Indian Peaks Wilderness start of October kitlist, what would you pack?

A word of warning…

A few years ago, I was going to run/hike the Pawnee/Buchanan loop the first weekend of October. The Nedarland (8000 feet) weather forecast called for sun and 50*. It was 25* and snowing at Brainard Lake (10,500 feet). My dog loves snow so we did a short hike (2 miles out) before the conditions overwhelmed my shorts and fleece hoodie.

Fall in Colorado is tough for trip planning. There is a good chance the conditions will be perfect for running/hiking during the day or it could be the one weekend that winter shows up.

For those good conditions, I would plan on mid-50's during the day and high teen's for the nights. It will be windy on the passes/summits so bring a wind shirt. Chance of rain is low, snow would be more likely. The wind shirt should be able to handle light snow flurries. I would want a puffy jacket and long wool tights for the evening/morning. Basically, a shoulder season gear list.

If you are traveling to Colorado, I would recommend having a fallback plan (maybe Lost Creek Wilderness) if the forecast is crap.

Thanks very much Chris,

That sounds about right with the weather.

We will definitley be brining warm bags with us.

Cheers,

Stephen

Ditto what Chris said. What the weather forecast says and what actually happens here in Colorado can be…variable.

In the shoulder seasons, I'd be comfortable with a 20 degree bag and a puffy jacket/tights/wool socks to wear in my bag in case the temps really dip. Be prepared for the possibility of some snow as well.

Thanks Aaron,