As I understand them, here are the plusses and minuses, along with my ratings of importance on a scale of 1-10:
*mileage book is formated for S-bound (2)
*more company (6)
*more water (7)
*better warm-up (5)
*wildflowers (6)
*less clothing/lighter bag (5)
*less scary-ass thunderstorms/less rain in general (10)
*less mosquitoes & gnats (11)
*fall foliage (6)
Thanks in advance for your help!
Polecat
I’d suggest re-examining the importance of “warm-up”. Heading north, you’re hitting the high, high mountains hard on day two! You’re legs and lungs better be ready to roll right out of the chute. Heading south, the climb and acclimation process is much more gradual. Also, unless you hike slow, I don’t know how much fall foliage you’ll get to see. I live east of Durango and we didn’t get colors until early October last year. You’ll be close but might finish just ahead of the leaves. Given that possibility, perhaps re-examine the importance of that category as well.
Matt
I completely agree with Matt about the “warm up”. There is definitely a “break in” period from Waterton Canyon to Kenosha Pass, where one can acclimate over 4-6 sections of the trail. Bugs are really dependent on the water/snowmelt of certain sections, and are variable. Either direction, be prepared not to see too many other people. (With the exception of mountain bikers in the early sections) This is one lightly used trail. That being said, you will definitely find that fewer people hike the CT South to North than the other direction. About the only negative I can say about a N > S start in late June is the early heat. I have hiked with many thru hikers on the opening sections during June/July, and it can be an oven. Other than that, by going South, you will probably have better water resources as the summer progresses. We had plenty of snow this winter (I live < 2 miles from Waterton Canyon), so water shouldn’t be too much of a problem. As for fall foliage, a later start in either direction could help, although you risk the chance of snow if you start too late. I have done several fall hikes on the CT, and it is a special season, but I was only travelling 100 miles or so. One approach that may fit all of your requirements may be to do a “flip-flop”. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing that.
TrailGuy
Northbound in September is fantastic, I had colors, I had water, I had the high elevation at the beginning of the trail and didn’t have the issues with snow…but I’m biased, I loved it, I’m sure southbound in summer would have been good as well…
She-ra