Just got back from a trip to Colorado and I’m hooked. What kind of window is there for start and end dates, taking into account optimal weather and lack of biting bugs? Thanks.
Joel
Colorado Trail start
system
#2
On average, you could start anywhere between early July and early September. To try and avoid any fall snow storms, plan to be off the trail by early to mid-October. Optimal starting time is probably mid-July. It would be best to finish by mid-September.
DenverRaider
system
#3
I started June 22nd if I recall correctly. It was a low snow year. Sweeper started before me. Basically, dates don’t mean much. What really matters is how much snow fell that year. Also, in mid to late July I’ve heard that frequent daily storms flock to the highest peak. We didn’t get that- dry year, remember? It’s a killer trail, that’s for sure. Enjoy! :nerd
Tha Wookie
system
#4
Joyce and I hiked the trail this summer from July 7 to August 27 and the timing seemed perfect. Our only disappointment was that we were too late to see the wildflowers in the sections from Silverton. There is no way to avoid the storms so just deal with them by hiking early. Since we live near the end we were able to notice the weather got worse after we finished and were glad we weren’t still out there. Hi to our trail friends! 
Ruth Ann
system
#5
Thanks so much for the info. If I can wrap things up at work by March I’d like to hit the AT, but if I can’t get out of my contract until May then the Colorado Trail seems to be a great consolation prize.
Joel