A look at the switchbacks on Buckskin Pass – Four Pass Loop Trail Conditions and Best Time Of Year To Visit. From here, the trail becomes difficult for stock and is primitive as it continues to climb, traversing the west side of Buckskin Ridge. Posted by beautyforashes11 in Backpacking ... We went past the lake and began the Snowmass Trail up Buckskin Pass. We made it up to an amazing campsite with a pristine view of the Maroon Bells, and a thunder cloud started sprinkling on us. The ridge offers spectacular views of Snowmass Mountain, Snowmass Lake, Capitol Peak and Mt. Seriously, if you don't like this pass, you have no soul. Daly. Buckskin Pass is just ahead. Views to the West here of the ridge dividing the North Fork valley from the Snowmass Creek valley are impressive. Buckskin Pass. It's one of nine passes over 12,000' in the wilderness, and arguably easiest to reach. Just to be on the safe side, I would recommend stopping by the Kanab Visitor Center at 745 East US-89, Kanab or call (435) 644-1300 ext. Note that for most of the summer, Maroon Creek Rd is closed from around 8a.m.-5p.m. Begin at the Wire Pass Trailhead, hike through Buckskin Gulch and continue south at the confluence down Paria Canyon all the way to Lee’s Ferry. Trail Map | Photo Gallery. Buckskin Pass. The final ascent to the ridge is via a very long switchback. The best trail condition information will be found on websites such as Hiking Project, or AllTrails. 1301 to get the current conditions inside Buckskin Gulch. After rounding the west side of a high knob, begin climbing to a high point of 7300 feet before heading down to Buckskin Lake, 3.1 miles from Silver Pass. As the trail crosses the pass, Pyramid Peak and Maroon Bells (on the right) can be seen. There are some great views near Buckskin Pass, so this makes for a good lunch spot. Take the Maroon Snowmass Trail southeast towards Buckskin Pass. The trail initially climbs gradually through the woods then reaches a clearing and climbs more steeply. Buckskin Pass is either the first or last pass in the loop; depending on which direction it is completed. ... are provided along the Four Pass Loop trail, or any other trail located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. Nice view along the way: Wire Pass Trailhead to Lee’s Ferry Trailhead (3-5 days) This options is the longest and most challenging of our suggested itineraries, but also quite rewarding. This trip should take 3-5 days one way. The 4-Pass (Er, I mean 2-Pass) “Loop” Trip Report: First Backpacking Trip! The trail ascends switchbacking through an alpine meadow. After climbing ~1,700 feet, you reach the top of the pass at the 4 mile mark. Buckskin spans a divisive ridge between Minnehaha Gulch (east) and the Snowmass Creek drainage (west). At ~11,600 feet, we reached timberline in the basin directly below Buckskin Pass. Turn one way, and the black, slightly sinister massif of Pyramid Peak (14,018') stares down at you. Four Pass Loop - West Maroon to Buckskin ... Current Conditions: Call Aspen Ranger Station (970) 925 3445 or check current NOAA Weather conditions. Finally, continue past the lake for the final climb up Buckskin Pass… Then turn right and begin the grueling ascent over Trail Rider Pass and down to Snowmass Lake. Hopefully you've got some camera batteries left after three days, because the views from Buckskin Pass (12,462') will give you nine heart attacks. 12 Friday Jul 2013. Around the 2 mile mark the trail begins to steadily climb up to Buckskin Pass. Elevation Profile of Fravert Basin to Trail Rider Pass to Snowmass Lake: Day 4 - Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 Goal: Buckskin Pass + Buckskin Benchmark Snowmass mountain at sunrise (6:19am): Snowmass in full sun, no clouds: We headed out around 8:30am at a less aggressive pace. Buckskin Pass - 9.2 Miles Round-Trip Buckskin Pass (12,462') is located 4.6 miles from Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. A fee is required to enter this section of the park, or a National Parks Pass. Exercise caution along this section of trail.