WATCH A SHORT VIDEO OF THE TRIP HERE
I recently completed the 4 Pass Loop located in the Snowmass Wilderness (Colorado!). This 30 mile loop traverses 4 mountain passes from Crested Butte to Aspen, back to Crested Butte (with 8500+ feet of vertical incline)! We camped for 3 nights and hiked for 4 days.
The permits for this loop are a bit tricky to get but TOTALLY worth it!
@8ellisj and I did this same backpacking trip last year (my very first backpacking trip!) and I was quite unprepared and very anxious. We also did it in 2 nights instead of 3 with much colder temps. It ended up being a beautiful but grueling and uncomfortable trip. I was hoping to redeem the experience.
So, I was so excited, though nervous, about this year’s trip.
Let’s just say that this year’s trip was MUCH more enjoyable. What made it so wonderful?
1. Hiking with my favorites! Having @8ellisj , and good friends Liza & Alex on the trip made it so fun. Great convos and good meals.
2. We arrived at the tailend of wildflower season and the early beginnings of autumn leaves! The perfect moment.
3. The view of a waterfall from our camp spot!
4. Staying warm overnight with the help of hot water bottles!
5. We saw two ermines!
6. Cold plunging in Snowmass Lake! The water was so clear and a bright blue.
7. The sunrise over Snowmass Lake and Mountain
8. I was able to work through some of my nervous energy. As someone who has what I like to call BEARANOIA, backcountry sleeping and food storage can feel daunting
9. Pizza in Crested Butte! This was our warm meal to end the trip.
10. Snapping lots of photos and making sketches to later paint from!
All in all, an incredible trip. I’m excited to share new paintings inspired by the trip’s spectacular views!
