Climate & Weather

Colorado

The summer season at the elevations of Colorado’s Continental Divide is a short one, generally lasting from early July to late September. The trail’s accessibility is mostly a function of the amount of snow that fell during the preceding winter. The best ways to plan a hike are to keep an eye on the snowfall amounts, which are often measured as “percent of normal” (a very general rule for finding a starting date is to add 10 days to July 1 for every 10 percent of normal over 100, and to subtract 10 days for every 10 percent under 100), and to call the Forest Service ranger districts along the trail.

Colorado’s summer climate is among the most pleasant anywhere in the world, with low humidity, clear skies, and warm temperatures are the general rule. There are, however, important exceptions to this idyllic scenario. Along the Continental Divide, you should always be prepared for snow and freezing cold, even in the height of summer.

In July and August, you can almost set your clock by the thunderstorms, and accompanying lightning, that will boil up over the mountain ranges in the early afternoon. It is the best to plan your hiking so you are well off the trail’s many exposed ridges and high points by one or two o’clock. At the very least, study the map for escape routes that lead to lower elevations.

Nighttime temperatures during summer routinely dip into the low 30’s, so make sure your sleeping bag can handle freezing temperatures.

By late September, the first lasting snows will have fallen, and depths over one foot are not uncommon. From this time until May or June, most of the Continental Divide will be reserved for those hardy souls on snowshoes and backcountry skis. Winter presents a whole different set of dangers, and you should seek instructions on winter travel in the backcountry before setting off for the incomparable solitude offered by Colorado’s long season of snow and ice.