Mosquitoes - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

We haven’t been able to find any info about mosquitoes on the Colorado Trail. Is that because there are none or because there are so many there’s no need to mention them? (In other words, do we need to pack bug juice or no?)

Nancy

#2

I am pretty sure this topic was covered in the last 60 days, but I think the gist is that there will be some at the lower elevations, especially around water and livestock, and that there will be some around same conditions higher but not as bad. Last year we saw almost none on sections 20-21. (Course that may be becasue we had 7 hours of rain a day).

jbsbestfan

#3

Thanks - I searched back through the forums for a while, but didn’t see anything. I wish you could search an individual forum for something - when I did a search I got tons of posts from the Appalachian Trail, but didn’t see anything on the CT.

Nancy

#4

There ARE Mosquitos – generally near water and mostly prevalent an hour or two prior to sunset. June and July are probably the two worst months. They are generally gone by late-August. Be prepared if you are camping near water for the Mosquitos in the evening. SJ Ron

San Juan Ron

#5

The bugs at Lujan Pass (10,000 ft) are pretty intense in early July. Mosquitos and black flies. The place is basically devoid of water so the bugs are surprising. Apparently there are wet patches back in the woods. A breeze can eliminate them though. You may not notice them at all, what with the lightning and hail. ha ha :wink: Apple

Apple

#6

I can attest to Apple’s post, having hiked Segment 17 during Independence Day weekend in 2010. I greeted the monsoon on Sargents Mesa, and met many of the local mosquitoes along the way. Fortunately, donning a light windshirt kept the mosquitoes off my arms.

Here is my trail journal from that trip: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=318916

Bernard

#7

In Late June 2010 I renamed the Lost Creek Wilderness to Lost Blood Wilderness. The 7% DEET product I had didn’t even slow them down. I recommend 30-40% DEET. The rest of the trail Mid July-August hardly any bugs.

Woofer

#8

OK - thanks for the info. I was really hoping the answer would be there weren’t any. ((sigh))

Nancy