Quick query: Has anyone started the CT from Denver at the beginning of June? If so, please talk about the weather. I realize it changes from year to year, hell, in CO from minute to minute. Still, I’m interested to know what experiences early hikers have had. Thanks.
boulder
All I can really tell you (the weatherpeople are notorioulsy wrong here in Denver) is that we have had a much more “normal” snowfall this year (closer to average), and I would expect the snowpack to be substantial near Kenosha and farther Southwest. I don’t see problems in Segments 1 - 5 in Early June, but it could be a mess after that. OTOH, I have seen lots of CT thrus start really late, and worry tons about the snow potential in the last 6 or so segments. I think you will be fine, and have great water sources if you can hang on until June 15 or so. July 4 seems to be a popular CT starting date. There is hardly anytime more breathtaking than mid to late September in segments 7 - 12, but a thru at that time can be messy. Anyway, hope some of this helps. TrailGuy
TrailGuy
If southbound you don’t hit treeline for 70 miles. Snowpack is ABOVE NORMAL on much of the trail right now. I started June 1, 2002, but got smoked off by Hayman Fire below Georgia Pass. Latest June/early July starts is best.
John Betts