help requested - mid-Oct hike?

[lowland_hiker]

Hey, locals, I'm wondering if I'm in DEN for two-three days in the next 3-4 weeks will I be able to summit anything? or will trails already be near wash out/obscured by snow?
Since I'm coming from out of town and I've competently navigated a few of these bad boys, but keep in mind it's a business trip and I dont have the space to bring along extra gear like poles, snow shoes, crampons, etc. However I can certainly dress for the cold. I've done Grays in about 4-5" from half the way up. And I dont want to be spending time trying to locate a trail in the talus.

If still navigable, I would appreciate hearing which peaks you suggest in your humble opinions - Elbert? Pikes?? Anything within reasonable drive to DEN and with nearby accommodations the night prior would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.

[Ptglhs]

You won't need crampons in Oct, or Nov, or maybe not even Dec. They're for later in the year when there's enough snow to be consolidated. Bring trekkers or some other form of easily portable traction if you're worried. The days will be shorter, but you won't have to worry about thunderstorms. As long as the forecast isn't calling for a blizzard you shouldn't have issues with weather.

There will probably be snow. It could be a dusting, like in fall of '16, or 2 feet, like Missouri's summit ridge last Oct. Bring layers. The roads should still be driveable. Quandary is paved to the TH, ditto Pikes from the East. DeCaLiBross or Sherman is dirt but close-ish to Denver. Bierstadt should still be accessible.

[Scott P]

There are plenty of things to summit. Even if the highest mountains have a lot of snow, the lower elevation peaks probably won't. Of course, storms can happen at anytime in October, even in the lowlands.

[lowland_hiker]

thanks. I've done Bierstadt in late Sept - I think I was alone on the trail and there was no bushwacking the willows!
DeLiBross - my reference says its private land and closed (old book) - still true??

[lowland_hiker]

maybe a question answered on the routes tab, but did CFI finish that route from Chi Lakes basin to SUmmit Lake on Evans??

[christian349]

thanks. I've done Bierstadt in late Sept - I think I was alone on the trail and there was no bushwacking the willows!
DeLiBross - my reference says its private land and closed (old book) - still true??

Bross technically still is, but all that's stopping you is a sign that is almost universally ignored, you'll be fine.

[SeanAlfred]

Plenty of options in october, micro spikes would more than likely be the only extra thing you would need. Also, a few places rent equipment just in case you do need it. I know bent gate in Golden rents, and Gearage in Fort Collins also rents equipment.