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Post by sharper on Feb 28, 2020 11:08:47 GMT -8
Can anyone compare the Four Pass Loop to the Teton Crest Trail? I did about 35 miles of the TCT over 4 days about 3 years ago and am interested in doing the Four Pass Loop. While the Four Pass is shorter it's at quite a higher elevation. I don't think any of the passes in the Tetons we traversed were above 11,000'. I'm in better shape now than I was for the Teton trip but I'm still curious what the difficulty level of Four Pass is. Thanks for any info or advice!
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Post by Chuck the Mauler on Feb 28, 2020 18:21:35 GMT -8
I might be able to help. How many days in the Maroon Bells?
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Post by cweston on Feb 29, 2020 7:16:52 GMT -8
FWIW, being "in better shape" is not really especially relevant to successfully hiking higher elevations. It doesn't hurt, of course: being in better physical shape makes backpacking more enjoyable, generally, at any elevation. But your ability to perform (or not) at higher elevation is fairly independent from your physical conditioning. Your body responds to lower oxygen levels the way it responds--higher fitness levels doesn't change that much.
(My daughter is an elite athlete, but she gets her ass kicked by high elevation just the same as everyone else does, for example.)
If performance at elevation is a particular issue for you, consider any/all of...
1. *Significantly* increased hydration starting several days before the hike
2. Acclimatization time at gradually increasing elevations, observing the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
3. Mask training at home as part of your fitness regime. (There's some controversy over how effective this actually is.)
When I was younger, I used to be able to just "tough it out, but I find now that I need both 1 and 2 (at minimum an extra 24 hours).
Sorry if you already know all this--I don't mean to insult your intelligence.
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Post by burntfoot on Feb 29, 2020 15:27:13 GMT -8
I've done the 4-Pass Loop (only 35 miles from where I live), and parts of the Teton Crest Trail when I worked in Yellowstone. I'd say that the 4-Pass Loop is harder than most parts of the Teton Crest. I actually did 5 passes, as I added Willow Pass. Hiking up from Maroon Lake, it was the best place for a campsite for my short first day. Plus I wanted to hike counter-clockwise.
Most do the loop clockwise, but I always recommend counter-clockwise. The reason for this is that 3 out of the 4 passes are easier counter-clockwise. But that also makes for non-traditional campsites. I am a teacher and had a 3-day Labor Day Weekend.
Day 1 - I drove 3 1/2 hours from my home at that time to Maroon Lake and went over Willow Pass and camped in Willow Basin.
Day 2 - I went back over Willow, then Buckskin and Trail Rider and camped near treeline approaching Frigid Air Pass
Day 3 - I went over Frigid Air and West Maroon Passes and down to my car at Maroon Lake and drove home
This I do not recommend, as (despite the easier route) was killer.
Instead, this would be better as 4 days.
Day 1 - Over Buckskin Pass to Snowmass Lake
Day 2 - Over Trail Rider Pass to Geneva Lake, or up the valley towards Frigid Air Pass
Day 3 - Over Frigid Air and West Maroon Passes and camp near treeline beyond
Day 4 - Hike out
Clockwise would be similar, with the same campsites.
Going clockwise, I'd probably camp at Geneva Lake instead of the head of the valley near Frigid Air Pass.
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texasbb
Trail Wise!
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Post by texasbb on Feb 29, 2020 20:13:54 GMT -8
I ... went over Willow Pass and camped in Willow Basin. Glad to hear that. I'm planning to do 4-Pass this summer and hope to include Willow Pass as well. Did you stay near the lake or further down in the basin? I read somewhere that camping at Willow Lake is "discouraged," not sure by whom. |
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Post by burntfoot on Mar 1, 2020 7:35:14 GMT -8
Within sight of the lake, but not next to it.
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Post by absarokanaut on Mar 1, 2020 12:03:47 GMT -8
NAtional Park trails are often better graded than National Forest Trails.
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Post by cweston on Mar 2, 2020 13:12:14 GMT -8
NAtional Park trails are often better graded than National Forest Trails. Agree: I'd go as far as to say "virtually always" rather than "often." There's a drastic difference in the amount of resources available to the NPS vs the USFS for trail building/maintenance/signing, but also a difference in philosophy. The NPS philosophy is more about giving as many people as possible the possibility of using the backcountry, whereas the USFS philosophy is not so much about that. (Which is fine by me, to clarify: I'm glad that both philosophies are represented in the management of our federally-protected lands.) |
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Post by sharper on Mar 2, 2020 13:19:04 GMT -8
Thank you all for the replies! @chuck the Mauler; I'm thinking 4 days, 3 nights. Early research says this should allow for plenty of rest/recovery. cweston ; thanks for the insight. I didn't think I was in terrible shape for the Teton trip but I've taken up mountain biking and some light cardio on a weekly basis since then so my overall fitness level is better. I got stronger with each day and I chalked it up to acclimatization. My pack was probably several lbs heavier than it needed to be as well. I live in Missouri so I'm limited in my exposure to "elevation". I don't think I gave myself enough time to acclimate in the Tetons as my plane landed on a Monday and we set off on the trail the following day. burntfoot ; I still have plenty of time to decide but I'm torn on which direction to take. I've read pros and cons for both directions. Are there any camping reservations or backpacking permits required that I'll need to secure ahead of time? Or can you just show up at the ranger station and get what you need on the spot? |
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texasbb
Trail Wise!
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Post by texasbb on Mar 2, 2020 14:35:47 GMT -8
NAtional Park trails are often better graded than National Forest Trails. To follow this off-topic a bit...I've learned to despise "well graded" trails. It means it's a trail with little variety and much repetitive stress. |
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Post by cweston on Mar 2, 2020 15:17:14 GMT -8
NAtional Park trails are often better graded than National Forest Trails. To follow this off-topic a bit...I've learned to despise "well graded" trails. It means it's a trail with little variety and much repetitive stress. Right...to clarify, the NPS way is often similarly irritating to me, personally, which is part of the reason that most of my BPing is not on NPS trails. But, I’m glad (for others, with different abilities/values/goals) that they exist. |
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Post by sharper on Jul 6, 2020 12:52:26 GMT -8
What's the best/most efficient way to actually get to the trail head? I'd be flying in from out of town. Fly to Denver, rent a car, drive 3.5 hours and then leave the rental sit for 4 days?? Thanks in advance for your better ideas!
Edit: Answered my own question; saw one can fly into the Aspen airport and make arrangements from there. Much more convenient.
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Post by burntfoot on Jul 7, 2020 6:16:13 GMT -8
And, more expensive. But, if you got the funds, go for it.
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Post by hikerjer on Jul 25, 2020 19:46:56 GMT -8
here's a drastic difference in the amount of resources available to the NPS vs the USFS for trail building/maintenance/signing I think that's because the NPS doesn't have to use a huge share of their budget building logging roads for for the timber industry like the FS does. |
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