Too late to start a thru-hike?

imported
#1

I was wondering what your opinion is on starting a thru-hike this late in the season or a hike starting at Seg. 7/Breck. What would you do differently if you were to hike now (e.g. would you pack different clothes/shoes?) I was going to start mid-Aug but was delayed and now I sit here pondering what to do.

If you know of anyone interested in hiking with me I would love the company. Thought I wanted to hike solo but I would really enjoy some companionship.

Finally, if you tell me not to go, but know of someone needing to hire a new employee who chose to forgo their month-long hike feel free to let me know that as well :wink:

Thank you!

eremitt

#2

Unless you already live at high altitude, I would not start at Breck because you’ll be hiking immediately between 10,000 and 12,000 feet which might trigger some discomfort/illness. For those of us who live near sea-level, it’s hard enough to start in Denver at 5,200 feet because you end up at 10,000 feet about 4 days later.

Loup

#3

September is my favorite month to hike. It is usually drier than August and the foliage is fantastic. It’s also the best time to see bears and other wildlife which follow the ripening berries up to treeline. Temperatures are lower, so you might consider using a warmer sleeping bag, but other than that I wouldn’t do much differently.

If you can do a reasonably paced hike of 35 days or so, you will likely not see much bad weather at all.

bearcreek

#4

I plan to leave Arizona next Friday. I hope to hit the trail Saturday or Sunday 9/1 or 9/2 in an attempted thru hike. I am planning on cooler temps and possible snow at higher elevations. I will bring my 15 degree sleeping bag and some additional warmer clothing. Hope to see you on the trail.

Desert Nomad

#5

As long as you are prepared for cold and snow, there is no reason not to thruhike now. Bring a warm bag, some warmer clothes (long underwear, hat and gloves especially)and a little extra food in case you end up snowbound for a day or two. You’re likely to have a mixture of beautiful sunny days and a few cold wet ones - but the cold is no reason not to hike. Just be prepared.

ginny

#6

I live in Denver and I’m used to the altitude so that’s not a concern. I have a 0 degree bag (I usually run colder even in the summer months). I was planning on trail runners - would you bring your boots as backup in case it snows?

eremitt

#7

I know in Denver you are still experiencing 90+ degree days but up here in the mountains we had our first frost last night (my tomatoes were wiped out) and the days have not been getting above 70 degrees. I have lived in CO for years (currently in Winter Park at 9,100ft) and the snow starts to fly in Sept so I would recommend hiking in boots rather than trail runners if you don’t want to feet to freeze. Also, invest in some good Smartwool socks! Have fun and enjoy the beautiful fall colors!

pray4snow

#8

I’m leaving my home(balmy Texas coastline, elevation 10 1/2 feet)and flying to Colorado on Sept. 11th, before starting at Spring Creek Pass on Sept. 12th. If you pass my frozen, dead body on the trail, feel free to pick through my stuff before alerting authorities. (I have some pretty cool stuff; it will be a major score.)

P.S. Hope to see you on the trail.

Bryan