Carbonate Creek #1971

ALERT: Due to recent bear activity, bear canisters [https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3848454.pdf] are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The first 1 1/2 miles travels through private property to the stream crossing, so please stay on the trail. The trail gets steep after the stream crossing for a 1/2 mile, then moderate until just before the pass. At the crossing the trail makes a sharp turn to right and goes uphill before a second, smaller stream. After the pass it is a steep descent to Arkansas Mtn. Trail. It is 7 miles to this junction. From here you can loop back along Arkansas Mtn. trail, which joins back into Carbonate about a mile after the trailhead. This trail also connects with the North Lost trail. This trail has various vegetaion at first and then mostly aspen and meadows with lots of wildflowers and spectacular views of the Raggeds Wilderness Area.