My Longest Backpacking Trip (So Far)
- Zi Sen Chong
- Aug 12, 2018
- 2 min read
The less traveled yet beautiful loop by Aspen.
SNOWMASS & WILLOW LAKES LOOP
Location: Maroon Bells Wilderness Trailhead distance from Denver: 4.0 hours Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MUiPD1Z2GjP2
Day 1
Depart from Maroon Snowmass trailhead which follows the Snowmass Creek up a mountain valley to Snowmass Lake. Before arriving at the lake, we should expect a narrow water crossing near a beaver pond. Water will be accessible along the entire route. From there we continue south toward Snowmass Lake to set up camp for night 1.
Approx. distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation gain: 2,500'
Notes for future trip
Make sure to start with the Snowmass Lake trail.
Fill up the self registration form and bring it with you
You are not allowed to camp at the trailhead but we did it
Get there before 2pm to get a good camp site.
Buy a sandwich for first day lunch.
Walk into aspen groves
A good place for lunch at the photo below - about 2 1/2 hours in
Bring a fly rod to fish at the Snowmass Lake
Probably needs 3 L of water
Day 2
On day 2 from Snowmass lake , we turn east continuing on the Maroon – Snowmass trail to 12,462 foot Buckskin Pass. The north face of the North Maroon Peak should be visible and maybe Pyramid Peak.
The portion of the trail between Snowmass Lake and Buckskin Pass is extremely scenic with views of Snowmass Peak and Snowmass Lake below. It appears to be the portion of the loop that is also in common with the 4 Pass Loop and we will likely encounter a fair amount of other backpackers here. Continue down from Buckskin Pass via a few switchbacks to the Willow Lake trail. The Willow Lake trail turns back northward toward Willow Pass. This will be a steep incline, up to the pass and over to the northern side where Willow Lake will come into view below. From here we should head down to Willow Lake to camp for night 2. This is the shortest day, but also the steepest.
Approx. distance: 6.5
Elevation gain: 2,815'
Notes for future trip
About 1 mile after Snowmass Lake, there are streams/rivers with plenty of trouts. Fish here for an hour or so. Dry flies.
We encountered a storm that lasted from 4pm to 9pm.
The best camp site is not near the lake, but has a view of the valley.
Fly fish!
We saw a family of mountain goats.
Probably needs 2 L of water
Day 3
On day 3 we will head north on the East Snowmass trail over one final steep climb over a mountain pass, about 1000 ft of elevation. Continue on the trail over the pass into EastSnowmass valley. The trail follows the valley north several miles dropping in elevation rapidly back to the trailhead. This final day is the longest ( 8 miles) but will be mostly downhill as we lose approx 3k feet of elevation with plenty of access to water.
Notes for the future trip
It is a long downhill!
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