for logistical reasons not worth mentioning, i’m planning a 2011 ‘through hike’ that will knock out molas to durango first, and then denver to molas with some fireworks on July 4th in Silverton in between.
however, this will require doing molas to durango the last week of june 2011. I’m looking for someone to tell me whether i’m crazy to consider it. how much snow will likely be up there? Other things to consider? Appreciate any thoughts.
number6
I was through that area this year around Jun 20 on the CDT. I believe 2010 was an unusually high snow year in S CO. If next year is no worse, I think you’ll be OK. It might be nice to have a GPS and a track loaded, but you shouldn’t have to deal with too much snow.
Handlebar
No, you’re not crazy to consider it. There’s a real good chance it’ll be easily hike-able. It depends so much on the snowpack that season, and there’s no way to predict that. It also depends on your snow hiking experience and common sense under stress, and we don’t know that, either. You might be crazy to take a “do it no matter what” attitude. Be flexible when the time comes and change plans accordingly.
If you go, be ready to back down if it’s beyond your ability. I know a very experienced mountaineer who bailed in that section one year in September, in deep fresh snow, and he’s still here to talk about a great experience.
Garlic
thanks to everyone. i’ll be up in that area for a few weeks before i’d want to head out so i’ll have plenty of chances to opt out if there’s still heavy snow.
garlic - fair points. I wouldn’t say im very experienced, but im a small step ahead of a newbie (several 1-2 week type hikes in good weather and decent sized groups (4+ people)), but i don’t mess with snow - low skill and no experience means i stay away. I’ll have gps , but i’m not too proud to bail out.
thanks again everyone.
number6