amac
Trail Wise!
Posts: 68 
|
Post by amac on Aug 3, 2021 10:40:41 GMT -8
I'm headed there at the end of the month and have been looking for a bear report. I've got a canister, but was wondering if there have been regular encounters. Anyone have a recent experience they can share?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by absarokanaut on Aug 3, 2021 13:45:17 GMT -8
The truly exquisite 4 Pass Loop in your Absaroka rarely disappoints when it comes to grizzlies. The one down in Colorado might though. Heeh heeh.
In all seriousness bears will be prevalent one week and then gone for the next so take your canister no matter what anyone else says.
|
|
|
|
Post by burntfoot on Aug 3, 2021 19:14:36 GMT -8
And, go counter-clockwise. Only one pass is harder going counter-clockwise. Two of them are harder clockwise, and one about even. I don't know why everyone plans for clockwise unless they want to camp at a lake every night.
|
|
amac
Trail Wise!
Posts: 68
|
Post by amac on Aug 4, 2021 4:12:52 GMT -8
I was planning on going clockwise mostly because I wanted to spend my last night at Snowmass Lake. I also plan to stretch this into three nights, spending my first night just before crossing West Maroon Pass.
However, I am starting on a Wednesday. Would I have a better chance of less people at Snowmass Lake on a Wednesday versus Friday? Keeping in mind, this is the week leading up to Labor Day weekend. Also, based on the mileage I’m looking at, counterclockwise would have me hiking more miles day 1 (fresh legs) and the fewest on day 4 (tired legs). 🤔 I might change my game plan.
|
|
|
|
Post by cweston on Aug 4, 2021 4:28:27 GMT -8
Re: Bears
I have no specific info on the 4-pass loop area, but just generally, I have BPed all over CO for years, and have never had bear issues, and indeed have seen only a handful of bears outside national park ground. And we’re talking about black bears exclusively, obviously. So I would not sweat bears too much absent very location-specific beta to the contrary. YMMV, HYOH.
On my recent trip in the Nuchu (Gore Range), every-other step was in bear scat, but we never saw the animals. Which is pretty typical per my experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by burntfoot on Aug 4, 2021 5:06:48 GMT -8
You're going to have quite a few people regardless until you get into mid-September, especially at the lakes. Instead of Geneva Lake, I hiked up the valley and camped close to treeline approaching Frigid Air Pass. Your choice of the base of West Maroon is a good choice.
|
|
