@lostlandscapes has posted an excellent trip report for the Holy Cross Wilderness https://backcountrypost.com/threads/9-5-9-7-15-holy-cross-wilderness-co.5145/
Couple of other suggestions...circumnavigation loop around Capitol and Snowmass peaks, starting at Capitol Creek trailhead west of Aspen. This loop utilizes part of the same trail as the Four Pass loop. Another might be a loop around Mount of the Holy Cross starting at Halfmoon campground...
Assuming you're wanting to stay on-trail with beginners, with 4 days I'd go Redfish > Cramer Lakes > Edna > Toxaway > Alice > Pettit.
You won't have solitude but it's beautiful country.
For trails that are truly less traveled, look at the the Queens River / Little Queens river trails that start...
Your route is very nice and the scenery can't be beat. Imogene and Alice lakes are two of my favorites.
As @Parma said, don't expect solitude on these trails, and there are no areas in the Sawtooths where open fires are allowed without restriction. Late July it will stay light until 9 or...
My experience as well. I was finally successful on my third try, got it in at 8:09:27. If there is any consolation it sounds like everyone else had the same problem.
There are good campsites on the west side of Imogene - not so much on the east side. Also some cool smooth glaciated granite steps on the west side. For spending 2 nights I'd look closer towards Ardeth Lake and others in the Tenlake Basin area. There will certainly be snow in July with the...
Nice thread idea.
Recently bought this REI Kingdom 6 tent to replace my old Eureka tent for those outdoor weekends not spent on the trail. Really looking forward to some comfy camping nights.
And got this MSR Windburner backpacking cook system for Christmas
We went over Paintbrush Divide the first week of August this year and had absolutely no problems with snow/ice.
The online permit system will probably fill up within a few hours, at least for the prime camp zones. The Rangers will only be able to change your itinerary when you arrive IF there...
Wayne,
This has been high up on my to-do list. As @Outdoor_Fool said, please keep us informed as plans come together. Good chance you could find some companions on this forum to join in if you so desire.