DatesJul 25th - Jul 31st 2010 Service ProjectTrail maintenance Free DaysHiking, fishing, photography, wildlife & wildflower viewing; a Rocky Mountain High! AccommodationsBackpack camping Trip RatingStrenuous : High altitude, 5-mile backpack, digging, shoveling, rock work. Pack animal supported. LeadersBrian Bone Equipment |
The world-famous and spectacular Maroon Bells-Snowmass area truly exemplifies Rocky Mountain splendor and is Colorado's fourth largest Wilderness. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness was established with the original 1964 Wilderness Act and total size now is approximately 183,500 acres. Featuring 100 miles of trails that lead over nine passes above 12,000 feet, vast regions lie above the tree line and long glacial valleys point the way to glistening alpine lakes. The awesome, jagged symmetry of the Maroon Bells, reflected in Maroon Lake, is perhaps Colorado's most often photographed mountain scene. In midsummer, the wildflowers are arguably the best anywhere. Elk, deer and an abundance of wildlife are found throughout the area. The variety of terrain encompasses scenic forests, summer wildflowers, challenging river crossings, and spectacular views of the numerous peaks of the Elk Mountain Range. This is a great opportunity to get into the high country and give something back by conducting trail maintenance near West Maroon and Frigid Air Passes on one of the premier wilderness loop trails anywhere. The project includes improving the trail tread, installing drainage structures and moving rock at the high pass. Foot and pack stock traffic and a local microclimate that makes for heavy, harsh winters take their toll on this jewel of a trail – and also make for stunning wildflower displays come summer.
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