Four Pass Loop is one of those iconic Colorado backpacking trips, so when the idea of doing it popped into my friend’s head one Friday afternoon, I had a hard time saying no. We had to condense what is normally a four day trip into two days, but every extra mile was worth it. Those two days were absolutely blissful—full of wildflowers, mountain goats, panoramic views, and extraordinary amounts of cheese. The scenery on the loop is varied and includes mountains, alpine lakes, fields of flowers, valleys of trees, and rushing rivers. Each of the four mountain passes is unique and on slightly different terrain, which makes the backpacking trip even more exciting because you never know what’s coming next. It was truly a phenomenal trip, and a must-do for anyone looking to have a quintessential Colorado backpacking experience.