Dos Perros
WKR
Hi folks,
I'm headed to the Colorado high country over Memorial Day weekend to get some solitude and fresh air. I had wanted to do this trip much later in the summer to increase the scouting value, but I'll work with the time I have available. I'm saving my deer points for a hunt in unit forty-four and since I'm hunting MT/WY this year figured this would be a good opportunity to scout CO for the years ahead. I want to try to get into some high basins in there, really more for fun and to try something new since I know the animals are all down low and no antlers and the high country is all covered with snow anyway. I've only ever backpacked in the more summer months, July through September, and while I have been rained/hailed/snowed on, I know it's not like trudging over 50" of snow.
Where I want to park my truck is about 9600', and I'm fairly confident I'll at least be able to get close to that. Then it's up for about 2 miles, peaking out at 11,800', and then down. Curious on special gear I might find useful, like snowshoes or Yaktrax, or an ice axe? What might the snow be like? Will it be different in the timber vs above it? I understand the trail will be obscured so I'll have to navigate more intentionally. And of course I'll be safe, pay attention to the weather, and if I'm unsure I can always turn around to a fully stocked pickup. Thanks in advance for any advice.
DP
I'm headed to the Colorado high country over Memorial Day weekend to get some solitude and fresh air. I had wanted to do this trip much later in the summer to increase the scouting value, but I'll work with the time I have available. I'm saving my deer points for a hunt in unit forty-four and since I'm hunting MT/WY this year figured this would be a good opportunity to scout CO for the years ahead. I want to try to get into some high basins in there, really more for fun and to try something new since I know the animals are all down low and no antlers and the high country is all covered with snow anyway. I've only ever backpacked in the more summer months, July through September, and while I have been rained/hailed/snowed on, I know it's not like trudging over 50" of snow.
Where I want to park my truck is about 9600', and I'm fairly confident I'll at least be able to get close to that. Then it's up for about 2 miles, peaking out at 11,800', and then down. Curious on special gear I might find useful, like snowshoes or Yaktrax, or an ice axe? What might the snow be like? Will it be different in the timber vs above it? I understand the trail will be obscured so I'll have to navigate more intentionally. And of course I'll be safe, pay attention to the weather, and if I'm unsure I can always turn around to a fully stocked pickup. Thanks in advance for any advice.
DP