Colorado: Backpacking The Four Pass Loop, July 2020

Backpacking the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. We chose to avoid the crowds and begin on the Crested Butte side. Four days, three nights, and the most incredible display of wildflowers we’ve ever witnessed.
*Music*
“Kindred Spirits“ by Analog Heart
“Hope Is Alive“ by Ellie Holcomb
“Marvelous Light” by Ellie Holcomb
“Living Water” by Ellie Holcomb
“The Valley” by Ellie Holcomb
Licensed by The Music Bed, LLC
Instagram: / lylesuch
Website: Lylesuch.com

[@hallucimate]

Its like a dream, this planet is so precious. Amazing video!🙏🏼

[@willpopemusic]

Really well done with this video - the pacing is superb and you are such a cheerful spirit!! Your enthusiasm is fun to watch! Awesome camera work by your hiking partner, I assume he framed most of those shots. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure!

[@jeffseng6385]

Thank you so much for this video. I just saved this to my AllTrails!

[@lylesuch4421]

It's definitely a hike worth doing. Beautiful, challenging and really fun places to camp. I think they're soon beginning a permit system which is going to make it much less crowded, but harder to just go and do without planning ahead. Either way, it's incredible!!

[@markgerhart8112]

It's been a few years since I did this backpack . Brings back alot of memories . Lightening is a problem....

[@lylesuch4421]

Glad to hear our video brings back memories, hopefully we captured it as true to life as possible! Knowing Colorado's notorious afternoon storms, we always left camp early in the morning and arrived at the next camp just in time to shelter from the rain. Always surprised to see people getting later starts knowing they're going to have to deal with bad weather. Luckily we didn't see any lightening or have to race down from any of the passes. What a beautiful hike!!

[@WanderingBlock]

Great video, I hope to do this hike one day, looks so beautiful!! Thanks for sharing 😁

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! It is one of our favorite backpacking trips. I would highly recommend trying to go at peak wildflower season, it makes it even more beautiful. Good luck, and I hope you make it there some day!

[@davidreed5443]

The way you show the majesty of Colorado is really tops!! So lovely to see you there enjoying the wonderful sensations!! 💜💜💜

[@lylesuch4421]

Yes, Colorado, especially during the full wildflower bloom, is a beautiful place. As great as it looks on camera, it really doesn't capture how incredible the Rockies are in person!!

[@davidreed5443]

@@lylesuch4421 ahhh, I believe you, that’s how I felt about Toulumne Meadows and Denali National Park. Sometimes you can only show just a bit of the experience. It’s like saying, “This is what a massage feels like, and then you just poke the person with your finger!” Those flowers do look pretty big brilliant and extravagant for wilderness flowers.

[@danmontoya1102]

Beautiful.

[@palmer491]

Your energy is so radiant. Such great vibes :)

[@Simco_]

Great b-roll.

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! It's easy to get great shots in such an amazing landscape. Just wishing we were allowed to fly a drone, that footage would have been incredible.

[@kmcgoeshiking27]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@michaelboyle4119]

That was amazing .

[@geraldinedeliva903]

Wow, great video!! Thanks so much for sharing :) can’t wait to hike there in 2 days! It looks wonderful

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks, and good luck. It's an incredible experience! Hopefully the wildflowers are still going strong.

[@lisalandry9346]

Absolutely awesome video! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to hiking this soon!

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! Definitely one of the most beautiful hikes we've ever done, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. Luckily we chose to do this in four days, I'm surprised how many people rush through it and don't take the time to really enjoy it at a slower pace.

[@bmdonnals]

This video is really well done. The trip looks and sounds amazing.

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! Yes, this backpacking trip in Colorado is one of the best we've taken. It's hard to beat the Rockies during wildflower season!

[@juliojimenez-juanz6751]

Love the video! Awesome information too. Thank you

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! We always try to show as much detail about the hike as possible, without getting too repetitive or boring.

[@juliojimenez-juanz6751]

@@lylesuch4421 We are planning it for this year in early July :-)

[@larryleake]

Loved your edit, narration and sound design - very nicely done! And, a great trip in a fantastic spot!

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! We try hard to capture what it feels like to hike in these amazing places...Colorado during wildflower season is definitely one of the most photogenic!

[@daviddevries2955]

A great film. Hopefully the view counter keeps going up!

[@TucAdventures]

Awesome video guys! I think I'm doing the 4 loop pass this week and this definitely got me stoked to film out there!

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! The 4PL is such a great place to shoot...I just wish we had more time to spend just getting shots of the landscape, and especially the little details. It's so beautiful there. Have a great time!

[@jodylowe8476]

Amazing. THis is the exact trip i am planning this summer. WIll go mid July as well hopefully to get the flower show like you did.

[@lylesuch4421]

I hope you get to see as many flowers as we did. Mid July is the perfect time to hike the 4PL. Our only regret is that we didn't plan for an extra day or two on the loop to enjoy the scenery. If you're coming in from Crested Butte, it's a great place to acclimatize, and there are amazing day hikes in the area with flowers everywhere (Gothic Mountain in particular). Have fun!!

[@jodylowe8476]

@@lylesuch4421 Thanks for the info.

[@thesuperioraffection4502]

First visit and new subscriber to your channel. In addition to the beyond beautiful scenery, everything about how this video was put together was excellent; The videography, narration, (personalities, enthusiasm, appreciation,) music, on screen info and formatting, etc. Great work! I did this amazing loop in late September 2016 as my first backpacking trip in the mountains, clockwise from the main lot over 4 days. I definitely missed out on the wildflowers but the aspens were near peak. Less people than during the summer was nice as well. Short video from my trip with mainly pics on my channel, nothing close to this caliber, which is why I occasionally search for newer ones to enjoy like yours. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos. I see there's a Boundary Waters one, that's in my backyard so I will check that one out next. Happy travel trails.

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks...we really appreciate the kind words! It sounds like the 4PL would be a nice hike with the colorful aspens, if you haven't seen it during wildflower season it's worth another trip, as we are tempted to go during the fall to see the aspens. We started out documenting our hikes mainly so as we grow older and our memories worsen, we can always look back on these videos and basically relive the entire experience. That's why we really try and show as much as possible, in the order that it happened so it's as authentic to the actual experience as possible. It's fun to know that other people are either learning from our videos, or are themselves reliving their own personal experiences and sparking their memories. We've only recently gotten the format down...I cringe to look back at some of our older videos and am tempted to re-edit the really rough ones. Unfortunately, when we visited the Boundary Waters, I had an ear infection and was too sick to shoot a full video, I couldn't even go under water. It was still an incredible adventure, and someday I'm sure we'll be back to do a more thorough job. You're lucky to be near such an incredible place!

[@SoloSchmitty]

Really well done! I just did the loop a week ago. Beautiful!

[@stalin1909]

Great job. A little too late comment . I did the loop last year in mid july , same route as yours but clockwise, I had way more snow and lesser flowers. I was solo, and injured my knee 2nd day…so it was a grind . Hope you both are doing well PS: I did Mount Toubkal in morocco, mount whitney, Jordan petra-dana…All Solo of course(unless a guide is required by law)…looks like we go to the same places :)

[@lylesuch4421]

Wow, can't imagine doing the 4PL with an injury, that's a lot of elevation change if you're not 100%!. We loved the little bit of snow we had mixed with the wildflowers. The rockies are so much more interesting when they have the snow-capped peaks. The clockwise/counterclockwise debate is a funny one, there's such a divided opinion online and trying to pick which one was a challenge in our planning. We're firmly convinced that clockwise is the best way to go, but I bet if we had gone counterclockwise we'd think that was the best way. Either way, it is an incredible hike! That is funny when you see others that go to similar places. We haven't met anyone who's done the Jordan Trek, such a unique place. Any favorite hikes that you would suggest for future trips? We hope to go back and do the O trek in Patagonia soon, and are looking at Kyrgystan as a future trekking trip. Hopefully our videos help you remember your experiences...stay safe out there and maybe you'll run into us out on a trek someday!

[@stalin1909]

Hey, sorry for the late answer. Oh ,you’re actually like myself. I elaborate when i reply . i like long answers or explanations .. You did go counterclockwise from what i saw though…. Yes , it’s interesting when you see others doing something similar.but by now i noticed ppl who do these things have something universal in common, you know,some kind of camaraderie. Well, I am actually more of a mountain Climber than a backpacking Hiker….But Patagonia is one of the most intriguing places on earth …endless routes and mesmerizing scenery. I did try to Climb mount Aconcagua in Argentina , circa january 2020….in which i almost lost my life …as i was going solo. You mentioned the Rockies….but the Andes are a whole other level of challenge , they are different. When i went to Aconcagua( speaking of meeting interesting ppl), i met this Norwegian Lady ( Kristin Harila), who was at my level of climbing then.however she continued her Progression,only to break a world record recently. As she climbed the 14 highest summits on the planet , all above 8000 meters, in 92 days…those summits included Everest and K2. Before she did this ,Me and her planned to climb mount Rainier….but she took it to an insane level. However as a suggestion, one of the most underrated countries is Ecuador…which i visited to scale mount Chimborazo couple of years back. In addition to mountains, it’s full of beautiful routes and out of this world places….highly recommended,pending their political stability. Be safe guys , and take care….I learned Nature is unbeatable, its a force you can never tame….but you can enjoy with planning , preparation and being respectful… Again , much Appreciation, admiration and love to you guys :)

[@edfody5369]

Great FPL vid!! I think you parled at the end of Gothic Rd and hiked in from there? Also - did you go counter clockwise? Heading out this August - hope we get the flower fireworks you did!

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! Yes, we parked on the Crested Butte side off of Gothic Road to avoid complications with starting in Maroon Bells. We decided to go counter clockwise for several reasons. It seems to be a controversial issue with people having very strong opinions on both directions. But for us, we liked the position of the sun, finishing the most crowded pass first, and the views we would be walking towards while going counter-clockwise. Either way is incredible, and hopefully you get the flowers like we did, August seems to be the right time for that...good luck!

[@Miderguy_]

Do you happen to remember the exact days in July you did this trip? I am trying to find the peak flower week for the area. Thanks and great video. Love it!

[@lylesuch4421]

I believe it was July 19-22. Probably varies a bit every year but late July/early August seem to be a safe bet. Even without the flowers the 4PL is a great trek, but with good timing and a little luck, the flower bloom makes it unforgettable. Good luck!!

[@marcosserrano3046]

Hi love your video best one i have seen about the Four Pass Loop. I will be doing this hike same time frame as you did going mid July. What were the temperatures especially at night how low did it get to? Need make sure we get ready for how cold it might get. Thanks so much!

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! Being the Rockies, you definitely have to prepare for the best and the worst of weather. Our lowest temps at night were around 35f (2c), and reached about 75f (24c) at the hottest during the day. Overall, though, it was the perfect temperature for hiking, not too hot, not too cold. I think it snowed a week after we were there, so it can be very unpredictable. Also be sure to pack rain gear...we were extremely lucky and dodged some massive storms. Good luck!!

[@marcosserrano3046]

@@lylesuch4421 oh wow that is perfect weather for hiking! We always pack the rain gear you just never know what will happen out there. Thank you so much for the reply! Been a subscriber to your channel keep the awesome videos coming!

[@grattenward]

Great footage. Mind sharing how you created the rendered geographical clip in the first 30 seconds?

[@lylesuch4421]

I record the hike in All Trails, export the GPX data, import that data into Google Earth, then animate and record the map. A lot of steps, but it's so nice to see the area that we've spent days hiking through in a 3d map. It really helps to put it all into perspective and see how the hike weaves its way through the landscape!

[@neilgholkar959]

great video. love the videography! what water filtration system did you guys use?

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! Our last filtration system broke after a long, long life and I don't remember what brand it was. We're now using the LifeStraw filter.

[@ariknelson1401]

Hi! Beautiful trip! What degree sleeping bag did you use?

[@lylesuch4421]

The Four Pass Loop really is a beautiful hike. We used 0°F (-18°C) sleeping bags. It was too warm for one of us, a little too cold for the other. It really makes a big difference on how hot or cold you sleep. Temperatures got down to around 35°F at night where we camped.

[@mlittle50]

Great video. What backpacks do you both use?

[@lylesuch4421]

Our packs are almost 10 years old now, not sure of the model but they were the Osprey model that everyone was buying at RIE at the time. They've held up incredibly well over the years and they'll probably last another 10 years.

[@FrontlineLLC]

Wow. Fantastic video. How were the crowds during this time of year? Are fires permitted at any of the established campsites? Looks like water is readily available - 2L/person at a time sufficient?

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! We didn't feel like there were crowds, but being from California our perspective on crowded trails is a little different. The only time we came across large groups were at a couple of the passes, but for the most part we were alone and only encountered a couple of friendly hikers here and there. Also, avoiding Snowmass Lake campsite and Maroon Bells as a starting point helps to avoid the crowds. No fires are allowed anywhere. Water (depending on time of year) is relatively easy to find as long as you know ahead of time where the rivers are. We carried about 1.5L per person per day and that was plenty, knowing we would stay near water sources each night.

[@januarysdaughter6664]

Exactly which days of what month did you go? The blooms are beautiful!

[@lylesuch4421]

July 20-23. We expected flowers, but not this many. Probably the most wildflowers we've ever experienced in one hike. Our pace was at least twice as slow as normal because we just had to keep stopping and looking at the fields of flowers!

[@januarysdaughter6664]

@@lylesuch4421 i live in Illinois. I'm training to do this hike, finally. This is my favorite 4 Pass Loop video, hands down. Thanks for sharing!

[@andrewgibb5211]

Great video!! Do you mind if I ask how you did the 3D animation of the track at the beginning of your video. It was superb. Did you use Google Earth? Thanks!!

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! You're correct, I used Google Earth for the map. This is the first time I've imported the track directly from Strava, which was much easier and quicker than trying to map the course manually. After exporting from Google Earth, I brought it into After Effects and retimed the animation to fit the project. It always takes a few tries, finding the best angle and altitude, but worth the extra time to really see how the hike goes through the landscape.

[@emainz1]

Great video! We’re thinking of doing it in a couple weeks. Do you think the loop is feasible for most people or do you need a bit more experience to do it?

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! I would highly recommend either getting a little backpacking experience or making sure you have someone with experience along with you. The 4PL is not an easy trip, and with the variables in weather, altitude, and water availability the consequences of a mistake are larger than an easier trail. With that said, plenty of people with little experience successfully complete the 4PL and there are enough people on the trail that if you need help or have questions, there will most likely be a friendly hiker there to assist. My suggestion, if you're really set on doing the 4PL, read people's blogs, especially those that failed to find out what issues they had. Study where the campsites are, and just learn as much as you can before you go. Look up Dexamethasone if you're coming from low altitude, altitude sickness can hit anyone at any time, no matter your experience or fitness level. Spend at least a night at altitude with one or two acclimatizing hikes before you set out on the trail. And most importantly, give yourself proper time to enjoy this amazing trail!

[@emainz1]

Lyle Such thanks for the detailed response! The trip looks tough just on All Trails alone. Haha. We’ve got some trail time under our belts (did Teton backpacking for a few days this summer) but this trip would require more mileage per day. Altitude sickness is the worst! Luckily we’ll be spending a night in an actual bed before hitting the trail and great call on the dex. I don’t know why I’ve never thought of taking it before. Thanks again! Video looks great and it convinced my gf to do it :)

[@KallyJones]

Does anyone know if mid to late June is too early to transit the passes?

[@lylesuch4421]

Each year is different...snow can stick around through July depending on conditions. June would be a little early to attempt these passes in my opinion unless snow melt begins really early. It's impossible to predict this early, but following up to date trail conditions is important if you're planning the 4PL in the transitional part of the year.

[@TrilogyHiking]

Great video! My favorite part was "I kinda of match the flowers 😊" Can I ask what month you guys went in? (Sorry if I missed it!)

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! Yeah, wearing matching colors with the flowers is always a fun, happy accident. We hiked the 4PL in mid-July and can't imagine it being any better. Colorado has a much longer flower bloom than out on the west coast, so you have a larger window of opportunity to see the full colors. The key to making the most of this hike was to get up early and hike before the afternoon storms, it was incredible!!

[@TrilogyHiking]

@@lylesuch4421 Perfect- thanks very much! This one is on my to-do list & definitely want to see flowers but avoid snow :)

[@jalapenoontrail872]

Hello. We are planning this loop trail in October. May I ask what trailhead you parked at? Did you need a parking pass and did you need a backcountry camping permit. Thanks for any input. I do have the map for any references you give.

[@lylesuch4421]

We parked at the lot on rte 317 about a mile north of Schofield Pass. Dirt road, it helps to have high-clearance vehicle but not necessary. There are restrooms at the trailhead and you do not need a permit. At the trailhead, you fill out a form which acts as your permit, but you do not need to apply for a permit online or anything like that. Parking is free and there is plenty of it. There is a shuttle (Dottie's I believe) that runs out of Crested Butte that can take you directly to the trailhead and pick you up when finished if you're not comfortable driving on this type of road. This link goes to a more detailed account of our hike: lylesuch.com/four-pass-loop/2020/8/1/four-pass-loop If you have any specific questions just let me know.

[@jalapenoontrail872]

Lyle Such thanks for the quick response and the information. Very helpful. I do have a Subaru Outback. Hopefully that is clearance enough from what you are speaking of. What do you think?

[@lylesuch4421]

Outback is fine as long as the road conditions don't change. You should check within a week or so of when you go with someone local who can give you updates on the road conditions.

[@GeezerAdventures]

Great job. What month was this?

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! We tried twice in the fall a few years back, but this being our third attempt, we decided it was best to go when the wildflowers were in full bloom. So we chose to go in late July, and as you can see, the weather and scenery were perfect. It's worth going back for fall colors, but I don't think it's best when everything is green and the flowers are vibrant!

[@wowitsseamus1]

When in July did you go? Early, mid or End?

[@lylesuch4421]

We hiked starting July 20, tried to go as close to August as possible to avoid snow. The weather was perfect and there was just enough snow to look nice but not have any slippery trails.

[@roebucksadventure]

when in July did you hike this

[@lylesuch4421]

We hiked July 20-23 in 2020. We had great weather and there was just enough snow to make it interesting. Every year is different, though, so conditions in mid to late July could still be very snowy in certain years.

[@Thefantasybookwarrior]

Is the trail clearly marked?

[@lylesuch4421]

During summer, when there is no snow, the trail is very easy to follow. Of course, never go unprepared without downloaded trail maps, but the 4PL is well maintained, has signs when necessary, and there are almost always people nearby if you need some help with directions. It is also very clear where the established campsites are. The only tricky part we came across was a sign at a junction as you enter the loop from the Crested Butte side. The sign is shaped as a left-pointing arrow, but the writing says go right for the 4PL. Go right. We ran into several groups that went left without actually reading the sign and added a few miles on because of misreading that sign!

[@roebucksadventure]

what is the size of your tarp??

[@lylesuch4421]

I believe it's around 8'x10', meant for a hammock cover but perfect for the tent as well.

[@FrontlineLLC]

Did you go CCW from Crested Butte?

[@lylesuch4421]

Yes, we went CCW from Crested Butte. Everyone is convinced that their way is the best way, and nobody is absolutely correct. Based on all the research, we chose Crested Butte to avoid the complicated parking situation at Maroon Bells. We chose 4 days instead of 3 days (very important so as not to rush), and counter clockwise was based on the type of elevation gain, views, and sun direction that we preferred. We came away convinced that our way is the best way, but that's just our opinion of course! Also, to avoid afternoon rains, starting early in the morning is best, and that way you can also find campsites much easier than arriving later in the evening. Good luck if you do this hike, it's incredible!

[@FrontlineLLC]

@@lylesuch4421 Gonna go your exact route. What do you estimate the % going CCW? Seems like you could get good info about camp spots from passing hikers. Didn’t think about the sun direction - could you fill me in? Yes, we like to hit the trail early too so we can have downtime at camp…

[@lylesuch4421]

Most people we encountered were going clockwise, and in only 3 days instead of 4 so they would have to do two passes in one day. Seems too rushed. Camp spots are pretty straight forward and you can definitely get info from any passing hikers. Sun direction was an important factor. First day from Crested Butte you walk east into the sun regardless of CCW or CW. But once you hit the loop, CCW allows you to spend more time with the sun at your back, and not in the shadow of the passes since you're beginning in the early morning and the sun is low to the east. For photography, it helped fill in the landscape with light in front of us rather than having to look back at the nicely lit scenes. Also, we preferred the views from the passes overall walking CCW. Yes, you can turn around and see the opposite views behind you, but at that altitude, every bit of energy spent you feel, and just looking forward at the views is more efficient. Lots to consider, but again, each way has it's plusses and minuses.

[@warriorredeemed215]

Is primitive camping allowed on this trail?

[@lylesuch4421]

Primitive camping is allowed, with the normal rules, ie. 100 feet from water, bear canisters, no fires etc. There are a couple lakes where staying at established campsites is required, but it's easy to avoid staying at those areas, and better to avoid since they get pretty crowded. The good thing is, even the established campsites are pretty well spaced apart, and in some beautiful locations. Asking other hikers while on the trail can result in discovering some more hard to find campsites that are well worth the extra effort.

[@warriorredeemed215]

@@lylesuch4421 awesome!! Thanks so much for your help and detailed response! So pretty much no real planning involved other than: 1. Gear 2. Getting there 3. Parking/shuttle service schedule 4. Getting back I'm planning a trip for July! I'm so excited!

[@rollinbarrin]

Great video, but @ 18:00 - please do not pick wildflowers, especially in alpine environments!

[@lylesuch4421]

Thanks! Glad you're concerned about keeping alpine environments pristine...hopefully it puts your mind at ease knowing that we're about as low-impact as hikers can be when trekking through these areas. We can't all be perfect, and after witnessing the trampling of flowers by off-trail humans/off-leash dogs, drone takeoffs/landings, toilet paper, etc., picking a few flowers here and there (total of six or seven) is a fairly minor concern. But we will keep your suggestion in mind next time we're in a field covered with wildflowers.