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I dumped the head net a decade ago and bugs have never really been a major issue. If you really don't want mosquitos, don't camp next to water because they do come out around dusk. I am in my tent...

And the Spruce Beetle is quickly moving north and east from the San Juan Mountains and is currently killing the trees over Monarch Pass and headed north up the Sawatch Range.

Most of the dead forests in the San Juans is the result of the Spruce Beetle -- not the Pine Beetle.

If you drive from Spring Creek Pass, there is a 4WD road that shares the trail for the first couple of miles before it splits south from the trail. It rejoins the trail on the west side of Jarosa...

We got our first real snow yesterday (roughly 6"+ on the CT in the San Juan's). 3" down here at 9,500 but significantly more on the CT. I was near the high point and snow this morn is around 6"-8"....

Early July you will be fine. Maybe an occasional snowfield, but no big deal. Ron

Searle/Kokomo is Segment 8 -- typo above. Ron 😎

Better to start in Denver (if you start from Durango you will be at high elevations almost immediately. The Denver start will give you close to a week before you hit the high elevation snow segments...

MC store is busy with tourists into September. You shouldn't have a problem. I have hitched from Fooses/I50 twice and it has taken me 15 minutes or so to get a ride. Monarch Crest would be a lot...

Yesterday, Fremont Pass was at 63" and slightly above average. You will certainly encounter some deep snow when you get to Segments 6-8 (maybe June 23 or so when you get to Segment 6). As long as...

Go ahead and summit San Luis Peak. It's right off the CT and is probably the least hiked 14er. Ron ��

Ponder this, on average the Fremont Pass SNOTEL site reaches its deepest snow level on May 8th. Ron ��

The hostel in Leadville is very nice. Unfortunately, the owner (Wild Bill) passed away in an auto accident last year. Last I heard, his wife was still running the place. Ron

I will be looking for you on the trail this year. Very interesting! Heading to Lake City? If so, let me know your schedule. Ron ��

It's a matter of personal tastes. I would never use an umbrella, it's just extra unneeded weight. However, I know a few people who swear by them. A wide brim hat to keep the sun off and quick and...

The past two years, the earliest that you could "reasonably" get through Segment 7 (near the crest of Tenmile Range) and Segment 8 (Searle and Kokomo Pass areas) was around July 1. The Fremont Pass...

In Lake City, Raven's Rest (owner Lucky) and High Country Market (owner Peter) will once again be coordinating rides back up to Spring Creek Pass. My experience has been that getting rides from...

Yes, it's finally out and includes the updated Collegiate West route and lots of other enhancements.
Ron :)

September, in my opinion, is the best month of the year to hike. Few people, fewer t-storms, no Mosquitos, colors changing, and cool temps. Just be prepared for morning lows in the 20s at higher...

They are the SAME trail. One in the same. Ron :)

There are at least eight reliable water stops (and several more seasonal sources) between the CT/CDT convergence above the Elk Creek drainage to Spring Creek (149 south of Lake City). This nearly...

You probably have already done the hike, but there is plenty of water. There is water near the CDT/CT around 1 mile east of Stony Pass, several lakes near the trail at Cataract Ridge, and a creek...

I don't know about 2016, but the past 2 years have seen lots of early CDT hikers "surprised" by the very heavy snow in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. I probably gave 15-20 CDT hikers rides the...

Spring Creek (149 between Lake City and Creede) to Durango. Roughly 130 beautiful miles with most of it remote and above treeline. Begin post-July 1. SJ Ron :)

September is the best month of the year for hiking! Great pics and commentary! Ron :)