Colorado Trail - late start questions

imported
#1

I’ve already gotten a couple of good responses on another board, but want the sage advise of you wise ones too.

I’m planning an early fall CT hike this year that would have me on the trail when the aspens are turning. I’ve been to Colorado before and generally, the aspens don’t hit peak until the third week of September. So I want to start as late as I can without putting myself at serious risk of
getting trapped if there’s an early snowfall up high.

Couple questions:

  1. How late do you think I reasonably can start, to catch the turning aspens on the CT? I’ve hiked (postholed) in snow before and don’t mind it for a short while. If a September snowstorm hits, can you get down to lower elevations safely if you don’t mind trudging through some cool sno?

  2. I’ve been following the SNOTEL site and it looks like a pretty severe drought has taken hold of Colorado this year. How hard do you think it will be to find water? I have the Data Book and am wondering if the “cup FULL” sources will be reliable this year.

  3. I’m looking to bring some “Rocky Mountain High” with me and am wondering what type John Denver smoked and where he got high.

Thanks folks. Your wise comments are welcome.

Dust

#2

I plan to walk a few of the segments around Leadville in September. You may find the information you seek at www.coloradotrail.org. They are very helpful. There will be a Friends of the Trail picnic in Leadville on Sept. 9.

Happy Hiking.

jdcool

#3

In late September or early October when I’m down around the San Juans I suspect it will get down to 20 at night. I’d like to avoid carrying my white gas stove (Simmerlite) and use an alcohol stove all the way.

At 20 degrees, alcohol will not work efficiently, but I usually don’t eat a hot breakfast anyway. Will it usually be above 30 at suppertime at that time of year, if a cold front with snow has blown through?

Dust