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i am coming from out of state the first week of october to hike mt. elbert and handies peak. i was wondering if anyone could tell me what type of weather i could expect in october. i know there will be snow, but will they still be accessible for novice climbers? i am looking for a leisurely challenge, not looking to kill myself. thanks.

It can be quite nice that time of year; thunderstorms are few, days can be sunny and dry, trails snow-free. Or, there could be two feet of fresh snow to wade through. You might check the trip reports for past years at that time to get an idea. Here's a sampling:
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http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepor ... ki=Include" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, check the weather report for the peak before going (see the "weather" link on the main 14ers.com page), and don't forget that there are lower peaks in Colorado that are quite nice (and not as snowy) if conditions don't allow your first choice.

i was wondering if anyone could tell me what type of weather i could expect in october.

It's way to early to ask that. You will need to check the weather forecast when the time gets closer.

Expect anything from warm and sunny to blizzard conditions. I would plan to come either way, but have a backup plan (such as Colorado National Monument) in case the weather is bad.

Early October often brings plenty of fine and dry weather, but it can bring several feet of snow as well.

Looking at my own trip logs for the first weekend in October, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were cold and very snowy. 2005 was warm and dry.

The snow could be anywhere between patchy and deep.
i've done several non-technical Oct summits, but there is usually some snow.
I'd bring enough layered clothing for 0F wind chill above the treeline.
Look at October trip reports in the archive.