four pass loop maroon bells hike in fall colors

Backpacking Four Pass Loop Colorado in the Fall

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The Four Pass Loop is an iconic hiking trail in Colorado’s Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. It’s best done as a backpacking trip so you can take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I backpacked the Four Pass loop Sept 26-30, 2024 and the fall colors were peaking. While some areas were past peak and others haven’t hit, overall, the last week of September and first week of October would be the best time to go to see the fall foliage in Crested Butte and Aspen, Colorado.

Permits are required for this hike if you plan to backpack and camp overnight. You can learn more about permit information and read about the full hike on this post here.

Here are some Fall photos to inspire your visit next Fall to see the fall colors of Crested Butte.

Crested Butte: West Maroon Trailhead to Frigid Air Pass

Frigid Air Pass to Trail Rider Pass

Trail Rider Pass to Buckskin Pass

Buckskin Pass to West Maroon Pass

Snowmass Mountain Views

Snowmass Lake

Maroon Lake Trail to Crater Lake


Other posts you may like

Hike the 4 Pass Loop during wildflower season — see post for photo inspo

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    2 thoughts on “Backpacking Four Pass Loop Colorado in the Fall”

    1. We’ve visited Maroon Bells in the fall, which is spectacular. I’d love to time a pass hike with the foliage (even if just Maroon Pass from CB and not all 4 passes).

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