorado isn’t set up for non-todo four wheeling. Long ohv trails… longer than I was hoping for. Also, we have a Ford Escape, so it’s not like we are set up to do much if that anyway.

[Jeffs Eleven]

Does anybody know how popular Four Passes Loop is?  Like is it stupid amount of people? Is it a lot, but spread out?  Everybody talks about it being crowded … We are trying to gauge how ridiculous it is with people. Seems like a pretty sweet hike and the logistics are what we are looking for, but if we are passing people all the time and it’s like front country busy we will skip it. It’s gonna be September so I bet the aspens will be poppin and thus people. I’m rambling.

[Todd T]

I’m interested in your question, too. I may try to do that loop mid- to late September, mainly because I’ll be passing through the area anyway and have wanted to do 4-Pass since 1981. I heard rumors they were going to start requiring reservations, but COVID may have delayed that? The crowds have apparently ruined the bears so canisters are now required (Ursack is allowed). I have some nostalgic reasons to want to visit Crested Butte, else I’d probably do something in the Weminuche. I’ve got a couple of loopish trips mapped out there. We’ll see.

[H W]

I’m a frequent visitor since the 70s as I’ve relatives in the area. My dogs and I have done the 4Pass loop often and connecting Capitol Creek loop (47 miles), usually in late July. Day hiking up to Buckskin Pass and West Maroon Pass is a regular pastime in Sept for leaf-peeping.

I was up at Indy Pass Sunday hiking the Lost Man 9 mile loop and it was very busy. In fact, I’ve not seen such crowds in years. Will that mean Sept will be overrun with hikers and BPers? Can’t predict. But if covid numbers don’t improve count on the trails being closed as they were in early Spring.

Please note:

Keep you dog on a leash. It’s the law. Get a 6 foot expandable leash and use it. If a Ranger sees your dog off-leash you will be fined. If they see your dog chasing wildlife they have the authority to shoot your dog, though I’ve never heard of this happening. Unleashed dogs are a major problem on the trail and people don’t get it.

A hard-sided bear canister is required. Ursack is NOT allowed. Hanging a bear bag is NOT allowed. You will be fined and escorted off the trail if your do not the proper container. Fines can top out at $5K.

Weather mid to late Sept can be problematic. Be prepared for below freezing temps at night and the possibility of snow. Late Sept blizzards can happen. On the flip side it can be very warm during the day — shorts and t-shirt attire. Be prepared for anything.

Reservations are not required but you must sign in at the trailhead –there are several trailheads– and carry the tag with you at all times. There are designated campsites along the trail. Dispersed camping has been allowed but that was to change this year however due to covid that rule may have been put off.

Enjoy. It’s a great hike. Be sure to acclimate a couple days at increasingly higher elevations. I doesn’t matter how physically strong you are. With 20% less O2 you need to adjust or it will be a very tough go . . . unless of course you already live at 10K.

[Jeffs Eleven]

Snow?!?!  I’m out!

 

jk.  I grew up in colo so I’m aware. Good looking out though… you never know.

We are bring the bv500. my wife called and they are talking about reservations to park/ reservations to take the shuttle instead of parking. Prolly gonna do that Chicago basin trip. Sounds like more people then I care to be around at 4 Passes. Too bad. Looks beautiful.

Keep em coming though… we aren’t locked into anything and staring at caltopo and following trails to trailheads to roads is making my eyes cross.  There are some looong approaches to trailheads.

[Kimberly Wersal]

An alternative to the 4 pass loop, with less hassle parking, and less crowded is the loop going up the Maroon-Snowmass trail to Snowmass Lake then over to Buckskin Pass and around to Willow Lake then back down the East Maroon Trail to where you started. Quite a gorgeous hike, and Willow Lake was a nice spot to camp.

[Jeffs Eleven]

I see that. A definite possibility. I’m sorta leaning towards Chicago basin to avoid as many humans as possible. And it’s near Ouray where we will stay afterwards. But that does look like some good hiking.

man I miss those mtns. The cascades don’t do it for me like that*

*have yet to go to north cascades but going in two weeks!

[Todd T]

A hard-sided bear canister is required. Ursack is NOT allowed.

Hmm.  Glad you said that.  I had downloaded the trail guide and it said–and I quote–“Approved bear resistant containers are horse panniers and backpackers’ containers that are certified through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Courtesy Inspection Program.”  That list includes the Ursack.  But I went out and re-downloaded the thing, and it now adds “hard-sided” to the description.

I would edit my previous post, but the website won’t let me.

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