buckskin pass

I hiked this Sept. 26, 2014. We started at Maroon Lake. The Aspens were in full color and it was amazing. Pyramid Peak which is to your left to start and then behind you on your way up to the pass becomes bigger and more amazing the higher you climb. I enjoyed every part of this hike. It requires effort to get there but It is worth every step. The only regret I had is that I could not hike over to Snowmass Lake and camp there. Words and pictures cannot describe how truly great the view is. I am thankful for the memories of the views I witnessed on this hike. I highly recommend this hike.

Buckskin Pass is a beautiful hike. We climbed at around 9 AM on a Monday in August and the crowds were not an issue whatsoever. For the most part, we had the trail to ourselves, and the few people we saw on the way up were friendly and polite. We shared the summit with about ten people, but no one was in the way of the spectacular views at the top of the pass. Crowds began to form once we returned to the Crater Lake area. Hikers definitely need to bring lots of water on this hike. It isn't extraordinarily hot, but you will need more than you think. I do not suggest this hike if you are just coming up from sea level. The last mile or so is pretty killer. All in all, Buckskin is a spectacular hike from trailhead to summit. The views of Pyramid Peak, the Maroon Bells, and Snowmass Mountain are unbelievable. Bring a windbreaker for the top! Keep an eye on the beautiful wildflowers and mountain streams winding their way down the mountain. Enjoy!

Did this hike on a weekday in July, just went up to the pass and back. Was fantastic that it wasn't crowded at all and we didn't encounter too many hikers until we got back down towards Crater Lake again (then the masses appeared). Not a technical hike at all and very easy to see and stay on the trail. Last half mile was incredibly steep and tiring, but absolutely worth it. Also, the scattered people (about 10) we say coming down as we were going up were very encouraging. Windy at the top as typical of other peaks. Pack a lunch and lots of water.

The hike, which winds it's way under North Maroon Peak, through evergreen forests, and around alpine meadows, is great. But the view from Buckskin Pass over into the Snowmass Lake area will have you dreaming of your very own secluded log cabin in the woods. Plus there may be mountain goats!

Take a 2-3 day packtrip over Buckskin pass to Maroon Lake, and you'l be looking for Julie Andrews singing in the meadows!

When you arrive at Maroon Bells, you start the trail on the right side of the lake and go through some beautiful Aspen groves. Then as you hike to the right, you start to go through more evergreens and will see some stunning views of the Bells. You will actually end up above them by the time you get to the top of the pass. Plan on spending 6-7 hours if you want to hike to the top and back. When you get near the top, there are a number of lung crushing switchbacks (especially for us not use to the altitude)...but the view at the top makes it all worthwhile.

Had this trail mostly to myself after passing Maroon and then Crater Lake. No water in Crater this time of year after a dry winter, but the views across Maroon to the Maroon Bells are world-class and inspiring start to the hike. The trail up to Buckskin is challenging, but not too hard or technical at all. The last 1/2 mi/500' are the hardest, but it's a steady climb most of the way. The trail got a little hard to find on the way back at one point, so luckily I had GPS and a map and compass. It's just about 5.1 mi each way according to my GPS with around 2,800' total roundtrip gain. The views from the pass are a spectacular sight to end the 'out' portion of this out-and-back hike (unless you continue on to Snowmass Lake), with Snowmass Mtn and Snowmass Lake in front, the Bells and the valley you come up behind, and Willow Pass to the east.

worth the trip past Highlands. Gorgeous views. go to the top and pack a lunch.

This hike starts out at the over populated Maroon Bells, once you get to the upper Crater lake turn, you go right instead of left. From there you climb a constant gradual path that passes mountain rivers, wild flowers and amazing views. Near the top are switch backs to get you to the top of the pass. Once there you are rewarded with looking to the distance over Snowmass Lake. You could continue and come out in Snowmass but that is an epic day. You can turn around and just call it a good hike. Another option is to be prepared for 3-4 nights out and camp at Snowmass lake then go over trailrider pass into a whole other valley, Fravert basin. Get a good map if you do that one. You can essentially circumnavigate the Maroon Bells.

After climbing for 4.8 miles and gaining about 3000' you reach a breathtaking view from the pass (approx. 12,500') down to Snowmass Lake on the other side of the pass. Turn around here for a day hike, or keep going over 3 more passes on a multi-day trip which is a feast for the eyes.

Trekking up to Buckskin pass is no easy deal, but the views from up there are amazing. The entire journey, especially if you continue on to Snowmass Lake are stunning. You should be in good shape as the climb is a bit arduous, but if you are...do it.