|
|
Post by burntfoot on Mar 11, 2017 8:21:12 GMT -8
I had something similar to this posted in the old forums years ago that I would bounce back to the top each year in February or March. Haven't done it yet in this forum, so here goes.
Please consider the time of year for your hikes. This is mostly for people from other parts of the U.S. who are planning trips to the western part of the country. My intention is not to be mean, nor to discourage you from coming, but to give a reality check on conditions out here.
Springtime (March, April, May) is not the time to consider backpacking in mountain areas. We still have snow measurable in feet out here during these months, not inches. You can get into the mountains, but it will be on snowshoes. But, canyon areas can be nice during these months. If traveling during March, April and May, I recommend the canyon parks in Utah or western Colorado. It is a great time of year for these areas.
June. This is a month I would avoid if planning outdoor activities. The exception would be river rafting. You can find some good hiking in places. But, longer trips will be difficult to find. Mountain areas will still have too much snow (or muddy trails) to make things fun, in general. And, canyon areas will be too hot by June. I call June my "off-month" and stick to hikes in different locations than normal.
July, August. Again, avoid canyon areas in the southwest unless you like heat. But, high alpine mountain areas are good by this time. Later in July, and in August, plan on getting early starts each day so that you can be done early before thunderstorms roll in.
September. My favorite month, as all areas are generally good for hiking - canyons and mountains. You can have snow in the mountains and colder temperatures at night. But, not too extreme most of the time. And, weather is usually great with clear blue skies.
October, November. October is still good in the mountains with blue skies. But, it is a gamble. At some time during this month, winter usually shuts things down. But, I've had years where I was hiking every weekend through Thanksgiving. Canyon areas are great during these months.
December, January, February - Winter. Skiing, x-country skiing, snowshoeing.
|
|
|
|
Post by absarokanaut on Mar 11, 2017 9:17:23 GMT -8
Can I bare boot it to Waterdog lakes next weekend?
|
|
|
|
Post by msdoolittle on Mar 21, 2017 13:31:29 GMT -8
rebeccad, any chance this can be stickied at the top of this forum? It's a great post that everyone should read when considering visiting us high altitude states.
|
|
|
|
Post by msdoolittle on Mar 22, 2017 6:05:48 GMT -8
bp2go ? Maybe Rebeccad took the week off with Zeke. lol
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,666 
|
Post by rebeccad on Mar 23, 2017 20:00:13 GMT -8
bp2go ? Maybe Rebeccad took the week off with Zeke. lol I did take the same week off, but not with Zeke  I'm home, and consider it stickied. ETA: except bp2go beat me to it. Nice to know *one* Mod is hanging around. |
|
|
|
Post by msdoolittle on Mar 24, 2017 5:32:42 GMT -8
bp2go ? Maybe Rebeccad took the week off with Zeke. lol I did take the same week off, but not with Zeke I'm home, and consider it stickied. ETA: except bp2go beat me to it. Nice to know *one* Mod is hanging around. Thanks y'all! Hope you had some good time off, Rebecca. And as always, thanks bp2go!! |
|
HMPYG
Trail Wise!
HMPYG.com son! Travel insights, music revelations, the weird, and the wonderful.
Posts: 45 
|
Post by HMPYG on Jun 21, 2017 14:59:12 GMT -8
My intention is not to be mean, nor to discourage you from coming, but to give a reality check on conditions out here.
That's not mean at all! People do need to be told this. I've seen way too many people on Arizona trails in May with just a half liter of water. I'd never go out during that season with less than 2 liters, even for a day hike. - Steve, Creator of HMPYG |
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Aug 17, 2017 5:43:54 GMT -8
To the above by burntfoot, I would also add that late May and June (perhaps early July depending on winter snowpack) are the absolute worst times for mosquitos.
|
|
|
|
Post by burntfoot on Apr 21, 2018 8:11:33 GMT -8
I haven't seen very many threads yet with this season's plans that look bad due to conditions (heat or snow). So, people must be looking at this thread. Happy trails, everyone.
|
|
|
|
Post by fremontia on Aug 26, 2019 20:24:12 GMT -8
I had something similar to this posted in the old forums years ago that I would bounce back to the top each year in February or March. Haven't done it yet in this forum, so here goes.
Please consider the time of year for your hikes. This is mostly for people from other parts of the U.S. who are planning trips to the western part of the country. My intention is not to be mean, nor to discourage you from coming, but to give a reality check on conditions out here.
Springtime (March, April, May) is not the time to consider backpacking in mountain areas. We still have snow measurable in feet out here during these months, not inches. You can get into the mountains, but it will be on snowshoes. But, canyon areas can be nice during these months. If traveling during March, April and May, I recommend the canyon parks in Utah or western Colorado. It is a great time of year for these areas.
June. This is a month I would avoid if planning outdoor activities. The exception would be river rafting. You can find some good hiking in places. But, longer trips will be difficult to find. Mountain areas will still have too much snow (or muddy trails) to make things fun, in general. And, canyon areas will be too hot by June. I call June my "off-month" and stick to hikes in different locations than normal.
July, August. Again, avoid canyon areas in the southwest unless you like heat. But, high alpine mountain areas are good by this time. Later in July, and in August, plan on getting early starts each day so that you can be done early before thunderstorms roll in.
September. My favorite month, as all areas are generally good for hiking - canyons and mountains. You can have snow in the mountains and colder temperatures at night. But, not too extreme most of the time. And, weather is usually great with clear blue skies.
October, November. October is still good in the mountains with blue skies. But, it is a gamble. At some time during this month, winter usually shuts things down. But, I've had years where I was hiking every weekend through Thanksgiving. Canyon areas are great during these months.
December, January, February - Winter. Skiing, x-country skiing, snowshoeing.
Anyone have temperature data for the Colorado trail in Sept/Oct? We’re starting from Denver next weekend and hoping to be out in early October, but want to check avg low temps especially in the San Juan Mtns in October. Thanks! |
|
OwenM
Trail Wise!
Posts: 102
|
Post by OwenM on Aug 31, 2019 0:36:23 GMT -8
Average doesn't mean that much in the mountains, but I'd be expecting 30-40F, 20s up high.
If I was guaranteed the same weather as I had in the San Juans last September, I'd take a 40F bag, and wouldn't bother carrying a puffy.
But I also saw reports(and pics) from a year or two before where some CT hikers in that area lost a day due to getting snowed on heavily the same week in September...
|
|
|
|
Post by absarokanaut on Aug 31, 2019 8:52:47 GMT -8
With all due respect at high elevations only an idiot is not prepared for ANYTHING 24/7/365. I've seen an inch and half of ice in puddles in mid July. Several inches of snow in early August.
|
|
|
|
Post by kmatjhwy on Jul 30, 2020 18:11:30 GMT -8
Now will echo what Absarokanut said above. When hiking in the Rockies, with especially one must be prepared for anything at all times of the year. Have hiked all over the West with especially here in the Wyoming NW Wilds. Onetime at the very beginning of August, I experienced a three day snowstorm which eventually added up to near a foot of snow on the ground. Also have seen snow and snowstorms every month of the year. I have even seen snowstorms in the Southern Utah Canyons in late spring. So a prudent person, in my opinion, would be prepared for whatever that might occur.
Wishing Everyone the Best!
|
|
driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,965
|
Post by driftwoody on Jul 31, 2020 0:53:39 GMT -8
Glad I read this thread. I'm planning a weeklong trip to Wyoming's Bighorns, hiking the last Saturday in August thru the first Saturday in September. Hoping to avoid intense heat or snow, but will come prepared. Camping no higher than 9600' and Florence Pass will be the highest hike.
|
|
I'm home, and consider it stickied.
