Maroon Bells

backpacking (and journaling) in the Colorado wilderness

The Champagne Supernova gang.

Day 1 - Sept 16

Snowmass-Maroon Bells Trailhead to Snowmass Lake

8 miles, ~2500 ft elevation gain

Lowest elevation: 8,400 ft

Highest elevation: 10,900 ft

Started hiking at 9:30 AM. Constantly changing scenery. Some sections were covered in aspens (white/light gray bark), then it would abruptly change to evergreens, then it would open up into a big valley. We saw a couple and their sherpa (or was it their third?) on horseback coming the other way. Taking glamping to the next level! All of their gear (and bodies) were spread over about eight horses and mules. Made it to beautiful Snowmass Lake at 2:30 and set up camp. Matt showed us how to hang bear bags from trees — higher than bears can reach, the bags made out of material they can't tear through. All of our food, trash, toiletries, and eating utensils went in these bags each night, except the night I forgot to put some of those things in, don’t tell Matt. 

Thorn: insomnia the night before

Rose: 1) all the yellow we saw in nature that day

2) my first view of Snowmass Lake and the mountains behind it

Strong knees, full packs.

Sweet, sweet Snowmass.

Day 2 - Sept 17

Snowmass Lake to Snowmass Lake (out and back to Geneva Lake)

10 miles, ~3000 ft elevation gain

Lowest elevation: 10,900 ft

Highest elevation: 12,400 ft

We left our tents at camp and only packed food and water. Amazing carrying a light pack, especially with all the climbing. I had a lot of nerves on this day — the whole time I've been prepping I've mostly worried about Day 2. Waking up with sore muscles and doing 10 miles and 3k elevation gain.. O_O

But my muscles felt surprisingly good this morning. I took some of Greg's BCAAs last night and also some Ibuprofen before bed, so one or both of those probably helped. Joints and feet were sore.

The elevation gain was intense but nicely spread out. It was most intense right before the two passes we went through, so a hell of a reward both times. I tried to focus on "comfort with discomfort" today and watch what was under my feet inside of what was up ahead — the expectations can really psych me out. (Life lesson?) I'm impressed by and grateful for my body. I can't wait to backpack and camp near Asheville more! I have the skillset now.

Left at 9:40 AM, back at camp at 5:30 PM. Long day! We ate lunch on the bank of the serene Geneva Lake. We had it completely to ourselves. The views of Snowmass Lake on the way back were probably my favorite part of the whole day. It was a little hazy today. They said it was smoke. We saw a search & rescue helicopter go by. 

Thorn: being slow getting ready in the AM so not having a chance to wash my face. (Mmm, more sweat, dirt, and sunscreen piled on top of yesterday’s.)

Rose: comfort with discomfort

Snowmass Lake is, like, really pretty, okay?

Day 3 - Sept 18

Snowmass Lake to Willow Lake

10 miles, ~1500 ft elevation gain

Lowest elevation: 10,900 ft

Highest elevation: 12,500 ft

I did my second woods poop this morning. (Not nearly as bad as I expected.) Packed up our Snowmass Lake campsite and headed to Buckskin Pass. Incredible scenery as we climbed up — snow-capped mountains, Snowmass Lake in the distance, red rocks. Ate lunch at the pass which was a little crowded because it's accessible as a day hike. Lots of friendly people passing.

On our way down from the pass, the guys went ahead a little bit so I got to climb down alone. I've never had such expansive views and scenery all to myself. Went a little slower, more lollygagging, taking more photos.

Steep, rocky climb up to the second pass. Cool view from there of a little creek with some alien-looking neon-green water in it.

Got to Willow Lake around 4:45. There was another group camping at the lake with no tents!! We spent a good chunk of time judging them. Definitely our coldest night, mostly due to wind. We made a small (illegal) fire after dinner which was lovely and reminded me of my friend Walker. I'll be sad to leave but also I ran out of TP today so not too sad.

Thorn: my right knee was talking to me all day on the climbs

Rose: 1) lunch at the pass: the views, food, conversation, people + dog watching

2) my alone time coming down from Buckskin Pass

Delightfully refreshing. Also, who knew my shoes had this fun print on the bottom.

Day 4 - Sept 19

Willow Lake to Trailhead

10 miles, ~800 ft elevation gain

Lowest elevation: 8,400 ft

Highest elevation: 12,700 ft

The hike today was a steep climb up Willow Pass, followed by many miles of steady downhill. As the elevation became more sane, the air felt more and more inviting. And wildlife came back into the picture. We moved fast this day and didn't stop for lunch. We were all motivated by the prospect of hitting a diner on the road back to Denver. Back at the car, we were greeted by a tub of wet wipes and a change of clothes — a sight for sore eyes. (A sensation for sore muscles?) Over the course of the four-hour drive back to Denver, all the pain my body had put on hold for four days bubbled up to the surface: headache, fatigue, intense muscle soreness. As we re-entered civilization, the simultaneous buzzing of all four phones brought up mixed emotions: excitement to reconnect with the world, sadness to leave the social media-less mountains.