trail conditions for an early hike

[gruntledpainter]

I'm looking to hike between Mid May and Early July. About 5 weeks total. The distance of the CT seems ideal to me, but from what I've been reading it seems too early with the snow, etc.

I just wanted to try and see what the conditions this year are forecasted to be. Will the snow be bad during that time this year? Is it still hikeable? (I will probably be doing the main trail rather than trying to do a lot of side trips to 14ers.

I'm open about suggestions for other hikes, but I love the mountains in Colorado and this is pretty much my only window all year.

Also, if I go this early do I need a 4-season tent? Right now I have a 3-season tent.

Thanks!

[Mags]

Please see this thread:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50658

And read this doc:
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.ph...rail_info.html


Generally speaking, you will not want to start to hike the CT until about late-June.

[gruntledpainter]

Please see this thread:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50658

And read this doc:
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.ph...rail_info.html


Generally speaking, you will not want to start to hike the CT until about late-June.

Thanks for the info!

Any other hikes May-July in the mountains that you can recommend?

[Mags]

Thanks for the info!

Any other hikes May-July in the mountains that you can recommend?

The late June guideline is pretty much for anywhere in the Colorado high country.

The foothill trails will be opened up before then (usually). The Lost Creek Wilderness is generally opened up by ~mid-June.

The photo from the thread I linked was from May 23rd of last year at 10000 feet.

If you are set on hiking a long trail in this time frame, your best bet is going to be the southern Appalachians. Going to be darn hot in the desert trails by May or so. I've been in the Whites on Memorial Day weekend and have post-holed up to my thighs as another example.