Trail questions

imported
#1

I’m arriving in Salida on the 22nd of May. I plan on hiking north fisrt and then south as I have plenty of time. I wanted to start in Durango but the CT org. discouraged doing that and I didn’t want to go into Denver. My questions were 1) Are there lots of bugs this time of year? 2) Is a headnet worth carrying? 3) Are there no bugs at the higher altitudes? 4) Can you carry a pack and catch the free shuttle into Breckenridge? 5) Will nights normally be below freezing? 6) What did you do with your pack when you went into stores to resupply? I have very expensive gear in my pack and have no desire to leave it on the street. 7) Did you need to bear bag every night? Was there a problem with critters?
Sorry for so many questions but I ask these through the CT site and I never got an answer.
I have backpacked for 30 some years but always in the northeast (US). Any input, suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Craig

Craig

#2

Craig, a flip-flop of the CT eh? maybe we’ll meet up as i’m leaving denver 5/28. I think I can answer some of your questions, the others are left up to Leif and the CT experts:
1.) may-July is bug season in CO, but it depends where you are as to how bad it will be. I would say that the season will just be starting up then, so in the higher region which you’ll be in at that time, won’t be too bad.
2.) On the safe side, yes, I would bring a headnet. how much do they weigh 1 oz.? Even as a weight fiend, the weight seems trivial to me.
3.) I think it depends on conditions, but higher up above treeline, you can get a stiff breeze which will make it hard for the bugs to get at ya. calm summer days by an alpine pond can be another story.
4.)Think the answer to that is most definately
5.) Count on it! The difference between daytime and nighttime temps in CO high country amazes me. It can be in the 70s during daytime and 20s at night!
6.) I think I’ll do the same as I did on the AT on the CT, ask if I can leave it behind counter, if not, leave it close to the window and keep a eye on it. (no longdistance hiker wants to lose his/her life-support system!)
7.) Let the alums confirm this for certain, but I would bear bag, not for bears but the more common smaller pests like marmots, raccons, whatever. Happy hiking!

Sweeper