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Post by cadesun on Jan 13, 2016 9:47:15 GMT -8
Hi all –
I have been thinking of scheduling a trip to do some backpacking in late May (week before memorial day weekend), would the San Juans typically be an option? Of course, I know a lot depends on snowpack. Or should I look further west and/or south for that time range?
Some snow is no bother as I have gators, ice axe, etc, but post-holing all day is no fun for anyone and I am not a huge fan of snowshoes. Thanks!
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960 
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Post by Westy on Jan 13, 2016 11:34:17 GMT -8
Typically northbound CDT hikers hit the South San Juan's at the end of May. Last year due to late snowfall episodes most flip/flopped to Wyoming and re-booted southbound. Some slogged thru the Wenimuche, but fun factor was significantly reduced.
El Nino is forecasted to bring greater than normal snowfall to southwest Colorado this year. I would be comfortable with backpacking starting mid-late June depending on El Nino factor. Selected peakbagging is pretty reasonable late May, backpacking not so much. Currently have several Colorado itineraries sussed out for 2016.
The first is a Smoke & Cinders Slog and Summit Special starting at Wolf Creek Pass and ending at the Elk Creek Durango-Silverton Train Stop, summiting (3) bicentennial peaks enroute. It's just over 100 miles backpacking, (8) nights, (7) hiking days (2) summit days. Pace could be accelerated to add weather day. During the same time slot, have an alternate plan for the Collegiate Peaks area more focused on peakbagging featuring multiple overnighters and some day hikes. Snow factor can be mitigated selecting south facing aspects and maximizing snowfields for more efficient ascents and faster descents.
The projected target start date is NLT than Monday, June 27th with the objective of avoiding post-hole purgatory and sneaking in summits prior to monsoon season.
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Post by cadesun on Jan 13, 2016 11:41:58 GMT -8
Sounds like a heck of a trip! I was just looking for a couple 2-3 nighters (my wife likes to stay in fancy hotels, I like to sleep in the woods, so we split our vacation time accordingly). I guess I will just have to wait and see what El Nino does and shift plans accordingly. Thanks!
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960
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Post by Westy on Jan 13, 2016 12:11:16 GMT -8
I'd recommend looking into section hiking a portion of the Colorado Trail on west side of CO 550 starting in Durango or perhaps planning a loop in the La Plata's. My Durango favorites are the General Palmer Hotel and Ken & Sue's Restaurant.
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Post by trekkerman on Jan 13, 2016 19:26:34 GMT -8
Your plan is unrealistic. Head to the Gila.
Trekkerman
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Post by swimswithtrout on Jan 14, 2016 18:28:48 GMT -8
That's more like mid May. I'd seriously consider looking further south or west. We still get major snowfalls well into May, and the main melt-off generally doesn't get underway until mid June. Traditionally, the Colorado BP'g season starts around the 4th of July in the middle of the State, ~ a week earlier in the San Juans and ~ a week later up near RMNP. FYI, this was my view of RMNP, Memorial Day weekend, last year.   And in a snowy year, here's Mount of the Holy Cross over 4th of July,  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2016 12:34:48 GMT -8
The San Juans have been getting the most snow in CO, so most of the trails will likely be snowed in. You may be able to hit some of the lower trails like Purgatory to Needleton, or the Pine River to Emerald Lake, or my favorite the upper cascade canyon from NE of hwy 550.
I have done the Cascade trip in May many times. It is an easy hike to where ever you want to camp and then just hike up the canyon to see some of the most spectacular falls you will ever witness.
Ben |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Jan 21, 2016 9:48:49 GMT -8
Would the San Juans typically be an option? No It's way to early to predict what the snow will be like this spring. February and March are often very snowy months in the high country. |
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Post by absarokanaut on Jan 23, 2016 9:06:04 GMT -8
When I lived in Colorado Springs and La Veta it always seemed the Western Sangre de Cristo was the best earlier season option. Had they not been I may never have come to love the Sangres more than anywhere else in the Centennial State over almost thirty years. I'm a biased soam beotch.
If you're going to CO from afar its hard to have options but you should. There's some awesome lower elevation hiking in that part of the world in your time frame. Let's see what winter and spring bring.
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