End of June summiting a 14er

[tonya-marthaler1973]

I am looking at summiting my 1st 14er the end of June. Maybe Elbert, Quandary, Bierstadt, or Grays/Torreys. Should I be prepared for snow?

[hellmanm]

Yep, plan for snow. If you look at conditions reports (accessible from the homepage, under "peak conditions"), you can look at each peak and see what June looks like each year -- by the date that each report was submitted. That'll help you w/research and give you a good idea of just how much to expect. A lot of the answer depends on which route you take, as east and south-facing ones on those peaks tend to melt sooner.

[Cruiser]

Every year is different but I would guess that by late June the snow on the standard routes you listed should be brief and mostly avoidable

[randalmartin]

This is definitely looking like a below average snowpack. If we don't get significant May snow I would say June will be a good month, especially by end of June.

[Scott P]

The two standard routes on Elbert usually melt out early because the snow gets blown off the ridge. The two standard routes will likely be dry or very close to it. Grays and Torreys will probably has snow, perhaps quite a bit.

[mtree]

Any snow will be manageable.

If doing Grays and Torreys standard the exit trail from the saddle below Grays may hold a large snowfield. Plenty passable without assistance, just know it may be there.