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Post by walkingmiller on Sept 2, 2015 8:33:36 GMT -8
Hello all! My wife and I got a free week in October (10-17), and were thinking about a car camping trip to Colorado for the week. I am trying to work out the feasibility of the trip, and thought you all might have some helpful advice. I am more into winter camping and backpacking than my wife, but she has said that she is up for it as long as it isn't too cold (I would say we want to avoid temps much below freezing at night). I know that the weather does whatever it wants, so we'll have a backup plan, but are there areas where we would have a better chance of warmer weather? Any thoughts about whether location (Pagosa Springs vs Estes Park) or elevation tends to be more important weather-wise? Would we have a better chance for warmer weather in the San Juans than we would in the Front Range? We would prefer to spend no more time driving than we have to (coming from Lawrence, KS), but I also want to make sure my wife isn't miserable because she is so cold. I wish we could move the trip up about a month, but unfortunately, that isn't possible. Thank you for your help!
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burntfoot
Trail Wise!
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Post by burntfoot on Sept 2, 2015 20:13:54 GMT -8
You'll have frost and cold night-time temperatures in mid-October. I live in Gunnison at 7700 feet, and we have had one light frost already. It has snowed significantly as early as the 3rd week of September, although that is not commons. My recommendation is that you camp down low below 6000 feet, and take day-trips up into the mountains each day.
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Woodsie
Trail Wise!
Colorado
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Post by Woodsie on Sept 3, 2015 16:48:46 GMT -8
Middle of October in Colorado can be warm or snowy. Nights will definitely be cool, though. Moraine Park Campground in RMNP might be a good choice. By that time of year the crowds should have thinned out considerably, and the elk will still be doing some bugling. Aspen tress will probably have already dropped their golden leaves by then, although a few might still be hanging on. Lots of good hike in RMNP, too.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Sept 16, 2015 6:32:04 GMT -8
October 10-14 is also Elk hunting Season. Combinded Deer/Elk 2nd season starts on the 17th.
If you're planning on doing any day hiking, I'd recommend getting a couple cheap orange vests.
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Post by walkingmiller on Sept 23, 2015 9:28:32 GMT -8
Thank you to everyone who replied! I think we may try to stick with Moraine Park Campground in RMNP. Being so close to Estes will also give us a fallback in case we need a plan B. I am especially grateful that you pointed out that it will be during hunting season (not being a hunter I wouldn't have thought about it). Thankfully my wife's coat is already bright orange, and I will be sure to wear something similarly colored as well. Plus, we might try to stick to the National Park during hunting season to avoid hunters in general. I know there are lots of good recommendations for RMNP hikes on the forums and the internet, but if you have any favorites you want to throw out there, we'd appreciate it. Thanks again for the help!
walkingmiller
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Post by swimswithtrout on Sept 24, 2015 19:03:02 GMT -8
I know there are lots of good recommendations for RMNP hikes on the forums and the internet, but if you have any favorites you want to throw out there, we'd appreciate it. Mid-Oct is still "normally" a good time for RMNP. From Moraine Park, there's a couple of must do hikes. First, and the best short hike in the Park is Mills Lake with the optional short lolly pop extension to The Loch or even up to Sky Pond if you're up to it. Second would be the Emerald Lk/ Lk Hiayaha loop from Bear Lake. Third, and longest, would be the Bear Lk/ Odessa/ Fern Lk loop using the shuttle. If the weather is good, and you want an Alpine summit, Mt Ida, on the west slope from Milner Pass is the best. |
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