September thru hike?

imported
#1

Hi, I managed to get the entire month of Septmeber off work and was planning a big mountain bike tour in Idaho/Montana but have now got the idea in my head that I should thru-hike the CT from Denver to Durango so my dog can have an adventure too. Just wondering if anyone has done a thru-hike in September and how much new snow they encountered? Myself and my dog are extremely fit, outdoors everyday summer and winter, and I have lots of bikepacking, touring and backcountry experience, I’m fine with snow, just maybe not a 3foot snow storm at 10,000ft. I know there will be snow, just wondering if anyone has had to abandon due to too much snow. Thanks!

longman

#2

September snow storms on the CT tend to be fleeting, a few inches that melt off in several hours or a day or two. If you’re fine with that, and sounds like you are, you’ll probably love the golds and browns of September on the CT. If you get a freak, deeper snow, probably best to stay put for a day or two until it melts enough to see the trail tread. Because the CT is not marked for snow travel, when it is buried in snow it gets very hard to follow. Just wait for some melting and you’re good to follow the trail again.

On Track

#3

Thanks! That’s what I thought but I guess I just wanted someone to agree to make me feel more at ease! I’ve ridden the CT solo so am familiar with it, I live in Nederland CO at 8300ft and am used to September snow here but wasn’t sure about higher up and deeper into the mountains

longman

#4

Given the altitude where you live, why not start from Durango and go north?

You’ll get the high stuff out of the way early and should have no trouble with acclimation … or snow.

Wandering Bob

#5

I thought about that too, still on the fence, I rode the CT in 2010 so am familiar with the route and I think finishing on the Front Range would be an anti-climax. I rode the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from the Mexican border to Banff instead of heading south like the majority, best decision I made, the last few days into Banff were spectacular.

longman