Four Pass Loop

Since I wasn't going to be in the San Juan's spectating or crewing Hardrock, I figured I might as well be somewhere in the state that would be a close second in terms of beauty.

The Four Pass Loop within the Maroon Bell Wilderness Area did not disappoint.  It has been a few days since the run and I'm still left speechless with how beautiful the run was.  Easily my favorite run I've ever done in the state.    

The loop is a beast (roughly 27 miles, 8,500 feet of vert) and well worth getting in shape for.  7 hours and 9 minutes was the time it took to complete but can't say I was every working hard outside of a few stretches here and there just to test out my fitness late in the run.  Time spent on top of the passes was easily 20 to 30 minutes total.

Great time had with WA (awesome pics), PG, KM, SB and small group of (fast) locals from Carbondale.  Now on with the pics that do little justice of a loop that every trail runner should complete at least once in their life.   

(Top of Buckskin with Pyramid & North Maroon)

(Top of Trail Rider looking down the Lead King Basin)

(Looking back up towards Trail Rider)

(GP, KM & WA nearing the Geneva Lake/Fravert Basin Intersection)

(KM & GL approaching climb #1 on the way to Frigid Air)

(Looking West from Fridig Air - All that green was littered with vibrant colors)

(The last, LONG & ROCKY at times descent back home.  Maroon to the left)

Mt. Elbert & Mt. Massive - with heaps of fog

Tagging both Elbert and Massive in one outing has always been on my radar.  With the trailheads a short distance away from each other, it made logistical sense.  However tackling the distance and suffering thru the end wasn't something I never wanted to deal with.  Nor has the out and back trail options been of much appeal. 

Being in pretty strong running shape and finding a route in which I could figure 8 the two peaks, I made a run at the peaks.  Peaks I had never set foot on.

Of course I left the house a good 10 minutes later then I wanted too.  The down pour on the drive up slowed my drive down by a good 15 minutes.  Before I even started my run, I was already some 30 minutes behind schedule.  It was 6am and I was finally heading out of the Mt Elbert parking lot with the goal of summiting Massive first via the Standard Route up.

From the start, the bad weather looked like it was going to let up with hints of sun breaking thru the diminishing fog.  The rained had stopped making for a very humid start and very comfortable temps which allowed for me to sport a short sleeve with my running shorts.  Jacket, gloves all tied to the Nathan pack. 

(Early mile looking SE of the CO Trail)

(non-dusty CO Trail)

I found it really odd that the first 3 1/2ish miles along the Colorado Trail to the Massive turn off were dead.  I passed a total of 9 other hikers.  I passed no one else all the way to the top.  Had the peak to myself.  From a running perspective, my pace was extremely easy.  When running alone, I get motivated when passing other hikers.  Especially on 14ers.  Not the case this morning on Massive.  I caught myself just stopping and absorbing the enormous mountain Massive is.  So many high points, so many saddles, so much above tree terrain.

(Leadville with the fog pretending to go away)

Around roughly 12,000 feet, the fog was starting to build.  Started out slow but by the time I was getting close to 14,000 feet it was flowing in quickly.  It was cold at top and the wind pretty tame.  Views towards the east were non-existent.  Towards the west I could see pretty far out but the fog was already making its way to the summit. 

(Massive false summit, Elbert behind, Fog dominating)

(Looking west towards Aspen.  Below, Halfmoon Lakes)

I spent maybe a minute up top and headed down the SW Ridge trail.  This trail was brutal.  Steep, technical and slow.  Rarely was I able to see more then 10 feet in front of me so I never had a clue where I was.  It wasn't till the bottom that the fog magically stopped.  Total distance back to the car was maybe 2/10ths of a mile shorter then the standard route and easily 20 plus minutes slower. 

A not so quick 10 minute stop at the car to reload, refuel, etc...and I was off to tackle Mt. Elbert.  Mentally, I was excited about continuing on.  I felt strong even after 14 miles and some 4,500 of climbing.  The climb up Elbert is relentless and steep.  I ran most of the CO Trail to the Elbert turnoff (2 miles) and then worked it from there on. 

The crowds were still minimal on Elbert.  I was expecting huge crowds with it being the tail end of the 4th of July weekend.  Was the weather driving folks away?  No clue but it was nice to not have to weave in and out of groups of folks. 

I'd say around 13,000 feet I was moving the slowest of the day.  Finally hitting the summit was rather eventful.  Fog that barely revealed the ridge I just climbed.  I had planned on descending down the East Ridge and heading back to the car that way but by now, I was a good hour behind my self imposed time frame. 

Whatever fatigue I was feeling on the climb must have been due to the elevation because I felt great on the descent.  While my interaction with others on the way up was minimal, I was a chatting it up with many on the down.  Just having a good time with so many kind people.  Those last 2 miles on the CO Trail were easily the fastest and I felt the best I had all day during this stretch.  Always great to end on a fast note. 

(Fog finally giving way on the descent off Elbert)



Some brief stats on the day:

Total Time: 6 Hours 40 Mins (Roughly 20 minutes of not moving)

Miles: 23.4

Elevation: 9,200

Round Trip Massive: 3:40

Round Trip Elbert: 2:50