Okie coming to visit

hello! So my wife and I are planning a trip to the Cimarron/Montrose area in early April. Was wondering what the weather is usually like around this time. We just want to hike, maybe kayak a little, and if there’s some trails nearby, do a little exploring. I have been to this area since I was a kid so any advise is greatly appreciated!

 

April can be 80 degrees or 6 feet of snow.. just depends on the day haha. It can change quickly. Generally though it's sunny so plan for both extremes.

 

Haha too easy. So as far as snow in the mountains, is there a lot of road closures once you get up there? I noticed that there’s a few campgrounds in that area that are closed till around may. And thank you for the info!!

 

Main roads stay pretty clear even after a snowstorm. High country trails if that's what you're looking for can be closed. There's a link that gives conditions I'd have to search for. Someone posted it in the Colorado BS Thread

 

I was just out in this area while doing a trip all across the west with my Pops. As stated the weather can change rapidly. On our way out it was 70 degrees. On our way back it was a snow storm.

There are a lot of roads in the "smaller" mountains (Around Montrose) that can be open, but once you get over to the San Juans (Ouray, Telluride, Silverton) all of the high mountain off road trails are closed and most of those roads don't normally open up until June depending on snow pack. We took a little trip up Last Dollar Road and it was closed about 2 miles in. Thats what I would consider a low elevation road too in that area.

 

National Forrest camp grounds don't generally open until Memorial day, along with most other NF areas and activities.

You'll be in spring runoff. Water will be cold, may be a good flow may not (mountains are well below annual snowfall this season).

Trails will be hit and miss, likely mostly miss. Any of the San Juan trails will still be closed for the winter. Possible that Owl Creek Pass may be open and the road system around Silver Jack Reservoir (very pretty area).

It's always good when visiting the Colorado high country to be prepared for weather extremes.

Good luck!

 

Looks like we have an Army vs Marines battle in here

 

ARMY - Ain't Ready to be a Marine Yet

I keed I keed

 

Well if there is snow in them there hills, you can play west of Montrose here:

http://rimrockertrail.org/

Or head a little North and explore the Pallisades around Gateway CO and Hwy 141

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/phot...ld/the-palisade-rock-formation-in-gateway-co/

 

Army - Where people go to enlist
Marines - Where the BADASS people go to enlist

All in fun brothers!

 

Solid recommendation!

 

Well first thanks for all the info!
Second, it looks like I’m an army of one in this thread! Where’s the love??? Hahaha how many of y’all were in?

 

Don't you guys have some crayons to be munching on

Haha I'm on your side man

 

I've met my crayon munching quota for today. Thank you very much.

 

Is this the ice cream thet serve in the marine chow halls?? @Kappes03 hahaha

 

I’ll keep my crayons... I hear they’re better than the Tide Pods kids are munchin on these days!