Mt. Zirkel or the Rawahs?

[trektheworld]

Anyone been up near Steamboat Springs or the Rawahs and into the backcountry there? Looking at my Colorado forecast for Tues/Wed/Thurs next week, that might be the only dry spot on the map. I was wondering if any backcountry trips could be put together.

[SkiTownUSA]

I haven't been up there recently, but I just inquired yesterday about the Zirkle Circle conditions for running and was told there is still lots of snow up there.

[ChrisRoberts]

The Rawahs still have a ton of snow. Check some of John Kirk's photos from 7/5 http://listsofjohn.com/recentimg

[Scott P]

There is a fair amount of snow in the northern Park Range, but the couloirs should be good.

Be aware that the stream crossing enroute to Mount Zirkel could be difficult right now. The mosquitoes will be thick.

There are plenty of backpacking options in the Mount Zirkel area other than the peak itself, so even if you don't want snow you should be able to find something. The Encampment Loop, for example, should be snow free or close to it.

[PatsSox09]

at the risk of repeating myself, a quick copy and paste of my update last week. Got Zirkel and Clark (Rawahs), among some others. i'd imagine conditions have improved since then, though probably still plenty of snow. Note that for the major Mica Creek crossing on Zirkel if you're taking the Gilpin Lake approach...head upstream from the trail a bit and you can find a series of very good log bridges if you want to avoid having to take off your boots and cross the freezing stream barefoot.

From 6/30 ascent of Clark Peak:

Mummies down through Longs Peak:



Never Summers:



Might as well add: 6/29 conditions of Park Range from Zirkel: Still Plenty of Snow





For what it's worth, plenty of snow over 10,000 ft in shaded areas in the Elkheads as well, as experienced on Sand Mountain Trail (mostly covered) and Black Mountain summit traverse. Exposed areas are fine too...East Meaden Peak was melted via standard approach