Hiking Colorado - Maroon Bells Backpacking Trip & Hammock Camping

Join Mike & I on the Four Pass Loop for 3 days of hiking, backpacking & hammock camping. GPS data at www.sintax77.com
For this multi-part adventure, we’ll be faced with two challenges.
Phase 1 (seen in the prior Pt 1 video): Driving on a substantial time crunch from the east coast to Colorado, without any hotels or road food purchases. This will not only keep the budget low, but will also save us a ton of time by not having to check-in/out, be tempted to sleep in, decide where/what to eat, stand in lines etc. Sleeping will be done in the car (while the other person drives) and all meals will be comprised of cooler-stored left-overs and pre-purchased beverages. The only stops allowed: bathroom breaks and gas pumps.
Phase 2 (covered in this video, Pt 2) will be a multi-day hike of the Four Pass Loop, within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, located just outside of Aspen Colorado (about 3 hours west of Denver). We chose to do the loop in a counter-clockwise direction.
Trailhead Used: Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Trailhead N39° 05.979′ W106° 56.260′
Full GPS track data and waypoints for various POI’s on this trip are available for download on the Trip Data Page.
Trails Used, Day 1 (in order)
Maroon Snowmass Trail
Camp near Snowmass Lake
Maroon Bells Day 1 Elevation Profile - Sintax77
Maroon Bells Day 1 Elevation Profile - Sintax77
Day 1 Mileage: 9 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 3,202′
Trails Used, Day 2 (in order)
Geneva Lake Trail
North Fork Cutoff Trail
North Fork Trail
West Maroon Pass Trail
Camp near West Maroon Pass Trail
Maroon Bells Day 2 Elevation Profile - Sintax77
Maroon Bells Day 2 Elevation Profile - Sintax77
Day 2 Mileage: 15 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 4,488′
Trails Used, Day 3 (in order)
West Maroon Pass Trail
Maroon Snowmass Trail
Return to vehicle at Maroon Snowmass Trailhead
Maroon Bells Day 3 Elevation Profile - Sintax77
Maroon Bells Day 3 Elevation Profile - Sintax77
Day 3 Mileage: 4.8
Day 3 Gross Elevation Gain: 305′
Mileage Grand Total for Trip: 28.8
Gross Elevation Gain Grand Total for Trip: 7,995′
Want to help support the channel? The next time you're about to do some shopping, go through the Amazon link on my website & a portion of your session will help support the next trip ...at no additional cost to you! www.sintax77.com
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Sintax77
PO Box 8163
Wilmington, DE 19803

[@kjh6395]

I am a meteorologist, and your theory about thunderstorms is actually mostly true! If it is cloudy or raining most of the day, usually there isn't enough sunshine at the surface to get the convection (energy) to produce pop up thunderstorms. The sun warms the surface and makes the air unstable, but without the heating from the sun, it is very difficult to get instability. unless there's an organized large scale storm.

[@sintax77]

+Kyle Hanson Aeesome info - thanks! I'll have to pass this along to Mike :)

[@kjh6395]

You're welcome!

[@lyricrodney3633]

You all probably dont care but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@brixtonalden6848]

@Lyric Rodney instablaster =)

[@lyricrodney3633]

@Brixton Alden I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@JamieHitt]

Not gonna lie. This vid was very cool. Just watching the vast scenery I took deep breaths and felt a weight lift. I must go there.

[@bryansonnet4204]

That's exactly how I felt, when Mike summit the ridge first and then Sintax77 with camera brought us up to see the scenery. It was a WOW moment !! See 14:55 in vid.

[@WaldenSpawn]

Did you ever go?

[@JamieHitt]

@@WaldenSpawn Sadly no. Not yet.

[@WaldenSpawn]

@@JamieHitt I’ve never been either but was hoping you made it.

[@uptrail7169]

My wife just watched this video for the first time. She loved it and now really wants to go out to Colorado. The mountain views and waterfall are beautiful!

[@sintax77]

It's definitely worth the trip! I'm keeping my eye on flight deals to Denver for a trip out there with my wife as well.

[@uptrail7169]

I'm sure that the weather can change quick this time of the year to cold and snow. At Cloud Peak in Wyoming July and August is the best. They get snow most of the year in the high elevations. Colorado is a little more south and they may have a longer window to avoid the cold & snow. We would go at the end of August next summer. Good Luck! She would love it!

[@carlosjld82]

Went to Colorado 3 weeks ago from Austin. $77 round trip. Frontier Airlines.

[@OutLan]

That's it. I'm sold. I have to do this hike. I did the Rockies a few years back, and have decided I'm going back to Colorado. This was awesome!

[@sintax77]

Do it! :D

[@thomashudgins319]

great video. I would like to take my wife there.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

OutLan it's on my list as well. Next July is the plan. 👍

[@themourningdove7208]

That last morning view made me cry. Colorado rovers call that the West Maroon Pinnacles. Awesome spots in that valley!✌️🧡🕊️😁

[@TroutWest]

Around 36:00 in is hilarious... Well done on the this video fellas. You guys are still the best at this KZbin hiking channel deal

[@Edogawa1117]

Absolutely awesome. Your videos are sublime. You've really hit the next level. Many thanks for sharing them.

[@wpak4482]

I was sorry to see this video come to an end! Great stuff Sintax, really enjoyed it. Keep up the good work!

[@ericprice7761]

Wow, that scenery was awesome...thanks for letting me tag along.

[@schacherbauer07]

Awesome trip! Thanks for taking us with! Mike's facial expressions crack me up! Keep hiking guys!

[@cherylforsyth3738]

Thanks guys so much for this video! My husband and son (62 years and 26 years old...your neighbors in Lancaster, Pa!) just returned home from completing the loop counter clockwise...and I could follow their trip with your video! Excellent!

[@hectorcardenas6979]

Nothing like getting home from college and Sintaxx77 upload a full length video. NICE!!!

[@timhuffman5311]

Thanks guys, It reminded me of the hikes my brother and I took with our dad back in the 60's early 70's. There were fewer people up there then. but Maroon bells, it's still beautiful.

[@gregstritch9736]

Ginkgo and iron supplement (to add to O2 carrying capacity of hemoglobin) helps for higher altitude. Great posting. Thanks for sharing. Greg

[@garycoulier]

Oh I sooooo want to do another trip to big mountains somewhere. No picture or video puts the size of mountains into perspective. Beautiful.

[@JohnsTinyWoodshop]

That was some real bob ross scenery yo!

[@sherrystacks4815]

great video I am traveling with my teenage granddaughters to Colorado from South Carolina this July plan on spending 2 weeks hiking in Colorado and 2 days driving each way lots of great hints. The views were unbelievable.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

perfect timing we decided to make the Bells next year's big hike a couple weeks ago (driving from fort wayne) good time to roll out tht video...wasnt sure if I was going to do hammock or tent this helped alot!

[@FlyinBeagle]

I can't wait to get the heck out of Delaware for a change of scenery and see this kind of trail. Kudos for doing this. Beautiful.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

This was a terrific video. You guys are hiking machines. I am 8 hours away from there and will do it in the Spring yet it will take me ...four days. Thanks for taking us along!

[@Chaucerfaux1]

Brother i hear you on that, i used to live in Denver and boy let me tell you Aspen is one hell of a beautiful place, you should venture there sometime in the winter if you really want to see some amazing scenery, nothing like taking a walk on a trail that's covered in 2-3 ft of snow.

[@cindymaag4212]

Oh ... my ... goodness!!! The views are beyond incredible. I am so thankful that you filmed and shared this trip with us

[@patriciascott223]

Wow, really beautiful video. You did a great job filming it.

[@JayHill615]

This video was terrific. All the work that went into the production was very much appreciated.

[@Rob-nc5ky]

My man you've done it again, what a beautiful video. Without a doubt my favorite youtuber of all time!

[@milehighac2738]

I completed this hike about 4 years ago. It is still my favorite hike of all time.

[@lisaray6493]

Good to see you and Mike out in the wilds again. You guys are Vikings. Do it while you have the wheels. Watching your videos inspires me to keep on trucking. Do a lot of solo backpacking and am going to do the JMT next summer for my 55th birthday. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for keeping me motivated.

[@sintax77]

Thanks! Have fun on the JMT trail! That one's on our list for sure.

[@DrewBlack-hq2pk]

Hello from England. Another fantastic video. Throughly enjoyed as always. What a hike. From someone who hasn't done mountains in any shape or form this was awsome. Thanks mate. Looking foward to the next one.

[@sintax77]

Thanks, Drew!

[@MrMetric64]

Great hike and video guys...I love Colorado. Thanks!!!

[@jamestaulbee3074]

Ive watched your videos for a few years and never heard you and Mike struggle so much for oxygen! The elevation must be as rough as they say! Ive never experienced it! Great trip and thanks for sharing! You rock!

[@jasonseckt4300]

I watch all your videos and have no idea how I mist this one.

[@idaklymr]

the best way to capture the scenery is in your head but I do appreciate your videos. amazing scenery.

[@alicia_nicole444]

your videos always get me pumped to try backpacking. just wish I had a friend that would join me. I can't go out in the woods alone. Beautiful to see nature! Fresh Air!! 👍

[@PracticalOutdoorist]

AWESOME awesome trip Guys !! Great pics and views. Thanx for takin us along.

[@02051970sonny]

Native.. welcome to Colorado. The weather changes fast from beautiful to rain. And back. It's a very beautiful state glad you enjoyed it.

[@sintax77]

+sonny Malone We had a blast. A beautiful state indeed.

[@cynthiaschwartz559]

Love your video of Maroon Bells, hiking it in early July. Love the white mountains, climbed Mt. Washington and several others. Happy hiking!!!

[@garycloud9631]

Amazing scenery and hike. Great job on knocking it out in less than 3 full days.

[@michaelmarziotto8105]

Did Mike actually smile more than once? Looks like a great trip in spite of rain and fog

[@ianbolden7342]

Hey Syntax. Thanks to you and Mike for sharing. Really enjoyed the views and the commentary. Keep posting!

[@sintax77]

My pleasure - we'll keep 'em coming!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Very nice as always! Glad to see something close to home!

[@nibimocs]

Incredible scenery well captured! Thanks for taking us along.

[@Redshirt1750]

Tell Mike it's a partial elk skull and jaw bone.

[@domusdebellum3042]

it is indeed

[@leathersaddlehorse]

And a cow elk at that!

[@timstanton9898]

We just got back from horseback riding a section of Four-pass Loop! We rode up to Buckskin Pass and Trail Rider Pass from Snowmass Creek Trail and had a great time! (These are all equestrian-approved trails) Remember where you pointed out hoof prints in your video near Trail Rider Pass? As you suggested, that was very tricky to do with horses! We needed to get off the horses and lead them through that slide. We got through safely going each way on that section. Thanks for all of your youtube videos-- they are very informative and entertaining!

[@sintax77]

Ah, that makes sense. Glad you made it through alright! Happy to hear you're enjoying the vids :)

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Nicely done! This one is on my list for next summer, already excited!

[@jcmoell84]

that looked like hiking through every awesome-looking post card I've ever seen!! amazing

[@PumpkinVillage]

Wow!!!Outstanding time. Great to have a good hiking buddy. Take care, Al

[@frankvolpe2178]

This has to be my favorite of all your trips. Awesome views.

[@sintax77]

+Frank Volpe Thanks, Frank. I really enjoyed this trip.

[@tripsadventures3404]

I did this trail 5 years ago. It was awesome then and it was awesome here. I was in Badlands National Park this weekend you were doing this. I was in Estes Park that same week. Thank you.

[@tripsadventures3404]

Oh yeah. I live in Arkansas. That elevation is not nice.

[@trudidelain2016]

Loved your Colorado c d t hike. Gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

AWESOME! SCENERY WAS OUTSTANDING! GLAD YOU BOTH MADE IT SAFELY BACK TO THE CAR . NO BEARS , COUGARS , ELK , MOOSE ETC ? THE MOUTAIN GOATS WERE BEAUTIFUL .THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG WITH YOU BOTH AGAIN! DRIVE CAREFULLY! ENJOYED!

[@THEBIGELK5150]

Possibly one of my favorite videos of yours. Awesome man,just awesome.

[@tolks9575]

great to see the two of you in the wilds again

[@StevieandJrOutdoors74]

Epic trip guys! Looking forward to watching more. Thanks for sharing.

[@John-kw9je]

Loved Snowmass lake. Hiking up there from Snowmass Village was our first hike in Colorado. Wish we camped up there rather than just a day hike. Hoping to move out there eventually. Cool video, really takes me back

[@rachaelcarpenter5458]

Awesome video by the way!! Amazing views! Thanks for taking us along!

[@joepaleafei8619]

great video, such awesome views and just the clarity and vibrant greens omg. looking forward to the part 3, the drive home lol

[@jasonhoughton8303]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. I love your channel.

[@bryansonnet4204]

All I can say is, when you go out with Mike he brings a lot to our experience as we watch. This trip is by far my favorite! The scenery in Colorado is like no where else in the U.S. I've been up in the Rocky Mountain National Park area twice and love that area especially near Grand Lake. Lots of Elk and Moose to see as you hike. You should check out doing the Continental Divide Trail around RMNP! Well worth the trip, like this one. Looking forward to your next video.

[@sintax77]

Thanks, Bryan. This was a visually amazing trip for sure, and I'm definitely planning to get back out there again!

[@lesliemiller4265]

Your videos were the first I had watched when getting into backpacking. Now 3yrs later, I sold my house in order to move to Co.First though, I'll be living in Utah until next March when I'll be starting my thru hike of the PCT. This video has me psyched to hike in Co & the different hikes in Utah. I did Mt Ida & some other hikes in RMNP & I can definitely attest that it's much different than NY in the Catskills or Daks lol. Absolutely stunning scenery though. Thanks for posting such awesome videos & for passing on your knowledge to us noobs lol.

[@sintax77]

+Leslie Miller That's awesome. I can't wait to revisit CO some day. Enjoy the PCT!

[@Broncomatt33]

As a Coloradan I thoroughly enjoyed this one. FYI I live at 6,000 ft and never get used to the air at 8,000ish +. Everyone breathes like you guys were, at that altitude.

[@sintax77]

Thanks. That makes feel a little better - that altitude was beating me up! :)

[@frankmack1093]

Great Video as Usual. Hell of a Hike. Hope you put a video of the trip back east too. Keep the videos coming. What amazing scenery. I have skied all over colorado and now I need to hike it too.

[@robertfmccarthy2360]

Skied Co many years ago and stay in Divide summer time. Drove up Pikes peak, those elevation will take your breath away A lot of East coaster get altitude sickness, no joke Two three days down in Denver, in a hospital.

[@drewlucero3916]

Wow what great views I had to watch it twice .👀

[@shcmoly]

Ambitious trip, I am jealous. Colorado is a beautiful place, hope you do more trips here.

[@kevinbungles]

Just love your vids Sintax77, and Mike is a really cool guy. You are lucky to have a mate that loves doing the same stuff

[@MrKelso159]

I just watched a vid where a guy and girl ran the 4 passes of Maroon Bells you and Mike just hiked. They were not even breathing hard ! Crazy isn't it !!! Must live there and do it all the time.

[@sintax77]

Crazy indeed. We had a runner go by us coming up Trailrider pass on the morning of day two.

[@Dovid2000]

Beautiful mountain views.

[@cabinman]

Incredible views! Me and my wife did some hiking over there a few years ago so i understand the oxygen deficient state you were in. That's some of the most picturesque views i've ever seen on a hiking video! Great vid Sintax!

[@MsZawojski]

Oh my gosh you make the best informative videos! Thank you !! Next August we might hike this loop!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

awesome trip... thanks for bringing me along...

[@crazy4offroad]

Awesome video of an awesome hike. I hope you'll forgive me for this but it was nice to see someone in as good of shape as you nearly hit the wall lol. Moving on, I was surprised you didn't have a lot of wildlife around or in scenes. The skull could have been a mule deer, they get bigger than the whitetails out east but not as big as elk. Thanks again for taking us all along with you guys.

[@sintax77]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! We were definitely on the look out for some moose or elk sightings, but unfortunately we struck out this time. The mountain goats were pretty cool though.

[@cameronalexander359]

That is amazing country.

[@cctn2012]

Cool video man great views ! I like the hikes with Mike cool dude as yourself. thanks so much.

[@soup5917]

Video was awesome!!! Had me looking up trail maps and pictures after!!

[@kristiconner7360]

Beautiful !

[@RexLaughlin]

You guys are so funny! By lunch you were Snowmass Lake. When I did this last summer, I was ready to stop at the trail split at Crater Lake. lol

[@tomaswhite6708]

I was just in Denver for my birthday a couple days ago. Love the Rockies. Planning a hiking trip out there either later this year or next year.

[@rileyr2255]

Awesome vid man. People always talking about how over crowded this loop is now days but it didn't seem too bad when you and Mike were there over the popular labor day weekend.

[@elizabethwhite6364]

Most awesome video! Really enjoyed! Hope you had a safe trip home too!

[@jamiemcquain4736]

Always love your videos

[@dohman76]

Love me some Colorado!!! Never did a camping hike out there though. May have to do that some day!!

[@michaelsylvia8129]

hi sintax77 i look forward to watching your videos. you do a great job and give so much information on your trips i just want to thank you and keep on making videos.

[@ThisScenicLife]

The rockies and Colorado are pretty awesome, aren't they? You guys need to come spend more time out here, there is so much to see! Great video as always man.

[@sstritsman]

it would be cool if you had a real time elevation widget on your videos

[@stephenkras]

Really enjoyed your video, thanks.

[@OutdoorsInspired]

Awesome video! Love Colorado!

[@markp0177]

Great adventure and steady camera work too. I hope to one day hike the Rockies.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

That sure was a nice one! Day two was a killer though! I would have just pitched a tent anywhere or your guys case, just lay down the mats and use the tarps as a bivy and called it campsite, before dark. That was a long enough day as is.

[@thehailmaryproject8949]

Syntax77 and the TrailKiller for President!

[@Saja-mt8jn]

Keep goin ! ... Like your videos so much!

[@silveradoman298]

Looking forward to your annual deer camp video sintax

[@sintax77]

Right on! It will be posted on my dad's channel - Whiterook85. We're looking forward to it as well.

[@AmyRoutt]

To clarify about the 8-5 rule (Which is what it was for this season but will likely to change during upcoming seasons) they will let backpackers go through when parking is available in the overnight lots. Because they definitely fill up :) I encourage everyone to do their research before they visit the area! Love the video :)

[@isaacruthen9313]

Amy Routt I think they're gunna change it soon too, I was going to hike it this summer (live in western Colorado) but something came up. But it seemed like a lot of the workers at the ranger station were even a little confused about all the rules when I called to get info.

[@AmyRoutt]

Isaac Ruthen what were they confused about?

[@isaacruthen9313]

Amy Routt One lady told me if I was backpacking they would let me in, another tole me it didn't matter if I was backpacking or not, I still had to take the shuttle.

[@AmyRoutt]

Isaac Ruthen ok that's probably because they will allow backpackers in the lot at any time, but when parking fills up, it fills up and if you cannot physically park in there, it wouldn't make sense to let you in. one of the workers probably knew the parking was filled up and the other didn't know. with only about a max of 4 people that work there at any time, sometimes its difficult to check up on everything at all times. wish our public lands received more funding for the issues :( (pssst, I can assure you of this info since I worked there this season. you may have even talked to me! haha) I am sorry if it put a damper on your plans. I was frustrated all season 😔

[@isaacruthen9313]

Amy Routt Hey no problem at all. It wasn't a huge issue or anything, and I totally understand the possible confusion. Definitely not yours or any of the workers fault! I'm planning on doing the loop this summer, can't wait to experience it!

[@mrdonelsonglhs]

Inspiring video. Don't know if I will ever get there, but sure was glad to see it through your eyes. By the way, skull/jaw looked like an elk or mulie. Thanks for sharing.

[@lastadolkgGM]

Great video Sintax! Coincidentally, here in Brazil we have the "Serra dos Orgãos" which the highest point is the "Pedra do Sino" - Bell Rock, and the name of the park is Organs Mountains, because its shaped as church organs, its quite beautiful. Wish I could hike at Colorado. Cheers

[@dspeer77]

Priceless point of vid,........Mike, "There's no f*#€ing moose is Australia!" Lol

[@patzwahl8341]

Well done guys !! Enjoyed your trip. Next time ditch the Spam and catch some trout, fishing is good up there.

[@garygomer7940]

Spectacular video/hike!!!!

[@carboncopy2853]

Great video guys !!

[@kevinbungles]

Nice trip and you didn't use sticks. Great hammock spots lads

[@Alfie127]

Great Video, among your best. Terrific

[@TheBear0769]

The skull is an elk if no one hasn't already answered. Great video, I think I have found a goal destination. Thanks guys