First 14er - weather in October

[tpawley]

A friend and I are planning on tackling our first 14er at the beginning of October, around 10/2/15. We will be in Vail, so we are thinking Grays/Torreys or maybe another one around there. Is there any concern about the weather and/or conditions on these peaks at this time of year?
Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can give.

[Somewhat of a Prick]

There might be 3 feet of snow...or it might be totally dry. Or might be somewhere in between. Definitely one of these three options though.

[ajkagy]

There might be 3 feet of snow...or it might be totally dry. Or might be somewhere in between. Definitely one of these three options though.

^^^ yup, this. Last year was weird, warm and dry into November, but some years it's already snowy above 12k in late Sept. Just watch the weather and look at recent trip reports.

[sieggy80305]

NOAA has a nice 14er page that will give you a little better idea. Places like the weather channel will give you stats on places at much lower elevation where the temps can be very different.

http://w2.weather.gov/pub/colorado14ers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Echoing what's said above: it's a precocious time of year as the mountains slide into winter. Keep an eye on the storms and fronts that will come through as they will give you a better idea of sunshine or snow. Also count on a chilly start in the morning.

[plasticman]

I just got back from the Sawatch and it's very dry on the range South from where you'll be (no snow). October could be 4 season climbing, or it could be just 2 season climbing (as already stated). I'd probably bring 4 seasons of layers with me and decide at the TH how much you need (leave the rest).

One thing I have known to count on in the Fall and early winter are very strong winds up high on the ridges. Another good reason to start super early. It may not be really cold, but bring something to keep the wind at bay and you'll feel more comfortable. In October and November in Summit County I've climbed with vicious winds- could just be my rotten luck but I'm starting to feel like the fall carries a lot of winds as the temps are changing up high but still pretty warm down in the valleys.

[AlexeyD]

If you're in Vail, Holy Cross is the obvious, nearby choice - though it's a long day and the boulder-hopping can get ugly in the early-season sugar snow. Massive and Elbert are also not too far, via route 24, and are both pretty reasonable even if there's snow.

[Pops921]

Quandary, Grays/Torey's and Holy Cross are all about one hour drive from Vail. Gray's/ Torrey's usually requires a high clearance vehicle. Holy Cross is a pretty tough first time, one day 14er and you will need to insure Tigiwon road is still open. The Quandary trail head is bascially paved roads all the way to the parking lot.....so I would lean that direction.

Elbert trail head is only about 1.5 hours from Vail and a reasonable choice. Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln and Bross trail head at Kite Lake is a similar distance and also a good one.

[AlexeyD]

Just as a very general note on weather that time of year: as fall progresses, snow and subfreezing temperatures do become more common and linger longer. Snow also becomes more likely with any sort of precip event, even during relatively warm periods (like now), for example: https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/colorado/post/4136" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[tpawley]

Thanks for all the responses, all very helpful. It sounds like we're going to have to just play it by ear and decide if it's possible and which one will be best based on the weather and conditions.

[tpawley]

We ended up tackling Quandary. It was cold and windy, but overall can't complain for October. No snow yet, a little bit of frost here and there. Temps were probably in the 30s with really strong wind gusts, well over 30mph I would say. We summited around 11:30 and were back down around 2:00. Overall great first 14er!

[kaiman]

We ended up tackling Quandary. It was cold and windy, but overall can't complain for October. No snow yet, a little bit of frost here and there. Temps were probably in the 30s with really strong wind gusts, well over 30mph I would say. We summited around 11:30 and were back down around 2:00. Overall great first 14er!

Congratulations! Sounds like you were prepared and had a successful trip. Quandary is a great 14er this time of the year with easy access and not too difficult. So are you planning your second one yet?