Early summer hike in Colorado?

The western side of the Sangres can often work in early June. If there’s still too much snow there, maybe the NM Sangres (Pecos Wildrness). I could give specific suggestions for either place if you want.

Thanks, cweston. I thought I remembered you talking about the Sangres here and there. I see there are several snotels along the range, most of which show median melt out by or before June 1, but I don't trust myself to assess the higher snowpack that seems to be in place. The Pecos is also on my long term to-do list, so maybe I should take the opportunity and head a little further south.

As my schedule firms up I may ask for some Sangre ideas.

I'm another big fan of the Pecos. Closer do Denver is the Lost Creek Wilderness. I've never been there, but it's supposed to be beautiful, and I regularly see it recommended as an early season destination. Here's some info in an old PMags blog post: link

East side Sangre Snotels will not give you insight on much of the West side. I love the Western Sangres in that time frame and have the right expectations knowing that crossing the range or hiking any of the Crest would likely be problematic.

Nonetheless there are some AWESOME out and backs you could almost certainly do one, two, or three of to add up your days. I would go to the South Crestone Trailhead and head for South Crestone Lake and Willow Lake. Backtracking is never something I'm opposed to when you're in some of the most spectacular country you will ever find. Seeing MONSTER trout under thin, clear ice Memorial Day weekend is a treasured memory. That Lake and the Waterfall are incredible, you MUST get to the top of the Fall.

I like the Lost Creek but I'd put it behind the Western Sangre significantly but I have easily summited Bison Peak in your time frame multiple times.

If you come through Greater Yellowstone in addition to the Northern [lower elevation] tier of YNP I love the southern approaches of the Gros Ventre Range that time of year. Like the Western Sangres more out and back options you might be able to do. We have been warm and are now back to average if not below snow-water equivalents. I LOVE Bomber Basin and Lake Louise in the Northeastern Wind Rivers even in May. Not the length of time you're looking for but absolutely spectacular.

If you are intrigued with anything I've said happy to share some photos,

John

Yes--South Crestone and Willow lakes are both about 5 miles from the (same) trailhead, with plenty of camp options.

Willow Lake is the starting point for the climb of 14ers Challenger and Kit Carson, but that route is on north-facing slopes. However, Mt Adams (just below 14K) can be climbed from Willow Lake on south-facing slopes: some or all of that route could be snow-free in early June, conceivably.

From the North Crestone Trailhead, either N. Crestone Lake or Groundhog Basin (a little ways off trail) are also excellent base camps--both about 7 miles from the trailhead. (Watch out for the very aggressive marmots at N. Crestone Lake.)

My favorite destination from Crestone is upper Cottonwood Basin and the Milwaukee Pass high country, but I doubt that early June would work there. (Milwaukee Pass is at 13,500.)

One lower-elevation option: you could hike the old Liberty Road south to Sand Creek, at the northern edge of the Great Sand Dunes. You could base camp at Sand Creek (year-round water) and explore the remote northern portion of the Dunes, or head up the Sand Creek Trail as far as the conditions allow--possibly all the way (on south-facing slopes) to the jaw-dropping view to the north from the saddle above Sand Creek. HOWEVER, be aware that the Sand Creek trail crosses Sand Creek 3 or 4 times in the first few miles: crossings that could easily be impossible in early June.

I did this in the third week of June once: the crossings were thigh-to-crotch deep and fast. (I am 5-11, so I guess crotch deep for me is thigh deep for you, texasbb ).

Thanks again for some great options. I hope it works out I can give it a go.

And thanks for the aggressive marmot warnings. I've only encountered one such marmot before; learned not to try to eat sitting down.

Thanks for the TR pointer, trinity, that's some pretty country. Where can I buy marmot spray? :-)