Max Taam, Jessie Young and I planned to run the Four Pass Loop outside of Aspen yesterday however the weather did not agree with those plans. As we started running from Maroon Lake, a light rain fell. Reaching Buckskin Pass after an hour and twenty minutes of running, we made the decision to run to Snowmass Lake then to Snowmass Ski Area and possibly across the Government Trail back to my car.

Jessie heading up towards Buckskin Pass early in the morning.

Jessie & Max at Snowmass Lake.

With the weather holding with clouds and no rain, I suggested we run up East Snowmass Creek to East Snowmass Pass and Willow Pass. Despite Jessie being hesitant for about 30 seconds, it didn’t take much convincing. If the weather rolled in, we could always turn around and be at Snowmass Ski Area and out of lightning danger very quickly. Plus, then someone wouldn’t have to take the bus back up to Maroon Lake to pick up the car.

After running down Snowmass Creek, we headed up East Snowmass Creek.

East Snowmass Pass looking down at Willow Lake. We descended into the valley and up Willow Pass on the right.

We took our time, enjoyed the lakes and passes but got in just under 31 miles with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. The rain stayed away long enough making us wonder if we would have been clear on the Four Pass Loop where our best escape would have been to Crested Butte or Marble. Next time we’ll get the full loop however our new ‘Three Pass Loop’ was a great alternative.

Willow Pass with the Maroon Bells and our trail back to Maroon Lake.

Garmin stats can be found here.