Aug 5 Departure

imported
#1

Is this too late to leave? Realistically, if we make it, it will take about 40 days.

I know snow is possible this early, but my concern if it is probable?

This is totally nuts. But we have to do it.

Gershon and Somehow

Gershon

#2

I do not think August 5th is too late to start a CT thruhike. That being said, there are a couple of variables that you will have to deal with. Segments 1 - 5 could be very dry, but you will have the S. Platte, Firehouse, etc. Not a huge deal. The “half cups” in the Data Book might be empty cups in August. Frankly, I really like hiking the CT in August and September. Sure, you might get some flurries in mid to late September, but it’s not nearly as risky as being on Segments 20 - 28 in October. Indian Summer rocks on the CT. Go for it. BTW, there are a couple of thruhikers starting later than August 5th.

TGuy

TrailGuy

#3

For most, I Aug-Sept is a great time to thru-hike the CT. Fewer bugs and people. Still beautiful, some of the greens replaced with gold. Though not uncommon to get snowed on once or twice, the accumulation is usually minimal and melts within hours.

On Track

#4

I thru-hiked the CT Denver-Durango August 5-September 20 of 1998. Afternoon and early evening thunderstorms were an almost daily occurrence until around Creede, beyond which the monsoon pattern began to wane, but not without a bit of sleet mixed in at the higher elevations as the temperatures ebbed into autumn. I experienced almost no residual snowpack and didn’t confront any new snow to speak of. The trail was very well-watered that year. Of particular note, I met no other long-distance hikers during the entire journey, although a few were a short distance ahead of me, never to be caught. I imagine the trail has become more popular during the intervening 13 years (there still wasn’t much internet communication back then).

blisterfree

#5

Thanks for all the encouragement.

Water looks like a challenge for the first 2 or 3 sections. We will have to go a little further than we wanted to on the second couple of days. So much for a slow start, but we think we can do it. After that, water looks available until section 15 or 16 where there is that long stretch without water. By then, we should be able to do the longer days. Until then we will just meander and see what happens. Fun and safety are more important than finishing, but we both want to finish. Either we are in good enough shape or we aren’t.

Too bad about maybe not seeing other through hikers. I like to see what equipment others who are getting out there are using. But we think we are good with what we have. We still have to work out the details on food.

Say hi if you see Somehow and I on the trail. He will have a red external frame pack and I will have a blue one.

Gershon

#6

The date is changed to Aug 2. Any intel on half cup water sources on the first 3 segments will be appreciated. We will be stretching our limits just a bit on one of those days.

Gershon

#7

I would highly recommend a fall hike to anyone. I think the benefits completely outway the summer hike…i had almost NO lighting storms to contend with, no bugs, no people (I like that part), fall colors, a dusting of snow. I think it could also be safer, I’ve heard so many stories of people having pretty bad lighting encounters because you spend so much time above tree level…all in all I think you will enjoy it very much!!!

She-ra

#8

What do you mean by a fall thru-hike She-ra? What sort of date range? August into September usually means daily storms initially. September into October is calling it close on winter. When did you go?

fall hike

#9

My boyfriend and I are getting back to the states at the end of September and are looking at thru hiking starting the 2nd of October…we realize we are pushing it, weatherwise, but were going that by starting in Durango we would avoid major snow accumulation. Anybody have any suggestions? Is that just flat out too late to start?
Thanks!

AJO