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Post by lennox on Mar 27, 2021 14:08:46 GMT -8
I am looking for a location in Colorado that is likely to be mostly snow-free in mid-June for backpacking. It should also be within about a 2-3 hour drive from Boulder and not require getting permits (RMNP). We would prefer a loop, but an out-and-back could also do. A shuttle is a possibility, but may need to be closer to the Boulder area.
I am somewhat familiar with the Lost Creek Wilderness (Lost Creek Wilderness Loop and the Wigwam/McCurdy/Brookside Loops) and I think one of those may work. The other places I can think of are likely to still have a lot of snow. Places such as Baker-Bowen Gulch (Never Summer Wilderness), Gore Lake (Eagles Nest Wilderness), Rogers Pass, Heart and Crater Lakes (James Peak Wilderness). Any ideas or suggestions?
Perhaps another way of looking at this is to ask: "At what elevation should I expect to see a lot of snow in mid-June this year?" I would want to plan on staying below that elevation.
Thanks, Lennox
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Post by cweston on Mar 28, 2021 5:30:54 GMT -8
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marmotstew
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Post by marmotstew on Apr 1, 2021 12:37:07 GMT -8
I did American/Michigan lakes about a dozen years ago. It’s maybe closer to 3 hour drive from Boulder according to google. I remember the lakes and trail very open with not much shade so it could be relatively “snow free” Snow lake is just a short hike from the lower lakes. Guess there is a fee at the trailhead though.
Heart lakes would definitely have more people than snow.
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Post by Lamebeaver on May 19, 2021 7:20:53 GMT -8
Snow line varies greatly depending on exposure (northern/southern) and tree cover. Sometimes there will be very little snow in meadows above treeline, with +10' under the trees. The western side of the Sangre de Cristos are often passable in late June. That's about 4 hours from Boulder.
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TrailElder
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Post by TrailElder on May 21, 2021 4:33:31 GMT -8
lennox How's your trip planning going? I'm based on the Front Range now, and I'll be based in Summit County starting in early June, so can give you some updates as June draws nigh. I've been tromping around below 10,000 without a problem, though mostly in Southern CO. The snowpack seems to vary quite a bit around the state. Big difference between south-facing slopes and more northerly ones right now. In June, I'd also keep an eye on just general sloppiness and mud. Lost Creek will likely always be a good early-season option. You might take a look at some of the lower stuff on the east side of Mount Evans Wilderness? I don't know it well, but imagine it might be pretty passable by then. Are you looking for true Wilderness ideally?
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Post by swimswithtrout on May 22, 2021 9:45:37 GMT -8
The Front Range from roughly Denver north got dumped on in Epic proportions this spring.Other than the very lowest elevations, everything is going to be buried in snow. Even in a "normal" year, mid June is almost a month early...
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TrailElder
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Post by TrailElder on May 24, 2021 3:57:30 GMT -8
Hardly epic, but SWE is slightly above normal for the South Platte basin. The rest of the state is well below normal. It can be done in June!
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Post by TrailElder on May 30, 2021 8:41:21 GMT -8
Just had a delightful 3 days tromping around in Pikes Peak NF on the north side of the peak. 25 miles of trail between 6500 and 9000 ft. Days were high 60s, thunderstorms. Night frosty but doable. No snow encountered. Some ice still on creek in the deepest canyons.
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Post by lennox on Jun 4, 2021 13:09:53 GMT -8
It looks like we will be doing the Lost Creek Loop in the Lost Creek Wilderness in mid-June. From what I have seen in other internet discussion, it looks like most of the snow is going except on the north slopes of the highest elevations. I think we will be ok for snow. Anyone know the temperature range I might expect this year in mid June? Or a good source to check?
Lennox
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TrailElder
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Post by TrailElder on Jun 6, 2021 11:56:01 GMT -8
You will be 100% fine in there. Very little snow and warm temps. Best source for weather is NOAA site. You can dial in your location by clicking on the map. So I start with a nearby town, like Tarryall, CO, in this case, and then move the map and click on the highest elevation I can find in Lost Creek to the northeast. The weather readout will adjust accordingly -- though not perfect of course. I did that here. forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.40737736970183&lat=39.23500025444173#.YL0l9zZKgr0 I have no idea if the setting will stick when you access the link, but let me know! I am up in Frisco for the next couple of weeks. So far, I have ventured into Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness on the southwest facing side. Acorn Creek Trail to Ptarmigan Peak. It is very dry. No snow in sight all the way to 12,000+'. The snow is still quite present across the valley on the Gore Range, but melting fast. PPW is little used for backpacking, and is worth a look. The challenge for multi-day trips is water sourcing, so plan accordingly. |
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TrailElder
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Post by TrailElder on Jun 7, 2021 5:33:13 GMT -8
Got up into lower Eagle's Nest Wilderness last night above Frisco, up N. Tenmile. Very little snow left below timberline in that area, unfortunately. Backpacking would be very doable, except for perhaps the high passes. Dillon Ranger District could advise on that.
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Post by lennox on Jun 7, 2021 8:01:31 GMT -8
Thanks Trailelder. The link seems to work. I think we are pretty much locked in to the LCW for this trip. I have a friend that recently moved to Frisco, so we will surely be visiting Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness. I attempted a hike in Eagles Nest a few Septembers ago and bailed out due to a blizzard. I need to go back there too.
Thanks again, Lennox
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Post by cweston on Jun 7, 2021 9:09:13 GMT -8
I attempted a hike in Eagles Nest a few Septembers ago and bailed out due to a blizzard. I need to go back there too. Absolutely--that's some of the best BPing in Colorado (at least) for sure. Even the "crowded" parts of the range aren't too bad once you get out of typical dayhiker range. And the rugged NE part of the Eagles Nest Wilderness is WILDERNESS wilderness. |
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Post by TrailElder on Jun 7, 2021 10:11:33 GMT -8
The NE section of ENW to which cweston refers, as of June 5. From PPW, Acorn Creek. Eagle's Nest Peak is hiding in the background in the middle of this shot. |
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TrailElder
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Post by TrailElder on Jun 7, 2021 10:14:45 GMT -8
lennox, have a great trip into Lost Creek. Let us know how it goes!
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