Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness | Saturday & Sunday, July 26-27, 2025
Back in February I took a little time out from exploring the Petrified Forest so I could grab a camping permit for Snowmass Lake in the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness for this final weekend in July. Up until this past week I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to go on this overnight backpacking trip because Diane recently had surgery, but she got the OK earlier in the week and was looking forward to her first real hiking trip in a few weeks. We left home early on Saturday morning and made our way over to the Maroon – Snowmass Trailhead along Snowmass Creek, but ended up having to park a little further down the road at the East Snowmass Trailhead because the small parking area was full. We shouldered our packs and left the trailhead around 8:30am and then took our time hiking up to Snowmass Lake.
The first few miles of the trail were in the trees with limited views.
Snowmass Creek
We got our first views of Snowmass Mountain and North Snowmass when we reached a nice overlook area across from Bear Creek.
Snowmass Mountain & North Snowmass
After resting and eating a snack at the overlook, we left the view behind and entered the trees again for a little bit.
Following the Maroon – Snowmass Trail.
When we reached this big open valley, we dropped to the floor and crossed to the other side via a large log jam in the creek.
A view from the other side of the log jam.
Crossing the valley below Willoughby Mountain.
After the final climb up to Snowmass Lake we found a campsite up above and away from all the other sites in the area. This area was a bit busy since it is part of the popular Four Pass Loop.
This was our view of Snowmass Lake from camp.
After having dinner and resting for a little while I hiked up the Geneva Lake Trail to Trail Rider Pass while Diane stayed back at camp.
Following the trail above Snowmass Lake.
Geneva Lake Trail
The view back down over Snowmass Lake was spectacular!
It was a lovely hike through the upper basin above the lake.
As I neared the pass the Maroon Bells started to come into view over the ridge.
The Maroon Bells
Once I reached Trail Rider Pass there was a nice view over the other side to the North Fork of the Crystal River.
Looking up to Trail Rider Peak from Trail Rider Pass. It was very windy at the pass this evening.
A view of the unnamed peaks above Snowmass Lake as I hiked back down to camp.
Returning to Snowmass Lake
After returning to camp I watched the sunset and then went to bed early. It had been a long day and I was tired, but unfortunately I didn’t sleep as well as I hoped I would this night. On Sunday morning I got up shortly after sunrise and walked down to the lake to take a few photos.
Watching the sunrise at Snowmass Lake.
Snowmass Peak Reflection
Morning Reflection
It was a calm morning at Snowmass Lake which made for great reflections.
After packing up camp we left Snowmass Lake and started hiking back down the trail.
Although the temperature only dropped down to 48 degrees at our campsite, which was very nice, the temperature was much colder as we dropped into this shaded valley.
Diane hiked ahead of me through this large field of wildflowers.
Valley View
Back across the log jam crossing.
After stopping for another rest at the overlook across from Bear Creek, it was back into the trees until we reached the trailhead.
Leaving the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness.
Fantastic! We did the loop the first of July and I enjoyed seeing your pictures to remind me of the beauty.
Hi, love your reports; I love seeing the shots you take of cultural stuff and ecosystems, not just landscapes. Not an expert in Colorado veg, but isn’t the amazing field of flowers fireweed or something like? Def not a lupine! Beautiful either way!
Thanks Mollis. I just looked up a lupine more closely and it looks like you are right, that is not it.