Backpacking in May (Salida, Westcliffe: camping, rated, area)

[Andrew7964]

Hello all,

I have a narrow window of May 15th to june 5th to do a 2.5 week backpacking trip between graduation and starting a new job. I am looking for a trail to hike that will mostly avoid deep snow. I realize that in May at elevation this may be difficult and am willing to travel through some snow. I would like to find a trail that has an average elevation around or just below 10,000 ft and is extensive enough for a 2 to 2 and half week trip. Any information or direction to resources would be helpful. Thank you very much.

[Snikt]

Originally Posted by Andrew7964

Hello all,

I have a narrow window of May 15th to june 5th to do a 2.5 week backpacking trip between graduation and starting a new job. I am looking for a trail to hike that will mostly avoid deep snow. I realize that in May at elevation this may be difficult and am willing to travel through some snow. I would like to find a trail that has an average elevation around or just below 10,000 ft and is extensive enough for a 2 to 2 and half week trip. Any information or direction to resources would be helpful. Thank you very much.

I'm actually in the exact same boat, but not 2.5 weeks just a couple days in May. I've been looking in the Lost Creek Wilderness area, you might check that out.

A lot of it is pretty high, around 10,000FT or so but I've seen some reports that this area melts quicker than other areas.

The colorado trail might also be a good option, but a lot of this especially if you're going for that long ventures into high areas.

[GStone777]

Take a look at the Rainbow Trail following the eastern edge of the Sangre De Cristo mountains from Salida to Westcliffe Colorado. The view are spectacular, the trail goes over 100 miles and it stays out of the higher elevations. Look it up under coloradodirectory.com or staythetrail.org. I'm sure there are other good choices in the state but this should be a good one for mid-May to early June. Be prepared for possible cold nights.

[Fuzz]

Given the winter we've had and are still having (about 3 feet of snow in the last 4 days, more forecasted for this weekend), I'd be highly doubtful of any trails around 10,000 feet being free of snow next month.

Look for south-facing trails at lower elevations.

You can check out the NWS site for the latest snow depths: National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC - The ultimate source for snow information

[JohnHAdams]

Snow shoeing might be better. Just did that a few days ago.

[bongo]

Ask some questions on the Rocky Mt. forum on Backpacker Magazine - Your Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Outdoor Gear, Adventure Travel, and Skills Magazine

There are Colo. backpackers on there.

[Idunn]

10,000 feet is pressing your luck.

At that elevation you can expect snow more usually than not. It is melting all the faster now in the high country, although more can fall as well, if now often melting as quickly. Drop down a couple thousand feet and things are more reasonable. Trails can be more often open, but deeper patches of snow still in places midst the trees, and in shadier spots.

Come mid-May this will be less applicable, and all the less snow encountered. But at 10,000 feet? Good luck.

[Neditate]

Saw this thread and thought I'd post a photo taken at RMNP yesterday: Footage by rosepoli : Weather Underground
I think this is a little over 9100'.

[ndk]

Originally Posted by Neditate

Saw this thread and thought I'd post a photo taken at RMNP yesterday: Footage by rosepoli : Weather Underground
I think this is a little over 9100'.

Yes, you're about right. It's generally appreciably deeper above that to 10,000', and clear by 8000'. Bear in mind that wind exposure and sun exposure matter as much as altitude, though.

I was last at that signpost about 2 weeks ago, and it was a little less buried than that. We're getting hit hard again right now.

[CTC]

I would really look at New Mexico-or like some one said the Rainbow Trail.

I think NM has had a below average snow year, and is indeed on fire restrictions.

CO will very much limit you-but another option is one of those trail heads in Glenwood Canyon that head up into the Flat Tops. I have a Trails Illustrated Map from that region which shows several trails at relatively low elevations

Good luck