Racer D

July 27, 2018:

Next morning we are up early and leave just after 7am; we aren’t sure exactly how long it will take to go up and over Buckskin pass, so we want plenty of time.

I joke about whether I could have stuck to my original itinerary I had created that would have had us climbing up and over Buckskin Pass yesterday afternoon after I descended from Snowmass, and then today I would be climbing a Class 4 mountain, Pyramid Peak. lol. I’m glad we ignored my lofty plans.

So after a good night’s sleep on a half inflated air-mattress, we settle into the gentle rhythm of our backpacks bobbing and weaving as we make our way up Buckskin pass with a new-found energy.

We walk by more amazing creek crossings and beaver dams, any of which would have been great camping if we had decided continue on last night without resting after my climb.

There are still more wildflowers that catch my eye and keep us in agreement that this has been the most epic backpacking loop trail we have  done to date.

The further we get from Snowmass Mountain and our camp the last two days, the more we realize how far we’ve walked. It is a spectacular view.

Marmots greet us along the way.

For as much as West Maroon Pass was long, Frigid Air Pass was steep, and Trailrider Pass was pure misery, Buckskin Pass is pure chill. It is still 12,500 at the top of the saddle, and even though we feel good going up, it is a long, long way down to the car. But we remain chill, and Johnan is in her element, reporting in often on all things fact & fiction in the universe. Johnan tackles each step like a pro, and this hike seems easier on Day 5. Nothing stands in front of us and the great food awaiting in Aspen.

Nothing but this goat, that is. This guy seems to be happy to park himself right on the trail near the summit of Buckskin Pass. But no problem, we just went around him.

And once again, no matter which side of the Maroon Bells we stand on this loop, they are stunning and calling my name.

The food in Aspen is amazing!