TimothyH

What night temperatures can I expect at altitude in the San Juan Mountains Colorado?

The trip will be either the week of August 19 or September 9 with a preference for September.

I’ve looked at the climate data for nearby cities such as Silverton and Telluride but am hoping that someone with experience can tell me what to expect from 10k to 13k ft in the surrounding countryside – Cinnamon Pass, Engineers, Black Bear, etc.

I’m not looking for Donner Party experiences – extremes and outliers. That’s all I really get when I ask individuals. “It was so cold one year that I had to eat my leg” and so forth. I know that it can snow in September. I also don't need help with gear.

Just trying to figure out the general, normal nighttime temps during the third week of August and the second week of September? Has anyone been there at that time of year? Can someone ballpark or let me know what you have encountered?

-Tim-

superdex

Could be 30s down to teens. --are you expecting to camp?

Leadville is at 10k, you can use that as a rough guide (then subtracting a couple degrees as you go higher): https://www.google.com/search?q=lead...A_enUS722US722

And you can also bookmark it with Mt Evans (14k): https://www.google.com/search?q=mt+e...A_enUS722US722

But yeah, even in the waning months of summer, it can get cold at elevation....

fietsbob

cannibal, the musical

comes to mind..

andrewclaus

I always travel with a 20F bag in that area at that time of year. I usually sleep right at treeline or just above, say 12,000'. Unless harsh weather moves in, then I'll try to get a little lower.

Tourist in MSN

If you find a good reference point for temperatures at a given altitude nearby, you could subtract about 5.4 degrees (F) for each 1,000 feet of elevation higher that you will be above that reference point.

TimothyH

Thanks all.

I got this from a querry at backpackinglight.com

So yeah, I have a 22° quilt and think I will be good.


-Tim-

Paul Barnard

Timothy, I am excited for your trip. I am glad you got that feedback from someone in the San Juans. I tend to sleep cold, and I froze my butt off in a 32 degree bag in temps in the upper 30s last time I camped out that way. I was on a cot though. I think it would have been better if I was on the ground.

jamawani 

Live in Wyoming, toured San Juans multiple times.
Engineer, Cinnamon, Stony, Ophir Passes - other high country.
One trip in mid-September - - truly gorgeous.
But cold. (And I'm from Wyoming, don't forget)

17F one morning. Tent frozen like cement.
Later, in northern N.M. got hit by an early snowstorm.

Wool socks, wool/poly glove liners, wool/poly skullcap.
Will make morning riding tolerable and great while sleeping.

djb

you guys are hardier than I am, I have no problem commuting in these temps below freezing, but don't have the urge to camp and bike travel when its like this.

stardognine

Yep, it gets cold in both states, but New Mexico is where I got caught in a storm. It wasn't just snow though, it rained pretty good first, so I got good & damp, then snowed a few good inches. That was the one & only time I took a ride, in a large pickup. And was very lucky he came along, just when I needed it. 🤔 Take plenty of warm clothes.

djb

Tim, on what star said, from personal experience, having very effective rain gear, jacket, pants, helmet cover and rain booties that your rain pants can go over easily to stop rain going into your booties, is essential for these type of temps.

being cold is one thing, but getting all wet and then cold is really not fun, and when I ride in these 0c to 10c temps with possibility of rain, I make sure I have my whole kit of stuff to keep cold rain off all of me

and the old trick of dishwashing gloves large enough to put some wool gloves underneath can be a real lifesaver. Freezing cold wet hands can be a deal breaker--it aint fancy, but it works.

berner

I have backpacked in the San Juans on three outings for 0ne week during the July/August period. During one trip it snowed which is typical at 10,000 feet at any time. The wise traveler prepares for the worst but this does not necessarily being loaded down with lots of gear. I have a light puff jacket made by Montbell that weighs a tiny bit more than a tee shirt, maybe 7 ounces. I never go anywhere without it. https://www.montbell.us/products/lis...25010&gen_cd=1 The one I have has synthetic insulation and is now probably 12 years old. As can be seen in the link, the down puff jackets are even lighter and pack down to the size of an orange. These days similar puff jackets are made by everyone such as Mountain Hardware, LL Bean and many others.

revcp 

My Montbell down jacket will be going with me for my summer tour that includes New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

stardognine

w Mine's an Eddie Bauer, and I used it last night. 👍 I'm in the Weaver Mountains now, about 16 miles from Prescott, and temps were WAY cooler than the 90s F I've been in, around Phoenix. I never checked the night time temps, cause there's no cellular here. I just happened to spot the library, in Wilhoit, and got online a bit. 😎
I can prolly edit it in.
EDIT: No wonder I got cold, night temps are around 45 F for a few nights here. Daytime around 65F. Not exactly cold, but it feels it, compared to Phoenix. 😉

TimothyH

Thanks everyone.

I may have to wait until 2020 for this trip but the information is appreciated.


-Tim-