Misc Colorado peeps: Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park in late May/June

Silock · 03-01-2014, 05:49 PM

We are going to be doing some hiking and camping in RMNP at the end of May/early June. What are the general temperature ranges? I'd like to avoid packing a huge sleeping bag and just carry a lightweight one. We won't be camping above 10k feet. Will I be okay with just some standard layering, 3 season tent and a 40 degree sleeping bag?

**Donger** · 03-01-2014, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

We are going to be doing some hiking and camping in RMNP at the end of May/early June. What are the general temperature ranges? I'd like to avoid packing a huge sleeping bag and just carry a lightweight one. We won't be camping above 10k feet. Will I be okay with just some standard layering, 3 season tent and a 40 degree sleeping bag?

No.

BlackHelicopters · 03-01-2014, 05:53 PM

Visit a dispensary first.

**Donger** · 03-01-2014, 06:06 PM

Don't forget that in late May, "spring" is really just beginning to creep into the Rockies. You could have highs of 60 or so, but plan for and expect lows in the 20s. Snow could also be a factor.

I've camped at less than 9,000 in July and frozen my nuts off with a 40 degree rated bag.

Silock · 03-01-2014, 06:09 PM

Well, I do have a modular bag. I guess I'll pack the bivvy and fleece, then. I don't have a 4-season tent, though.

**rockymtnchief** · 03-01-2014, 08:19 PM

I've hiked the area in late June and still had to bust drifts. July or later are better, and as Donger mentioned, you better pack for cold weather.

**Rain Man** · 03-01-2014, 08:40 PM

I don't camp, but I've run races in the mountains in the height of summer, and I could see my breath at the starting line at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.

Mr_Tomahawk · 03-01-2014, 08:48 PM

Isn't that place still on fire...?

NewChief · 03-01-2014, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

No.

This. 3 season tent is probably okay, but you'll want a much heavier bag. That's beautiful country, though.

suzzer99 · 03-02-2014, 04:26 AM

It depends if you're in the 15% body fat range – a 40° bag is too light. If you're in the 25% plus range, you'll probably be fine. Do you tend to sleep hot? Are you traveling with a woman that you can snuggle up with? Are you a pussy about waking up in the cold? To be safe bring a bunch of foot warmers – in my experience those add about 5° apiece as long as its over 10°.

But buy brand-new ones. I wore some two-year-old foot warmers to the Chiefs/Colts game last year and they didn't do shit.

Sorter · 03-02-2014, 05:57 AM

Where at in RMNP are you planning on going?

Silock · 03-02-2014, 07:05 AM

Haven't decided yet. Our condo is in Estes Park.

NewChief · 03-02-2014, 08:55 AM

Here's a chart that shows average temps in the area for that time of year:

http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/planning/weather

May, the average low is 34.5. In June, the average low is 41.1. Keep in mind, those are averages, so you're going to see some pretty wide fluctuations.

Speaking personally, I used a 20 degree bag pretty much year round in Colorado, though I didn't do any winter camping there.

REDHOTGTO · 03-02-2014, 10:27 AM

having spent most summers in estes park and going there for over 40 yrs, I would recommend stay in your condo ! lol
seriously, camping would be awful cold, I don't think 3 sleeping bags would be enough, I have a lot of friends up there this weekend hiking and they are staying in town not the mountains.
this is from someone who does not like camping or cold, so there ya go ! lol
we were there last year in the last week of may, snow was still everywhere once you get into the park, trail ridge road finally opened last day of may. be prepared for lots o snow,have fun

TRR · 03-02-2014, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silock

Haven't decided yet. Our condo is in Estes Park.

Where is your Condo in Estes? My wife and I live in Denver but have a time-share in Estes at RamsHorn. Weather has been fairly good in Denver and in the mountains lately. I was just hiking in Rocky Mountain National last week. Let me know if you need some dinner recommendations for Estes or around the area.
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03-01-2014, 05:49 PM
Silock MVP Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $10020882	Colorado peeps: Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park in late May/June We are going to be doing some hiking and camping in RMNP at the end of May/early June. What are the general temperature ranges? I'd like to avoid packing a huge sleeping bag and just carry a lightweight one. We won't be camping above 10k feet. Will I be okay with just some standard layering, 3 season tent and a 40 degree sleeping bag?
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03-01-2014, 05:53 PM	#3
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $2560588	Visit a dispensary first. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
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03-01-2014, 06:06 PM	#4
Donger "Think BOOM!" Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: 33.675° N 106.475° W Casino cash: $10209900 VARSITY	Don't forget that in late May, "spring" is really just beginning to creep into the Rockies. You could have highs of 60 or so, but plan for and expect lows in the 20s. Snow could also be a factor. I've camped at less than 9,000 in July and frozen my nuts off with a 40 degree rated bag. __________________ I think the young people enjoy it when I "get down," verbally, don't you?
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03-01-2014, 06:09 PM	#5
Silock MVP Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $10020882	Well, I do have a modular bag. I guess I'll pack the bivvy and fleece, then. I don't have a 4-season tent, though.
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03-01-2014, 08:19 PM	#6
rockymtnchief Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Crazys of Montana Casino cash: $10018968 VARSITY	I've hiked the area in late June and still had to bust drifts. July or later are better, and as Donger mentioned, you better pack for cold weather. __________________
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03-01-2014, 08:40 PM	#7
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $3168491 VARSITY	I don't camp, but I've run races in the mountains in the height of summer, and I could see my breath at the starting line at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. __________________ I'm putting random letters here as a celebration of free speech: xigrakgrah misorojeq rkemeseit.
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03-01-2014, 08:48 PM	#8
Mr_Tomahawk Prestige Worldwide Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Spring Hill, KS Casino cash: $2910526	Isn't that place still on fire...? __________________ Adopt-A-Chief: John Dorsey
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03-02-2014, 04:26 AM	#10
suzzer99 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: L.A. Casino cash: $2814284	It depends if you're in the 15% body fat range – a 40° bag is too light. If you're in the 25% plus range, you'll probably be fine. Do you tend to sleep hot? Are you traveling with a woman that you can snuggle up with? Are you a pussy about waking up in the cold? To be safe bring a bunch of foot warmers – in my experience those add about 5° apiece as long as its over 10°. But buy brand-new ones. I wore some two-year-old foot warmers to the Chiefs/Colts game last year and they didn't do shit. Last edited by suzzer99; 03-02-2014 at 04:32 AM..
Posts: 27,283

03-02-2014, 07:05 AM	#12
Silock MVP Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $10020882	Haven't decided yet. Our condo is in Estes Park.
Posts: 19,908

03-02-2014, 08:55 AM	#13
NewChief In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fayetteville, AR Casino cash: $9640204	Here's a chart that shows average temps in the area for that time of year: http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/planning/weather May, the average low is 34.5. In June, the average low is 41.1. Keep in mind, those are averages, so you're going to see some pretty wide fluctuations. Speaking personally, I used a 20 degree bag pretty much year round in Colorado, though I didn't do any winter camping there. __________________ In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. - H. L. Mencken
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03-02-2014, 10:27 AM	#14
REDHOTGTO Veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: INDEPENDENCE,KANSAS Casino cash: $7248961	having spent most summers in estes park and going there for over 40 yrs, I would recommend stay in your condo ! lol seriously, camping would be awful cold, I don't think 3 sleeping bags would be enough, I have a lot of friends up there this weekend hiking and they are staying in town not the mountains. this is from someone who does not like camping or cold, so there ya go ! lol we were there last year in the last week of may, snow was still everywhere once you get into the park, trail ridge road finally opened last day of may. be prepared for lots o snow,have fun
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