Topic

Trip Ideas – Utah or Western Colorado in June


Forum Posting

A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!

Home Forums Campfire Trip Planning Trip Ideas – Utah or Western Colorado in June

  • This topic is empty.
Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #1314626
    J-L
    BPL Member

    @johnnyh88

    I am looking to plan a 7+ day trip in early June. I'm currently in OR, but my hiking buddies are in AZ, so I was thinking we could meet in the "middle" – maybe somewhere in Utah or Western Colorado (although I suppose somewhere in California is also a possibility).

    My goals for the trip are:

    1. Be dog-friendly
    2. Allow for some fishing (i.e. backcountry lakes and rivers)
    3. Avoid snow (for the most part)

    Being early June, I am wondering if there is anywhere that is likely to be snow-free but still have some lakes?

    I spent a week in the Uintas in September last year and had an awesome time, so I was thinking of returning there. Does anyone have an idea of the current snow levels there? Last I read, Colorado was above average for snow this year.

    #2084438
    Luke Schmidt
    BPL Member

    @cameron

    Locale: Alaska

    The Pecos in New Mexico might fit the bill for you. Close to Santa Fe (where I assume there is an airport). I was just up there (on snow shoes).

    All that said I might stick with the Unitas, bigger area, and probably just as scenic if not more so.

    #2084439
    Stuart .
    BPL Member

    @lotuseater

    Locale: Colorado

    Take a look at the SNOTEL snowpack graphs for the major basins in Colorado at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/co/snow/products/?cid=nrcs144p2_063323

    You'll see that although statewide we're running at 115% of normal snowpack, much of the southern and southwest part of the state is currently running below normal, including San Juan, Animas, Dolores, San Miguel and Rio Grande basins. We're still 4-6 weeks from normal peak snowpack, so it's really too early to tell with certainty.

    #2084443
    J-L
    BPL Member

    @johnnyh88

    I had actually considered the Pecos (it's been on my list for a couple years now), but I forgot to mention I don't want to fly, so it'd be a far drive from OR.

    Thank you for the SNOTEL link. I will have to explore the various areas. The San Juans or Rio Grande areas could be good ideas.

    #2084710
    J-L
    BPL Member

    @johnnyh88

    I've been doing some more research and came across the Emigrant Wilderness in CA. From looking at the map, it seems like many of the lakes are around 8000' – 9000'. Does anyone have an idea if these would be mostly snow-free by late May or early June?

    I called the ranger's office for the Uintas. She said the Western side is having about average snow levels (meaning things won't clear up until about mid-June), but the Eastern side of the Uintas is below average and could be hike-able as early as Mid-May.

    #2084754
    Marko Botsaris
    BPL Member

    @millonas

    Locale: Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

    Sure – June is fantastic at the lower elevations in the sierra. Fish are hungry. So are mosquitoes. Lots of dog friendly places, and I think that might split the distance with your friend – maybe even better. 8000 ft is usually clear in June during a "nomal" year. Short of an act of God this year should be perfect.

    Take a look at the Tahoe rim trail. But Emigrant has a ton of lakes and fishing opportunities, and much of it should be perfect (except for the aforementioned mosquitoes) by early June.

    #2086505
    J-L
    BPL Member

    @johnnyh88

    Any guesses on the whether the mosquitos would be worse in mid May or June around the Emigrant Wilderness? May would be colder but June will probably be drier…

    #2086510
    Marko Botsaris
    BPL Member

    @millonas

    Locale: Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

    June and beginning of July are typically the worst, but I don't think you can predict it too precisly. They hatch when a temperature switch goes off. Some people have predicted that because of the low-snow winter they will be down this year, but I wouldn't count on it. Just bring a head net and use permethrin on the outside of your clothes.

    They have never been a reason for me not to go. It is only if you are absolutely unprepared that they rise to a major annoyance. The good news is they will be asleep at night and in the morning when it is cold.

    #2086711
    Sharon J.
    BPL Member

    @squark

    Locale: SF Bay area

    Dogs love Emigrant!
    2011-10-10-StanislausNF 413

    I haven't yet been there in May, though I was just north in the >Carson-Iceberg Wilderness over Memorial Day weekend 2012. Snow was negligible at 8000'.

    A whole bunch of links to good weather info on the Sierra can be found in this thread:

    http://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=7778

    #2087050
    Dean L
    Spectator

    @aldoleopold

    Locale: Great Lakes

    Maybe the Boulder Mountain area of Utah would work. High forested plateau full of small lakes and streams. Check out BoulderMountainGuides.com

    #2088757
    J-L
    BPL Member

    @johnnyh88

    Thanks, Boulder Mountain looks pretty great. That is definitely an area I will keep in mind.

Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting

A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!

Get the Newsletter

Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light!

Gear Research & Discovery Tools


Loading...