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  1. #1
    Registered User stilllife's Avatar
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    Default Best time of year

    What is the best time of year to hike the Colorado Trail?
    Thanks

  2. #2

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    Late june in low snow yr thru sept.
    Often some parts not passable till 2nd week july

    Mid sept on is great, cool nights, some days with no storms if lucky. Drier, less water

    July-aug....hot hot hot daily tstorms


    Last week june- late july....lingering snowfields are awesome

    Take your pick.

    I like lingering snow, at least in CW. Waters plentiful and pictures are awesome. My advice...leave denver as soon as CW become passable, or few days before.
    IMG_20170715_083445850-1.jpg
    Last edited by MuddyWaters; 11-01-2018 at 15:18.

  3. #3

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    If I were to try the CT again I think I'd pick an early to mid August to start. That way there's a good chance of finishing before the weather turns, which often happens mid September. If you start in early September, you really have to be ready for snow and cold towards the end of the month - or sooner.

    Early July would be nice to see the wild flowers in bloom, but the T-storms are a pain and it can get real hot during the day - then real chilly at night. Plus you might have to fight your way across rotten snow fields.

    If I were to try the CT again, I'd first go directly to Leadville and spend a good week getting acclimated to the elevation by doing day hikes. Maybe rent a mountain bike. The 100 miles from Waterton to Breck wasn't enough for me to really get used to the thin air. Man, it's hard to lug a pack at 10,000 feet even if the trail is essentially flat. One of the reasons I decided to call it quits at Breck. Snow on the way was another. I started Labor Day Weekend.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  4. #4
    Registered User gravityman's Avatar
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    Default

    Yeah, I've heard suggestions to hike in Sept. But you will get some pretty nasty snow storms as winter closes in.

    I think mid to late July is the best time to start. The thunderstorms are always a problem during any 'summer time' weather pattern. So its either snow or thunderstorms. Thunderstorms just mean an early start to your day. Snow, that's a day or two of pain.

  5. #5

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    Best?...

  6. #6
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    I have hiked it starting late June and again starting late aug. I prefered Aug/Sept but both were excellent.

    I dont see how you could go wrong!

  7. #7

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    https://pmags.com/colorado-trail-end-to-end-guide-2

    It's a good guide and then decided for yourself based on what you desire and are able.

  8. #8

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    Mags guide is great. Highly recommended, even essential i would say.

    Only 3 mo really available: july, aug, sept.

    First two hot and intense daly tstorms

    Sept can be drier and nicer days, especially latter

    Theres a few long above treeline stretches where meeting tstorm is very undesireable. I lucked out on a few, watching storms skirt me. Others bail lower off ridge (can be long way) and wait out, or foolishly continue hiking as tallest thing around. I literally ran off snow mesa in hail with lightning striking behind me. Didnt slow till i was in the trees.

    Mid-Late sep would be less worrisome in this regard, but do have to worry about snow. Pick your poision.
    Last edited by MuddyWaters; 11-10-2018 at 12:35.

  9. #9
    Registered User IslandPete's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MuddyWaters View Post
    Late june in low snow yr thru sept.
    Often some parts not passable till 2nd week july

    Mid sept on is great, cool nights, some days with no storms if lucky. Drier, less water

    July-aug....hot hot hot daily tstorms


    Last week june- late july....lingering snowfields are awesome

    Take your pick.

    I like lingering snow, at least in CW. Waters plentiful and pictures are awesome. My advice...leave denver as soon as CW become passable, or few days before.
    IMG_20170715_083445850-1.jpg
    Muddy, what is CW?

  10. #10
    Registered User IslandPete's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MuddyWaters View Post
    Late june in low snow yr thru sept.
    Often some parts not passable till 2nd week july

    Mid sept on is great, cool nights, some days with no storms if lucky. Drier, less water

    July-aug....hot hot hot daily tstorms


    Last week june- late july....lingering snowfields are awesome

    Take your pick.

    I like lingering snow, at least in CW. Waters plentiful and pictures are awesome. My advice...leave denver as soon as CW become passable, or few days before.
    IMG_20170715_083445850-1.jpg
    Muddy, what is CW?

  11. #11
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    There is no best.
    There is only when you do it.
    The first week of October in the San Juans can be awesome. It was for me.
    The last week of August has been nice for me on several occasions. Before and after the climate change.
    For some unknown reason, the White River NF closes the Turquoise Lake campgrounds near Leadville the Tuesday after Labor Day. Dumbest thing I ever heard.
    Wayne

  12. #12
    Registered User Venchka's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by IslandPete View Post
    Muddy, what is CW?
    Collegiate West. AKA New CDT route.
    Wayne

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