Contemplating Pearl Pass – Colorado

Contemplating Pearl Pass – Colorado

A group of Colorado skiers contemplates the heavily snow laden slopes leading to Pearl Pass. At once tempting and potentially dangerous, Colorado’s boundless backcountry terrain needs to be approached with knowledge and caution. The route to Pearl Pass marks the eastern boundary of the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, a 286 square mile slice of the dramatic Elk Mountains.  Within the wilderness boundaries reside 9 passes over 12,000 feet, 6 peaks over 14,000 feet, and more than 100 miles of trails to explore all the wonders. The wilderness was established with the original 1964 Wilderness Act.