Planning a solo backpack trip for 1st Season Rifle Elk in South Central Colorado next year. I'll be focusing on hunting and camping in the 9000' to 11000' range. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on and have figured out that most people don't camp out of a backpack tent. I've read enough to know that weather in mid-October at can be anything from mild to wild but would like to hear from some experienced folks on what I should expect on average about the weather. Also, would the weather dictate a four-season tent or would a three-season tent suffice? Any insight on what to expect would be greatly appreciated.
Weather Expectations - 1st Season Rifle
- Thread starter jleft
- Start date
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I've lived in Colorado for 12 years. I live at 6700 elev right at the base of the San Juans. My best advice is to hope for the best, plan for the worst! I've seen 1st rifle season hot and I've seen a foot of snow. One thing for sure, you'll get thunderstorms, lightning and rain and tepms down to freezing at night, I'd bet the farm on that. After that ....it's you guess.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
Thanks, CO Cowboy. I'm assuming the weather you described is what I might experience at the higher hunting elevations. Yes, I've heard the rain and lightening can be pretty intense at times. What would you say the chance of a foot of snow is? 50/50? I'm trying to decide what kind of tent to purchase and I know some three-season tents can withstand a little snow, just not a lot. Thanks!
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
A 3 season tent will be good for 1st season. By the middle of second season all bets are off. Just remember to monitor the weather, winter comes early at 11,000 feet. I am doing the same kind of hunt in 49 as long as I can draw with 6 points this year.
trkytrack2
Active Member
Try rolling dice. No-one and I mean no-one can predict what the weather will be like at that time of the year at those elevations. I've had a foot of snow dumped on me on July 4th at 10,000' in Colorado. Hope for the best but pack for the worst. Better safe than sorry.
8750
Active Member
Ive lived and hunted in Colorado my whole life. You can pretty much expect anything to happen first season. Bring it all! All of your summer gear and all of your winter gear. In a weeks time you might just use it all too! Anything can happen here, especially in southern CO.
Old Hunter
Banned
That's why I hunt the muzzleloader season. I like hunting at treeline, and it's the only season I feel safe as far as weather. Could get some snow, but it will melt fast. 1st rifle? Forget it for knowing what it will do.