Adventure Backpacking

$ 2,055.00

Join us on a guided backpacking adventure, through some of the most beautiful mountain terrain in the Aspen-area!

The options are endless for this fully customizable adventure backpacking trip. Some of our favourites include traversing through terrain such as Snowmass Lake, Willow Lake, The Four Pass Loop, and beyond!

The Four Pass Loop traverses the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness, routed over four mountain passes (West Maroon Pass - 12,500 ft., Frigid Air Pass - 12,415 ft., Trail Rider Pass - 12,420 ft., and Buckskin Pass - 12,500 ft.). The terrain is varied and scenic, including vast forests, fields of wildflowers, river crossings, and fantastic views of the Maroon Bells and numerous other peaks of the Elk Mountains.

Let our AMGA trained/certified guides plan and take you out on your custom Adventure Backpacking experience! Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to book your trip or to request more information!

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Mount Elbert from $ 230.00

Mount Elbert

$ 615.00

Intro
Details
Itinerary
Gear
Prep +
Policies

Located just one hour from downtown Aspen, lies the tallest and perhaps one of the easier of all of Colorado's 58, 14'ers - Mt. Elbert (14,439'). The quickest way to the summit begins at the Twin Lakes trailhead via the East Ridge - 9 miles roundtrip with 4,400 vertical feet of elevation gain. This scenic mountain hike will transition from alpine forest to rocky ridges and moraines with 360 views of the Central Rockies. Typically done in 8 hrs round trip and great for families! Start times will vary based on the weather forecast but plan on hiking by 6am.

If you want to escape the crowds and get off the beaten path, the Southeast Ridge - 10 miles rountrip with 5,250 vertical feet of elevation gain or the Southwest Ridge - 10.6 miles rountrip with 5,250 vertical feet of elevation gain may be just the adventure for you. These hikes are longer and require more effort than the East Ridge, but the reward is typically not seeing a soul on the mountain (until the summit), with endless wildflowers and spectacular views in every direction.

Our AMGA trained and certified mountain guides will tailor a memorable, one-of-a-kind climbing adventure just for you!
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
Duration: 1 day approach/climb.

Location: The guide will be in touch with you the day before to determine your meeting place and any miscellaneous details. Please call 970-925-7625 for any questions.

Maximum Guide Ratio: 6:1

Fitness Level: You should maintain an overall general level of fitness as this climb is challenging.

Includes: AMGA trained/certified mountain guide, use of all technical equipment (helmet, harness, climbing equipment, ropes, packs, etc.), and a 3% USFS land use surcharge.

Not included: water, lunch/snack food
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
Prep- Your guide will contact you the day or two before at the voice number you provide us; you will discuss the plan, including a confirmed meeting place and start time; go over necessary gear/food to pack; and any other questions/concerns you may have.

You will be provided with a helmet, harness, climbing equipment, ropes, and a pack as required.

The Day - Water, lunch/snacks are not included.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
CLIMBING EQUIPMENT LIST

The following items are provided for your climbing day:
- Harness
- Helmet
- Climbing Equipment
- Ropes
- Backpack
CLOTHING
- Socks: thin hiking socks, wool or synthetic
- Bottoms: pants or shorts should be comfortable & allow the freedom of movement
- Top: synthetic or wool t-shirts, tank-tops or long sleeves - no cotton!
- Warm layer: nice to have along as the temperatures can vary with altitude and shade Warm Jacket: a down or synthetic - perfect for night time and early am start
- Rain Jacket: a waterproof jacket, in case of occasional afternoon rain showers
- Hats: one with brim to keep sun off your face and one for warmth
- Helmet: (provided for you by AE)
OTHER ITEMS
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
- Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
- Camera or Smartphone
- Water, Lunch/Snack food
If you are missing a piece of gear, we have a selection of outdoor technical gear / backcountry supplies - at our retail shop at the base of Aspen Highlands - including the Summit Series from The North Face.

Summers in Aspen tend to be warm and mild, but temperatures can easily drop as you head up in elevation, for example on Independence Pass. Rain/thunderstorms occasionally occur, more often than not in the afternoon rather than mornings. Rain gear will be essential if necessary. Participants will travel in the backcountry and should be prepared for any or all weather conditions.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
THE FIRST STEP

It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness, as these climbs are challenging. Exercise uphill with a moderate-sized pack. Go for long runs or bike rides - try to increase your cardiovascular health.

THE NEXT STEP

Colorado has 58, 14,000-foot peaks! Let us help you summit the ones here in the Elk range, including South/North Maroon Peak, Pyramid Peak, Capitol Peak, Snowmass Peak, Castle Peak and Mount Elbert (the highest and one of the easier 14ers).
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.
POLICIES

Booking/Cancellation policy:

AE requires a full credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. If you choose to cancel within 7 days of a scheduled trip, you will be charged full price. Within 7-14 days of your trip, we would be happy to work out a date to reschedule. If you choose to cancel 2 weeks or more (3 weeks or more for multi-day trips of 5+ people) prior to your scheduled trip, you will receive a full refund. If your guide decides that weather makes your scheduled trip a no-go, we will work with you to reschedule, give you a credit, or refund your trip. Travel Guard insurance is available via our website homepage.

For weather and extenuating circumstances: if when you reach the trailhead and the guide calls the day off, you will be entitled to a full reschedule. If the trip begins (0-2 hours in), you will be charged for a full day hike, with a credit in the difference of price, which can go towards a rescheduled trip with us. After 2 hours into the day, full payment for the scheduled trip is due.

Risk Management

Please note: AEW's number one priority is your safety. Many conditions affect our guides' decisions in the mountains, including client fitness and comfort, weather conditions and route conditions. There are inherent hazards in mountain travel such as inclement weather, avalanches, rock fall, ice fall that our guides manage yet cannot eliminate. The combination of our guides' formal training and wealth of experience assures that their sound decision create an enjoyable and safe mountain experience. Aspen Expeditions reserves the right to turn around or change routes without refunds or credits under any conditions.
Please contact us via phone at 970-925-7625 or email/form to determine the best date for you or to request more information.