Re: Elkhart to NF Bull Lake Creek Wind Rivers WY
Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:35 am
Regarding the crowds and rain. There is no permit system so it is hit and miss on the major trails. I think the reason I encountered so many people when I walked out is that the weather finally lifted after several weeks of pretty nasty stuff. So everyone who postponed their trips were flocking inward! I have also been on this major trail and encountered few people. And just like the Sierra, if you simply move half a mile off the trail, the crowds disappear.
As for the rain, this is typical of the Rockies and Canadian Rockies (and MOST mountain ranges). The difference is that you cannot plan every day, every hour as "hikable" like I do in the Sierra. You really have have a "make hay when the sun shines" strategy. Statistically, July - Sept one day out of every three has precipitation, mostly in the form of heavy but brief afternoon storms. These storms also have severe lightning and wind - not something you want to be out in. These periods of stormy days are usually clumped in a few days of afternoon storms followed by a few days of clear weather. I never have had a trip totally scrubbed because of weather. I usually build in one contingency day and then stay very flexible - getting on the trail eary (aim for 7AM) and get to my destination by early to mid afternoon. If weather holds, I keep walking, if not I hunker down. And light snows can be expected any time of year. I actually prefer the snow to rain.
7AM to 1PM gives me 6 hours if hiking - enough to be assured some 6-10 miles of travel. It is really important to plan on doing all passes in the morning. In the lower elevations and in timber on trails, this is not so critical. All in all, the weather is not that difficult to work around. And the clouds and storm-lighting really make for great photography. Fish also seem to really bite just before and after storms.
As for the rain, this is typical of the Rockies and Canadian Rockies (and MOST mountain ranges). The difference is that you cannot plan every day, every hour as "hikable" like I do in the Sierra. You really have have a "make hay when the sun shines" strategy. Statistically, July - Sept one day out of every three has precipitation, mostly in the form of heavy but brief afternoon storms. These storms also have severe lightning and wind - not something you want to be out in. These periods of stormy days are usually clumped in a few days of afternoon storms followed by a few days of clear weather. I never have had a trip totally scrubbed because of weather. I usually build in one contingency day and then stay very flexible - getting on the trail eary (aim for 7AM) and get to my destination by early to mid afternoon. If weather holds, I keep walking, if not I hunker down. And light snows can be expected any time of year. I actually prefer the snow to rain.
7AM to 1PM gives me 6 hours if hiking - enough to be assured some 6-10 miles of travel. It is really important to plan on doing all passes in the morning. In the lower elevations and in timber on trails, this is not so critical. All in all, the weather is not that difficult to work around. And the clouds and storm-lighting really make for great photography. Fish also seem to really bite just before and after storms.