Started Sunday from the Aspen side of West maroon at 6:30 am with a friend who drove up from Texas to hike and camp the first day/night with me. We hiked counter clockwise and I’m glad we did. All four passes still had a bit of snow, just enough to make it adventurous and a little scary without being too dangerous. Night one we camped at snowmass lake. Very beautiful, lots of campers by 4pm. Day 2 my friend hiked out the way we came over buckskin, and I headed up, alone, over trail rider pass and to complete the loop. It was rainy, wet and cold so I hauled ass down. That descent into the north fork zone is long, one of the reasons I’m glad I did the loop counter clockwise. There was a knee high river crossing in the middle of that zone in the lower area before heading toward frigid air pass. Shoes off, sandals on. Not too swift. Frigid air was gorgeous and epic with some snow crossings that had me feeling like a mountaineer! Perfectly chill with just poles. Off and on rain coming down and getting to the east fork zone to camp for the second night. I found a site and a few other campers in the cluster of trees just below west maroon pass at 11,700 feet. I was able to set up camp just as it started to pour. I was nestled into some trees and enjoyed the storm that raged on and off all night. Day 3 I woke up to more rain and man it was pretty cold and wet getting out of bed but I got myself up to climb the pass, and was rewarded with bright beautiful sun at the top. West Maroon pass had the sketchiest snow crossing on my descending side going back toward the Aspen side trail head. I saw someone without poles or spikes slip and fall 3 times. I didn’t wear my spikes and should have, as I fell on my ass twice, but was able to safely get across. The last 6 miles of the trail was the worst. Another reason why I’m glad I saved it for last. Much of the trail is a small, ankle-deep creek with A LOT of mud. Finally, you come to a big ass river you have to cross twice. I was scared on the first cross at mile 21.7, I just about shit my pants and swear I almost got swept away crossing at mile 22.5. See the photo of the sign that says, “trail” and points straight through the river. I didn’t see one person make this crossing but me. One guy found a sketchy snow bridge less than a mile up stream, but I doubt it will be dependable now. I saw multiple groups of hikers and backpackers coming from the other side who simply turned around. It was, for me, the gnarliest crossing I’ve ever done. After that, it was smooth sailing to see the beautiful crater lake. I got a kick out of seeing all the day hikers And tourists looking like they were just about to die hiking up from the trail head to crater lake. So many people. Laid out on the side of the trail. Yelling at dads to slow down. It was a butter sweet welcome back to the front country. All in all: great trip! LOTS OF WATER. Wet feet. Challenging but so worth it! Bucket lister for sure. Ask me any questions you have!!!