HVH Pick
Wilderness Wonderland
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
What They Are about
The Maroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area located in the Elk Mountains of central Colorado. The 181,535-acre wilderness was established in 1980 in the Gunnison and White River national forests. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was one of five areas in Colorado designated as wilderness in the original Wilderness Act of 1964.
Our Notes
Recommended Hikes
West Maroon Pass to Schofield Park – Start at the Maroon Lake trailhead. At Crater Lake, continue on W. Maroon Pass trail to the top of the pass. Descend the pass’ western side and enter Schofield Park. Views of Maroon Bells and 13k ft. high peaks abound. Trail Rating: More Difficult.
Maroon Bells 4 Pass Loop– A 4-5 day loop hike of 28 miles roundtrip. Crosses W. Maroon Pass, Frigid Air Pass, Trailrider Pass, and Buckskin Pass. Spectacular views of the Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, and Snowmass Peak. Strenuous but highly scenic.
Electric Pass – This is a popular and heavily used trail and is not recommended by the Forest Service to be hiked on weekends. Electric Pass is the highest pass in Colorado accessible by a trail. The pass offers breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains. Access it via the Cathedral Lake Trail from Castle Creek Road. Trail rating: More Difficult.
