[This is the third installment of a multi-part blog series highlighting a few outdoor pursuits in our hometown during the longest days of the year. These vignettes paint a picture of midsummer in Aspen. From a father and daughter throwing flies in a secluded creek high above Aspen to adventures in the high country and groups of friends lounging away on a Sunday afternoon at the Music Tent, “Al Fresco Aspen” is an homage to a few—of the many—things we love about summertime in the ZG.]

Reconnecting on the 4 Pass Loop

Life has a way of getting busy. Careers take off, families grow, and time slips by. But there’s something about old friends that never changes. They’re the people who knew you before life got complicated, the ones who can pick up right where you left off, no matter how much time has passed. That’s exactly what happened when two college friends, after years of promising to catch up, finally met in Aspen to head off on the 4 Pass Loop.

The Mountains Were Calling

Aspen, with its breathtaking landscapes and rugged peaks, seemed like the perfect place to reunite. The 4 Pass Loop, a 26-mile circuit that crosses four mountain passes in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, offered the ideal challenge. It’s a trail that demands respect—crossing West Maroon, Frigid Air, Trail Rider, and Buckskin passes—all towering above 12,000 feet. But it wasn’t just the physical challenge that drew them to nature; it was the promise of time away from the noise of daily life, a chance to disconnect and simply be present with each other and with nature. For a few days there would be no work or commutes, Slack channels or Outlook calendar invites.

Day 1: Hitting the Trail

They set off from the Maroon Lake trailhead early in the morning, their packs heavy with gear and food, but their spirits light. The first day’s goal was to crest West Maroon Pass, at 12,500 feet. The ascent was relentless. Wildflowers carpeted the meadows, and the air was crisp and cool. They fell into a rhythm, the familiar cadence of hiking helping them reconnect without the need for words.

As they crested the pass, they paused to take it all in. Below, the valley stretched out in a patchwork of green and gold, and beyond, the peaks of the Elk Mountains stood sentinel.

Day 2: Into the Wilderness

The second day brought them over Frigid Air and Trail Rider passes. Each pass has its own character—Frigid Air is aptly named, with biting winds even in the summer, while Trail Rider offers a stunning view of Snowmass Lake, its turquoise waters shimmering like a jewel nestled among the peaks.

They made camp near the lake, their tents nestled among the trees. That evening, as they sat by the fire, the conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and the occasional silence as they both got lost in thought. There’s something about the wilderness that strips away the layers, leaving you with only what’s real and true.

Day 3: The Final Push

The final day took them over Buckskin Pass, the last and perhaps the most challenging of the four. Their legs were tired, and the altitude made every step a little harder. But they were driven by the knowledge that the end was in sight—and by the sheer joy of being out there, together.

As they descended back into the valley, they could feel the pull of the outside world starting to creep back in. But for those three days, they had been completely disconnected from everything—work, emails, phones—and completely connected with each other and with the land.

The Aftermath: A Lasting Connection

By the time they returned to Aspen, they were tired, dirty, and sore—but also profoundly refreshed. The 4 Pass Loop had given them exactly what they needed: a chance to reconnect with an old friend, to challenge themselves physically, and to remember what it feels like to be truly alive.

In the end, it wasn’t just the stunning landscapes or the thrill of the hike that made the trip unforgettable. It was the reminder that no matter how busy life gets, it’s important to make time for the things—and the people—that matter most. Disconnecting from the daily grind allowed them to reconnect with each other, and with themselves.

Before the trip, they had been feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders; so, they decided to shoulder the weight in backpacks and head deep into the mountains. Things felt lighter when they got back to town and their phones started to buzz with notifications, texts, and news headlines.