Snow melt - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

I arrived in Denver tonight. After talking with my sister in law I am curious how bad the snow melt is going to be. Does anyone know how many crossings that this might be a problem at?

Pacemaker

#2

I just got off the trail 2 days ago.

You’ll be fine in regard to snow until about 10 miles into segment 6. After that, there’s 3 feet of snow on the mountain and it’s incredibly difficult to get through. I won’t be able to tell you anything after that, because that’s when I decided to turn around.

Josh

#3

Thanks Josh for the update. I have been really researching the conditions and every bit of info is very helpful and appreciated. I hope your able to get back on the trail soon.

Pacemaker

#4

Postings here maybe of help:

On Track

#5

Looks like it is a good idea to postpone your start date as long as possible this year. Last year I hit 3 feet of snow and my hike went from sublime to misery. It was really discouraging. A few weeks later would have been a totally different story. I hate to think folks are flying in from all over (the world) just to get frustrated by deep snow this year. Other opinions are welcome. Apple

Apple

#6

Anybody on a tight time schedule might consider doing the trail in reverse or even better, flipping from US50 to Durango then US50 to Denver. (or Denver to US 50)

Conditions appear to be improving faster here in the San Juans than on the Denver side. Forecast is for mid to high 80’s for the next week or longer here in town at 6600’. Snotel reports that Beartown has melted out with a high temperature of 65 yesterday. There is probably still considerable snow in places but we appear to be 1-2 weeks ahead of the Denver side.

If anybody considers this, remember that there will be short sections of snow to cross on steep hillsides in the San Juans. Some CDT hikers have already passed through headed north and they all have been carrying ice axes and minispikes.

bearcreek

#7

My schedule is fixed, and I arrive Denver 6/24 and plan to go SOBO starting at Sec 6. Supplies already mailed so I can’t really change course or direction.

From what I can tell on websites, I might have to walk on roads for 6 miles on the west side from Georgia Pass (6/25) and I might have to roadwalk Route 9 instead of walking Sec 7 (6/27).

After that I am thinking (hoping?) that 10 hours of > 60 degree weather up in the mountains for the next 5 days or so will get rid of most of the problem if not all of the snow after that.

Mike

#8

I am still heading out next week, but with a couple extra days of food. See ya there Apple!
Regards,
John

Cabana

#9

I’ve started 7 thruhikers on their journey this week, and to a person, the first question is about the snow up at Georgia Pass. Very simple - enjoy Segments 1 - 4, get a definitive report before taking off from Kenosha Pass, and if the report is negative, hitch or get yourself to Breckenridge, and go from there. It’s really hot here today, and will be for the next few days. I’ll go up there this weekend, and file a report on Monday. Those of you starting next week >> don’t sweat it. Yes, we have a lot of snow in the Central Rockies this year, but the SW portion of the trail is not so blanketed. The idea of a S>N thru, or a flip flop would be a great choice this year.

TGuy

TrailGuy

#10

Just wanted to use this space to publicly give thanks to Trail Guy for the updates and help. Not only has he provided insight to snow conditions, etc., he has been willing to start many people on their thru hikes (including myself! June 29th!)

So thanks a bunch Trail Guy. You rock.

Cam

Cameron

#11

you can get to the pass, but the next 2 miles were 6 foot snow drifts. 3 hours of post holing. we came back out today

mapman