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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 15, 2017 15:53:33 GMT -8
From Texas. Going to Colorado on May 1, 2017 - May 31, 2017.
Getting ready for some great hiking, camping.
I just learned about the Colorado Trail around a month or so ago. I'm hoping at the end of my stay there, before I head back to Texas, I can hike part of it.
Anyway, thanks for all the information. I've read a lot here. Made some changes for the better.
Thanks.
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Apr 15, 2017 18:55:10 GMT -8
You will probably need to stick to lower elevations on the Colorado Trail if you want to hike snow/ice/slush free. In general, early May should see ample snow above 10,000 ft or so. Here is what the CT Trail Foundation says:
The general rule is that most of the CT is usually snow free by July 1 and the CT "season" can be viewed as primarily July and August, plus September for those that don't mind a fleeting snowstorm. This July-September, CT season can (some years) be extended by a couple of weeks on the front end to include the last 2 weeks in June. However, late June is often "iffy" with remaining deep snowpack, especially at the higher CT elevations and on the north facing hillsides and where the Trail is shaded in the trees.
Remaining snowpack is really troublesome. When a lot of snow remains, travelers can't locate the trail and follow it. Walking on top of the snow may work for a few steps, but then one sinks in deep, "post-holing." It's exhausting and very slow going. Each time one sinks through the rotten and unsupportive spring snow, your foot lands on whatever is hidden below, often rocks or buried logs, often at jarring angles. Ankle sprains sometimes result. Few people who experience a lot of post-holing are game for more.
July 1 is the earliest start date we recommend for thru-hikers; it gives them even a few more days of hiking before they reach the high passes that retain snowpack even into July. CT distance travelers often want snow data helpful in determining whether they can start earlier than the suggested July 1 earliest start date. Predicting June snowpack is an inexact science, though, in part because it is hard to know how warm May and June will be and how fast it will melt. One can't tell much until June, sometimes mid June. Still, SNOTEL weather stations offer some pertinent data.
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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 16, 2017 4:27:37 GMT -8
Hungry Jack,
Thank you for the reply and the information.
I'll be in Lakewood for the entire Month of May. Mostly business but some hiking.
On May 31, my plan is what you suggested about the lower section/s. I'd love to go for it all. Just don't have the time.
The first two lower sections.
Waterton Canyon - Spend one night, maybe two, hike on....
South Platte River - Spend one night, maybe two.... Back to the car. Back home to Texas.
I'll have a just over a week of free time, May 31 - June 9 to figure it out.
I really don't mind the cold. I can deal with that part of it. You're right about the snow. I'd prefer to not walk through it.
Any help, suggestions making that week the best week of my hiking life would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 16, 2017 5:00:17 GMT -8
Howdy! Hiking in the high country generally starts in early July. Ironically, above treeline a lot of the snow on the trail has melted, but getting there.....lots of snow in the shade and on northern exposures.
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Deborah
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Post by Deborah on Apr 16, 2017 5:09:16 GMT -8
Waterton Canyon - Spend one night, maybe two, hike on.... South Platte River - Spend one night, maybe two.... Back to the car. Back home to Texas. Those should be doable at that time. There are lots of dayhike options open in the foothills close to Boulder. Golden Gate Canyon State Park may be snow free earlier, though I was there on Mother's Day several years ago and 10 inches of new snow got dumped on us. Check Roxbrough State Park too. cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/roxboroughAnd of course Garden of the Gods closer to CO Springs, if you have a chance. gardenofgods.com/Have fun! |
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Apr 16, 2017 17:55:41 GMT -8
An area that really intrigues me for a day trip is Roxborough State Park, which in pictures looks like mini Flatirons. It's close to Lakewood, so you might check it out. I don't think it has camping.
You might research Lost Creek Wilderness off 285. It might be doable in late May.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 9:30:58 GMT -8
I agree with Hungry Jack; the Lost Creek Wilderness is fantastic, and should be do-able in May.
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Deborah
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Post by Deborah on Apr 17, 2017 14:51:56 GMT -8
I agree with Hungry Jack; the Lost Creek Wilderness is fantastic, and should be do-able in May. It will likely be at least partially snow free - open areas and South facing slopes - but I have encountered some serious snow there over Memorial Day weekend. |
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Apr 17, 2017 20:05:03 GMT -8
I found an older (2010) trip report for Lost Creek for a trip in mid-May on 14ers.com. Most of the trails were OK, but the hiker reported significant snow on the north slope of McCurdy Mountain, forcing him to change his route.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2017 5:09:19 GMT -8
Re: Lost Creek Wilderness Area
The Colorado Trail eastward from Kenosha Pass is a nice path (actually pretty level).
Nice views of the Mosquito Range, and the hike through Long Gulch is pleasant.
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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 18, 2017 5:56:13 GMT -8
Wow! So much to think about now. Information overload.  So many parks, so little time. The more I read, the longer the list gets!!!!! Thank you all for the suggestions. I’ve added Roxborough State Park and Garden of the Gods to my growing list of day hikes for the month when I get free time. I’m so lost now…. From May 1, 2017 - May 31, 2017, I’ll be in a hotel with several free days to myself. Those days will be used for day hiking. Probably won’t be able to do any over night camping. Slim chance. From May 31 - June 9, I’m free to do whatever. I have to be back in Texas on June 9. My initial plan was to hike and camp on the first two sections of the Colorado Trail. After all the reading I’ve been doing, I'm no longer sure what to do. I searched Google for Lost Creek Wilderness after reading that suggestion above. I want to go there now. Refrigerator Gulch! Parking? Do people leave their cars at the trailhead and just go off hiking for days? Should I use a taxi or other to the trailhead and leave my car somewhere else? Thank you scottmc, Hungry Jack, Deborah, and Lamebeaver. I really appreciate all the help/information!!!!! |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 18, 2017 6:45:23 GMT -8
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Hungry Jack
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Post by Hungry Jack on Apr 18, 2017 8:31:36 GMT -8
Lost Creek is on my list. It is a different type of wilderness compared to Comanche and Rawah, which are high alpine environments. Lost Creek has a good trail system that should enable a nice loop using the west trailheads off 285.
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Post by dirtytrails on Apr 20, 2017 12:50:26 GMT -8
Man, thanks! My list was close to being filled. Now it's overflowing. I can't wait to get to Colorado. I've already packed for my May 1, departure date. I'll be in Lakewood for most of my stay. Thanks again for the list! Lost Creek is on my list. It is a different type of wilderness compared to Comanche and Rawah, which are high alpine environments. Lost Creek has a good trail system that should enable a nice loop using the west trailheads off 285. I've decided to spend most, if not all of my free week just roaming around the Lost Creek Wilderness. May 1, through June 9. I have already packed for my trip to Colorado. The only item I'll need to buy is a sleeping bag for camping. If you don't mind, what temperature rating should I get for Colorado in May/June? Should I purchase a bag liner as well? Thank you for your time! |
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Post by msdoolittle on Apr 20, 2017 13:02:54 GMT -8
A friend and I hiked the CT trail segment 4, going through Lost Creek, Memorial Day weekend in 2013. Completely snow free. Our last day out was encountered with brisk, cold winds, however. But it was snow free then.
Sleeping bags really depend on the person. Do you sleep cold? Hot? Females tend to sleep colder. In the May time frame, I still find myself carrying my -5* down bag. YMMV
Have a good time!
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