Colorado 14ers: Maroon Bells Traverse Virtual Hike Trail Guide

I hiked the Maroon Bells Traverse in July 2018. We started at Crater Lake, camped and then took the standard traverse from Maroon Peak to North Maroon Peak.
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[@washburnb1]

I'm 76 years old and have backpacked bunch and climbed in Montana and Oregon and am stunned by your fine video work and helpful guidance without pretence or ego. You are a true bud to any outdoor folks. Thanks for your hard work.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Cheers Brodie, I really appreciate the kind words.

[@rioaxjenjsndbejs3613]

@@TheVirtualSherpaplease get a stabilizer for the camera and don’t pan so fast other than that awesome vid

[@ellingwood1]

​@rioaxjenjsndbejs3613 yeah, he'll get right on that.

[@stephencool1626]

This guy is a boss. To be able to record that and hike at the same time is some crazy shit

[@edwardlobb931]

This might qualify as the scariest You Tube of the Rockies. Appreciate the effort and info.

[@AudioSpaceGeek]

Heh heh...Go check out his video of Little Bear to Blanca. Wait for the catwalk near the end.

[@staticalchair9658]

Mark Okern and the jump he does on the catwalk😵

[@Eamesam]

I think the exact same thing, this makes K2 look like a cakewalk 😂

[@jakollee]

@@AudioSpaceGeek or his Ellingwood Ridge video, parts are terrifying!

[@ColoradoZach]

Awesome job on the video. None of the crappy music and bravado we often see. Just a lucid treatment of a tough climb. I wish more vids were like this.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

The Maroon Bells (even on the standard routes - not doing the traverse) are serious mountains that claim lives every year. Do not attempt them unless you have ample hiking experience and good weather. I really hate the quality of this video compared to what I am putting out now, so please keep the timing of this film in mind and check out my other videos!

[@ColoradoZach]

I hired a world class guide on Pyramid to offload the route finding and up the game by roping up on the red ledges. It was harder yet safer that way and I was able to do a non-standard route which made it special.

[@colbjallen8334]

This guy. I'll probably do it without a go pro in my hand but thanks for the safety advise

[@stephenkittle6586]

My friend and I did the 14ers in the 80's and we went up the North Maroon first then the traverse the to South Maroon and I LOVED every second of that climb! I read that you could do all the 14ers without protection , so I DID! I highly suggest doing the Crestones, El diente, Wilson and Pyramid first before the Maroon Bells to FEEL and DEAL with the exposure you will have to deal with at that elevation ! Be SAFE!⛰️🧗🤔🥰

[@SteveSherron]

Good Lord! My knees got shaky sitting on my couch watching this. Well done. Savage.

[@jameshoffman552]

Whew! Had to pause several times to let my blood pressure recover.

[@katiezoller5027]

Finally a Maroon Peaks video w/o epic sounding music! but instead great trail info. This helped me make the decision on which peak to climb. Thanks for posting this video!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Katie Zoller I can promise you no epic music in my videos haha, like the footage to speak for itself. Glad you found it helpful and thanks for the positive feedback!

[@alexanderrosentrater9937]

I’ve been watching your videos for years. You’re very helpful. I did the maroon bells this weekend. I’d say we enjoyed all of it except for the decent… we got lost off trail coming down north and all I have to say is.. when going down, don’t go left. Go right!!! Just like you guys did. We experienced a lot of extremely difficult down climbing a lot of cliffs because we had no choice. What was supposed to be a 12 hour day of hiking turned into 19 hours. I’m saying this for anyone who is about to do the maroon bells. Please be careful, the traverse is fun, but be careful of going down North Maroon.

[@jpotter2086]

I love that view in the opening shot ... I need to get back there. Magical place.

[@garrickbateman5012]

I want to really really thank you for these videos. You've inspired me to take on all 58 and this guides are the best on the internet. I'm only on 5 right now so I've still got a long ways to go but ur channel keeps my stoke high

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Letttsss gooo! Best of luck on your journey

[@jjames05]

That indeed makes Crestone look like Beirstadt! Well done.

[@georgesheffield1580]

The Crestones are much nicer ,safer and more enjoyable. Much better views . Do the full Crestone traverse including Kit Carson, Challenger point ,and Columbia crest .

[@jjames05]

thanks for the info. i'm 11 in on the 14er list. running out of the 'easy' ones.hahaha@@georgesheffield1580

[@vorticity4]

Really interesting video. ...and a great reminder for me of why I decided NOT to do the traverse, but rather down-climbed South Maroon and called it a day.

[@timothymilenkevich2205]

Love what you do man, love this video. The way your tone changes during the traverse from academic to fear & trepidation is fantastic. I did this hike about 2 weeks ago, partially reassured from having seen you do it, and I approached it with a healthy amount of caution because of this video, that helped keep me safe throughout, thankyou. Love to see you take on something in the Canyonlands Maze district or some stuff in Montana/Idaho. Keep up the good work.

[@whyfingeryourself]

You are the bomb for reviews on Colorado Mountains! Your reviews have kept me safe!

[@TrevorTrails]

Awesome! That traverse was intense!!!

[@garethleitner9547]

Best video I've ever seen of this climb. Keep 'em coming!

[@DeriveSzn]

Just did this traverse yesterday. Everything you felt is exactly how I felt as well. This video is perfect at showing how challenging and taxing these mountains are. Love your content man

[@lovabledoable]

OMG... Okay I can't do this. Thank you.

[@TVinmyEye]

Absolutely love your adventures! So gnarly!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Thanks man appreciate it!

[@mountaintrailventures]

Excellent video and information. Thank You and Congratulations.

[@TheSimpleHick]

Holy cow... Idk if we'll be doing that anytime in the near future. I do appreciate that you took the time to record it though!

[@TheDionBlasterMethod]

Excellent video man. Not sure I'll ever do this one but if I do I'll definitely re-watch this in addition to other beta. Was really cool that you made it a point to capture each spot where you had to make a route finding decision. Also appreciated your honesty on how scary that exposure was haha.

[@garrettmcintosh5715]

Awesome hike. I've watched most of your videos, this one is my favorite. Great channel, awesome content. My wife and I are moving our kids to Colorado soon, can't wait to experience our first climb.

[@bradrandolph4625]

Thank you for the solid beta! Been wanting to do this route for years, and seeing your video gives me confidence on what to expect. Will be going for it next month. Also, good call to not risk your life for footage on terribly sketchy sections where you need both hands!

[@ZachGrabill]

Had a quick visit to the Bells this week (didn't get to do much other than take some pics from the lower lake), but I thought about this video the entire time. They look intimidating as hell in person!

[@swashline]

I love your videos. You climb mountains I never could as a kid. Be safe my friend!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

swashline thanks appreciate the kind words and safety is always first 🙌🏽

[@marybarone9696]

Great video. Informative. Thank you.

[@johngiuliano8750]

Love the expression at 10:35, you obviously don’t take your life too seriously!

[@higler.]

holy shit this is unreal footage. Love it!

[@MaxMautner]

That is *steep*! Beautiful video

[@clintgillespie8579]

I've hiked Capitol, but I really want to do this hike and Crestone. Great video!

[@AnasaNaturals]

Thank you for sharing. Phenomenal video

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Diedra Rae glad you found it useful!

[@graysolucki]

An absolute brass set on this dude!

[@NathanFCox]

Great video. All of them.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Thanks man - appreciate it

[@ManivanAdventures]

New subscriber here. Just wanted to drop in and say that your videos are awesome man. I hope to someday get good enough to feel comfortable enough to do this! Absolutely incredible!

[@mitchelwassler3763]

This is an awesome video man. I went up South Maroon on July 12th. It was raining when I got to the south peak so I chickened out on the traverse. There weren't any videos as good as this then. I hope I can get back and do it someday.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Thanks man and honestly, probably a good call to avoid that in the rain. Appreciate the kind words about the video though, hope to have many more this season!

[@summitsparrow]

I was there back in August! Didn't summit the peaks though, what awesome views along the way to the top in the video.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Joey Young beautiful spot!

[@rommelnavarrette2831]

I'd like to hike with this guy some day. He talks with lots of assurance.

[@grantskidmore6921]

Mad world! Nice video

[@nathandarval1]

That was badass

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Nathan Darval glad this helped with your decision. The bells are beautiful and a fun climb, but not for everyone. Certainly need experience in a lot of areas before you attempt them.

[@artie5280]

This was beast trying to do this in the summer !

[@rgp205]

Did you end up doing it??

[@maivang870]

Beautiful views! Class 4 and 5?!! Super scary and sketchy up there! To think that I had thought about doing it my first time there several years ago. Little did I know. I really appreciate your video and tips!! Thanks!!

[@tipshikes3682]

Just did the 4 loop awesome trail be back next summer for the Colorado but u sir captured an awesome video so all be doing this before I start my journey lovin’ it!

[@tygroach]

awesome video. My brother in law and I are headed to the bells Labor Day 2018. Thank you for the all the details.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

tygroach glad I could help, good luck!

[@tygroach]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Just back from bagging the traverse - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ7JYnqprb9no80 Next year gonna do Crestone Traverse. We always go Labor Day weekend (wish I was out in CO to do these peaks more frequently). Really hoping you double back and do some of these great peaks and traverses again with your drone (footage would be amazing)! Maybe I'll get a drone some day. Thanks for all the great info you provide. It's been incredibly valuable to me (and the community) as I prepare for these hikes!

[@ryanpaul8588]

Nicely done....very accurate. Your feelings were identical to what I was feeling during and after. That route back from North Maroon was brutal. If I was asked if I would do this all again, I would politely decline. Knocking out the traverse was a great feeling though. Thanks for sharing this!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Ryan Paul I must enjoy type 2 fun because I’ve already volunteered to do it again with a friend 😂. Thanks for the kind words though, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ryanpaul8588]

@@TheVirtualSherpa I finished up the 58 this year in the Chicago Basin- I want to finish up the 4 traverses. I have done the Maroon and also the El Diente/Mt Wilson. This summer was looking at Crestone (thanks for letting us know that Crestone is less painful than Maroon) and Little Bear/Blanca. Have you done that one?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Ryan Paul absolutely! Crestone Traverse has a decent amount of route finding and that class 5 move is tough, but nothing like this IMO. I think main difference between the two is the amount of variation you can take on MBT vs Crestone. Haven’t done little bear yet, plan on knocking that out and the Meeker -Long Traverse to wrap up the 14ers and the great 4.

[@PaintingDenver]

Great hike! Thanks for info taking Maroon Peak 1st. see why! lol

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Yeah - it would be a serious day of down climbing some really exposed stuff if you started on North Maroon first.

[@runslowtorunfast6528]

Not dog friendly LOL!!! Hard no for me, but thank you for sharing so I can live vicariously!

[@parus55]

Agreed. Almost had to stop watching at one point.

[@jonadams5547]

Got to work on the summit trail to north maroon back in 2012. Living at 10,000ft for 3 months was cool, lots of goats, bears, porcupines, marmots, and of course Pikas.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Sounds like a great time, trail work is very hard work and goes without a lot of thanks! All of us hikers very much appreciate it.

[@jonadams5547]

Thanks man 👍🏻

[@mikemahar5897]

Reach out if you guys ever need an extra buddy to climb with! I know it’s a old vid but been watching a lot of your material!

[@daverainey...AK1911]

Hey Man! Love your work, Great Honest Hiking....Climbing ....I always wanted to do the 14ers...if and when I am sure to reference your videos and links for trail info...I would love to know what boots your wearing...Manufacturer and model...maybe help me make a choice in foot wear....keep up the great content and have fun! always a good day at work when your post a new video...thanks!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Hey Dave, thanks for the comment and appreciate the kind feedback. These are the boots I am currently using and have been for about 2 full years now: La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots: amzn.to/2Z8IHRD . They are a bit heavier than a standard pair but have held up great in the mixed Colorado terrain and also accept crampons. I hope to do a full review on them in a few weeks. Thanks for supporting the channel, have some awesome videos planned for 2020 so stay tuned!

[@SteveBrokaw]

Oh wow

[@nardis4140]

Great

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Impressive climbing and video work sure it will be helpful for those with skills beyond those of us mere mortals, also agree don't think I would take a dog on this one.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

mickey brumfield haha thanks man I’m def mortal, just have some experience I guess. As far as dogs, I’ve seen you comment on other videos so thought I would just give me two cents on them in general: it obviously depends on your dog (size, experience, etc.) but maroon Peak might be doable if you have one with lots of experience. Personally Juno wouldn’t be able to make it work and I consider her a mountain dog - so I try to use my dog scale based on her abilities. Obviously that won’t work for everyone though. All the hikes on my site have full notes about dogs though if you are interested. Appreciate the support 🤟🏽

[@mickeybrumfield764]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Well I use to hike with 2 border collies and used to have to give them a boost up every once in a while, one of them was totally chicken of exposed areas and the other used to scare me because he was totally oblivious to any dangerous exposure. Really enjoy your videos keep up the good work.

[@simonlarsen1090]

There's a mountain near me I wanna summit its noting near as dangerous as the Colorado 14ers but I've only hiked to mtn lakes never been on ridges but yeah the mtn I wanna do is called mtn nebo in utah

[@phoenixking5000]

Is maroon harder then Crestone

[@BruceJC75]

I can’t imagine going the other way. I guess it wouldn’t be possible without a repel.

[@maivang870]

Is this the same hike as Snowmass?

[@catchingfeels3891]

Hello again! If you dont mind, Where is a good place to find the difficulty lvls, info, routes / directiond on the 14ers? Because it's getting a bit confusing lol

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

CTRTV IG is in the link of every video and for 14ers, I have 56/58 on my website (link also in description) or check out 14ers.com

[@atlantisfunktions]

out of my comfort zone lol

[@phoenixking5000]

It looks very steep

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Rowwr1200 Is Awesome yeah it’s very steep and one of the most exposed hikes I’ve ever done.

[@marcump]

I'm too concerned about that rock. It's beautiful from a distance, but dangerous as hell. It was good seeing your clear footage at least, but I'm not sure I'd want to attempt that one.

[@jasonthomas16]

I’m working toward doing more difficult class3/4 hikes. I don’t know if I’ll ever do the traverse but would summing maroon on its own require anything beyond class 3 scrambling? From what I gathered from your video the first Peak would not. I I’d like to do both one day but more than likely won’t do the traverse.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Correct - Maroon Peak is class 3 but I would say high end with lots of route finding. I would recommend doing pyramid peak or snowmass first to get used to rock quality in the elks.

[@jasonthomas16]

The Virtual Sherpa definitely wasn’t planing on the bells being my first 14ers in the Elks for sure. I know I’m out of my league at this point with my experience. Probably would do Castle first. In terms of getting use to the loose rock I’d probably take your advice and do Snowmass following that. It looked the least technical between capital, the bells, and even Pyramid. I’d love to do them all one day but one step at a time. Can’t wait for summer 🙌

[@jamesking4225]

Imagine what you could accomplish if you used both of your hands ! This guy single handily did the maroon bells traverse who does that?

[@jmisiewicz]

AAC had an article in Accidents 2019 about a safer 4th class. Do you believe it would of been safer to bring some gear and a rope? Or is it too choss to place gear?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

John Misiewicz the rock in the elks is so crummy it would hardly be worth your time. Even if you did have solid placement points, it’s really only needed in 2/3 spots which would be an overkill for 99% of people IMO.

[@jmisiewicz]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Thanks for the reply! Anytime I hear someone say that was super sketch or scary as $#*!, I generally think some pro is warranted. If its choss, then it doesn't matter anyway. On the flip side, if it is too choss for gear, then the route is probably crap too. So much to consider. You video made me rethink my strategy. Some of those climbs are clearly class 5 with death the only option for failure to complete.

[@alehax27]

This is one of those 14ers I'll prob hire a guide to help me not die

[@oscarmolinaoutdooradventur1648]

👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️🥰

[@georgesheffield1580]

I feel much more comfortable on the north face of the wetterhorn or the north face of Half peak than these peaks

[@sleepy.philly]

Ive done crestone needle and longs quite well, would i be ready for this?

[@sleepy.philly]

That traverse looks tough! Ill probably just try one of the peaks by itself

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Philip Ahn if you are comfortable with route finding, down climbing and some low class 5 moves then absolutely! Just be sure to climb on a day with perfect weather, you don’t want to get stuck on this bad boy in the rain or thunder.

[@djohnson24]

Can you not just ascent North maroon from the descent route?????

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Dylan Johnson yeah you can absolutely hike each one individually.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Had forgotten how terrible the rock is there and across on pyramid.

[@stevenbradley9239]

How does this compare to Capitol Peak's difficulties?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Steven Bradley check out this video and blog post where I go over all of that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmHLcnmcapZ0nLc

[@JGKski360]

Is this as dangerous and difficult as pyramid and capitol?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

JGKski360 pyramid- def. capitol - probably.

[@theplanebrain]

Hi. I’m curious on climbs like this if you change shoes at all? My go-to trail runners and boots have good rubber but I’m also an avid climber so I wonder if anyone switches to approach shoes? Can’t imagine putting on actual climbing shoes…thoughts?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

I am sure it happens, but most companies make trail shoes that are good for scrambles. Recently, I have even switched to doing some scrambles with speedgoats. Obv all depends on the person - so do whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

[@theplanebrain]

@@TheVirtualSherpathanks for the info I did the sawtooth in my speedgoats! Just was thinking if I take those and pack something extra for these routes. Your videos keep my energy up in the winter!

[@andrewarnold916]

That guy in the green jacket is really really good looking

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Andrew Arnold smokeshow

[@johnmoir7908]

How would you say the Maroon Traverse compares to the LB-->Blanca Traverse? I just completed the LB-->Blanca Traverse and am aiming for the Maroon Traverse in the coming days.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Haven't done LB - Blanca myself, but its on the docket for the fall. Maroon is much harder than the Crestones and much much harder than the El Diente Traverse if you have done either of those. Having said that, I have heard that LB - Blanca is the toughest of the group, so you should be fine on the Bells. The major difference between the Blanca group and Maroon Bells is the type of rock found on the mountains. The red rock found on the Maroon Bells traverse is a bit more testy than the LB Blanca group, so just be careful with your holds/rock fall. I also would say that the down climb from Maroon Peak to the saddle in addition to the down climb from North Maroon Peak is something not found on the LB Blanca traverse. Let me know if you tackle them this weekend, would love to get your post hike comparison!

[@johnmoir7908]

For sure man, appreciate your quick reply! I definitely know that the rock won't be anywhere near as good as the LB-Blanca traverse. From what I've heard, the exposure on LB-Blanca is much more consistent than on the Maroon traverse, but the Maroon traverse may have some more technical spots in terms of climbing! Definitely looking forward to it, especially since the fall colors should be coming!

[@johnmoir7908]

Just did the Maroon Traverse today. While 1 or 2 spots might be more technically difficult than the LB/Blanca Traverse, I found that the exposure really wasn't anywhere close to that on LB/Blanca. The length of the LB/Blanca also makes it more difficult in my opinion. Both are really fun routes though!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

John Moir seems to be the consensus when comparing both routes. Haven’t been able to get up to LB yet, but hopefully can snag it this season still! Thanks for the notes 👌🏽

[@johnmoir7908]

For sure man! Keep up the awesome work with the videos!

[@JGKski360]

Are you a guide that is looking for a paid gig? I need someone to take me up la plata on sept 6!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

JGKski360 Virtual only unfortunately but honestly I wouldn’t recommend a guide on la plata it’s pretty straight forward, check out my post www.thevirtualsherpa.com/la-plata-peak-14er-spring-hike-review/ and info on 14ers.com for more info

[@Eamesam]

This is the scariest shit I’ve ever seen. Seriously at points it seems vertical. Does the video make it seem like that or is actually that steep?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Pretty close to reality, there is some serious exposure and class 4/5 moves on this one. If you enjoyed, check out the little bear Blanca and el diente to Wilson traverse as well 👊🏽

[@emilywein8956]

Just our of curiosity. How ugly of a descent is north maroon? The terrain that scares me the most on the entire route is what you call the ledges of hell. How does it compare to the ascent from the amphitheater to the ridge on pyramid. I hate steep loose shit with a passion.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Hey Emily - think its on par with that Pyramid descent. From what I remember, lots of social trails and none of them are really good. Been a few years since I have hiked this, but maybe the control of crowds has helped with the decline of those slopes. Either way though, a pair of hiking poles and some patience and you should be fine.

[@emilywein8956]

Thanks. I actually just canceled my bells trip. Mentally out if it so I cancelled. I don't think I'll ever do it now actually. Has no more appeal.

[@billbye715]

None of the individual moves look that hard, but parts of that look really airy.

[@taylorbrown8329]

I’m starting to think you’re superhuman

[@chasecounts2035]

That looks so sketchy!

[@jv4read1]

Thats scary as shit.....fuck me!!!!

[@jamesbadham228]

Your vids are good, but your finger pointing does not align with what you're pointing at. Often you're pointing at the sky or far below the landmark you're indicating. Otherwise, useful! Just not really into that class 4 with max exposure. You either can or you can't. I can't!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

James Badham fair criticism, in my current videos this will never be a problem since I upgraded my gopro but back when this was filmed I was using one without a screen so it was a lot of guess work.

[@fredharvey2720]

you know there's old pieces of human meat and bone all over those peaks, right?

[@colbjallen8334]

Climbing with a camera in your hand is stupid

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Sure is, most of the time I have it attached to my wrist 👍🏽

[@sukwalla]

I think what you are doing is very interesting. Very interesting. But the photo quality is poor as well as the sound quality. For all of your effort it would be so much better to learn more about how to make a good video

[@Pzifylshi]

you can try to make a decent video while climbing exposed and rotting class 5 then arsehead. the video is better in its organic form