We’re starting early in the season (June 7th) and wondering if ice axes would be necessary? I’ve heard from others that snowshoes aren’t very useful, but will we need ice axes for some of the rougher parts?
iHike
Ice Axes - The Colorado Trail
system
#2
I hiked Segment 6 last year over Georgia Pass on June 20 and had about 2 miles of snow drifts on the west side of the pass to post-hole through. An ice axe wasn’t needed on this segment, but may come in handy for crossing the Tenmile Range (Segment 7) this early in the season. You should not have any issues with snow in Segments 1-5.
Bernard
system
#3
I’d have it for Georgia Pass and the 10 Mile Range and from Searles to Kokomo Pass and then send it home in Leadville. But that’s just my opinion and I don’t mind carrying it. I’d take some crampons too, but not the full on just do the Kahtoola mini spikes
Jym Beam
system
#4
There is a sketchy sidehill on Elk Ridge just before Kokymo Pass that holds snow late and is fairly exposed. (long ways down) Ten Mile Range may have a sizable (6-10’ or so) cornice which you must negotiate, but if you fell off of it you wouldn’t go far. All I’ve ever hit on Georgia Pass is long stretches of snow but nothing very tricky. The west side is in the trees and melts late. I would consider the sidehill before Kokymo to be the one most likely to get hurt on.
bearcreek