Cold Gear - The Colorado Trail

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#1

We are planning to start hiking the second week of June. Will we need a heavy ski-type coat or simply a jacket and good rain gear?

Also, how necessary will snowshoes be that early in the season?

thanks for your help!

iHike

#2

If you are south bound, snowshoes IMO are not needed until you reach Breckenridge (if they are needed at all). Snow depths can be researched, I suggest that if you are considering carrying them, mail them to the PO in Breck, if not needed then perhaps forward them to Creede if you think you will need them in the San Juans. If not then just send them home, use priority mail and forwarding is free (just do not open the package and perhaps forward them by phone).

As far as a coat goes, rain gear/wind gear is a must. Go light weight and layer yourself up if need be. A long sleeve shirt is suggested, it does stay cold in the higher elevations all summer long.

Peace, WB CT08

WB

#3

You’ll definitely want a rain jacket and some sort of complimentary, insulating layer that will fit underneath. I carried Frogg Toggs and a Montbell down sweater (plus gloves and a hat). I wore just the rain jacket when hiking. I then teamed the pair up in camp when the temps dropped down at night.

Matt

#4

You will probably encounter short stretches of snow on Seg 6(Georgia Pass),7 (Tenmile Range),8(Searle Pass/Elk Ridge/Kokymo Pass),and 9 (Mt Massive WA). The snow is usually hard crusted and walkable with a few postholes. I would not carry snowshoes at all - just get the tallest gaiters you can find and go for it. Central CO has had a below normal snow season so far. The big snow is in the San Juans this year(109% of normal right now). By time you get down there it should be mostly melted but you need to use caution crossing some steep unmelted sidehills and snowshoes won’t help for those anyway. Elk Ridge (S8) will also be a steep sidehill. Tenmile Range (S7) will be a cornice.

bearcreek