Rio Grande Pyramid in October

[ShadowAviator]

Got behind in planning my usual backpacking trip, so I am leaning toward something a little easier this year.

I like to get away and backpack/camp for at least 7 days, and climb some peaks in the process.

I saw the "Window" from the Grenadier Range, and wanted to check it out.

I usually do late sept, but mid/late October works better this year. I dont mind some snow, and ice. I wouldnt mind actually getting to use the microspikes I bought. My tent is 4 season.

How is the road to trailhead? Looks like an easy 2wd road that goes to the campground. My concern is with snow. If there is heavy snow for some reason, does it get cleared? My superduty can handle some snow, but not larger drifts.

How are things looking in this area for weather this year? I know that is hard to answer. Has it been dry? Is the area usually all snow covered by the end of October?

Anything else I should be aware of? I will research trip reports like I normally do.

Thank you.

[Kiefer]

Got behind in planning my usual backpacking trip, so I am leaning toward something a little easier this year.

I like to get away and backpack/camp for at least 7 days, and climb some peaks in the process.

I saw the "Window" from the Grenadier Range, and wanted to check it out.

I usually do late sept, but mid/late October works better this year. I dont mind some snow, and ice. I wouldnt mind actually getting to use the microspikes I bought. My tent is 4 season.

How is the road to trailhead? Looks like an easy 2wd road that goes to the campground. My concern is with snow. If there is heavy snow for some reason, does it get cleared? My superduty can handle some snow, but not larger drifts.

How are things looking in this area for weather this year? I know that is hard to answer. Has it been dry? Is the area usually all snow covered by the end of October?

Anything else I should be aware of? I will research trip reports like I normally do.

Thank you.

County Road 520 to Thirty Mile Campground is a good, well-maintained 2WD dirt road. Have you looked at Bill's TH status page here?
Early part of the summer, it's been bone dry down there. Lately, they've been getting hit with a lot of monsoonal rain. Whatever snow does fall, probably won't get cleared. There are multiple gates along that stretch of road. But off-roaders would end up packing anything down anyway. I don't know what date the Forest Service closes the gates. Call the office in Creede to find out. #719-658-2556
Predicting the weather that far out is dartboard science. IF any snow does fall, I imagine it'll be gone within a day or two or regulated to thin ice along the sides of the road.

[dlloydjoneskc]

Got behind in planning my usual backpacking trip, so I am leaning toward something a little easier this year.

I like to get away and backpack/camp for at least 7 days, and climb some peaks in the process.

I saw the "Window" from the Grenadier Range, and wanted to check it out.

I usually do late sept, but mid/late October works better this year. I dont mind some snow, and ice. I wouldnt mind actually getting to use the microspikes I bought. My tent is 4 season.

How is the road to trailhead? Looks like an easy 2wd road that goes to the campground. My concern is with snow. If there is heavy snow for some reason, does it get cleared? My superduty can handle some snow, but not larger drifts.

How are things looking in this area for weather this year? I know that is hard to answer. Has it been dry? Is the area usually all snow covered by the end of October?

Anything else I should be aware of? I will research trip reports like I normally do.

Thank you.

County Road 520 to Thirty Mile Campground is a good, well-maintained 2WD dirt road. Have you looked at Bill's TH status page here?
Early part of the summer, it's been bone dry down there. Lately, they've been getting hit with a lot of monsoonal rain. Whatever snow does fall, probably won't get cleared. There are multiple gates along that stretch of road. But off-roaders would end up packing anything down anyway. I don't know what date the Forest Service closes the gates. Call the office in Creede to find out. #719-658-2556
Predicting the weather that far out is dartboard science. IF any snow does fall, I imagine it'll be gone within a day or two or regulated to thin ice along the sides of the road.

I could be wrong, but don't they do a fairly decent job of keeping that road clear because of the dam at the reservoir (they need access to it year round)?