Upper Elevation Snowpack is About Average Heading Into Memorial Day Weekend

The relatively mild winter could fool one into thinking that high country hiking and backpacking will be hazard-free, but late snows and cool temperatures in April and May brought the mountain snowpack levels up to the average (Aspen SkiCo is opening Ajax Mtn this weekend for skiing).

If you're going up high, or will be on north-facing or shaded trails, wear gaiters and be prepared to post-hole.  Also expect high water stream crossings, as the warm weather is accelerating the snow melt now.

To get up-to-date snowpack data, follow this link: SNOTEL

Grizzly Creek -- another great early season hike

grizzly creek cascades

bouldering opportunities along the trail

black and white riverscape

Early season in Colorado, otherwise known as mud season, is characterized by snow-clogged trails, muddy trails, and fast-moving water crossings.  Or you can seek out low elevation hikes with good sun exposure.  I've written about how Avalanche Creek is one of those.  Several more can be found in Glenwood Canyon. 

No Name Creek, Grizzly Creek, and Hanging Lake/Dead Horse Creek are some of the trails that lead north from the Colorado River into the Flat Tops wilderness.