**NOTE CHANGE OF DATE due to heavy snow forecast for 4/27**
Let's head up to Rocky to get some higher-elevation hiking in! I prefer snow showers to rain, don't you?
Be prepared for winter conditions with snowshoes and microspikes; poles, gaiters, and goggles are also good ideas. I will bring 2 extra pairs of snowshoes if people want to borrow them for the day, though no guarantee that they'll be to your liking. :) Snow will mean a slower pace, but I'd expect to finish no later than 2:30pm. This is NOT a good trip for inexperienced hikers. No dogs on trails at RMNP.
Meet at 7 at Loveland West Jax to carpool to the park. No timed entry, but you'll need a park entry pass. I have a pass and can drive up to 3 others. Please indicate if you can drive when RSVPing and please answer my Qs about your gear/preparedness. Traction laws might be in effect inside the park. Everyone will be put on the waitlist to start; I will add folks to the event based on carpool situation and their readiness.
Route with elevation chart here. We'll start and end at the Bierstadt Lake TH. It is a good idea to save the GPX track/have a GPS navigation tool with you in snow.
https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/122101?t=5QADYnynMe1ggJKkkkKM
Weather forecasts here (you can click different points for more targeted forecasts): https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.63067495822905&lat=40.369341562862445
I'll be checking conditions closely. If Bear Lake road is problematic or weather turns really terrible (major snow accumulation, high winds), we can shift to do a Lumpy Ridge loop (https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/colorado/black-canyon-dark-mountain-cow-creek-gem-lake-loop) or cancel. Once on route, there will also be numerous shorter alternatives. Please check comments and your email frequently for updates from me.
(x-listed with Colorado Backpackers & Dayhikers)