[Kansasflatlander]

This year we will be spending 5 days in Durango to ride the great trails out there. We are planning the trip now and wanted to find out an approximate time frame to book where most of the high country would be passable. From reading many posts, it seemed that even up to mid-July it can be snow packed/soggy on parts of the CT. So it almost seems that 3rd week of July and on would be best. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[shoulderfu]

The trails are usually rideable late june depending on the snowpack.You will encounter some snowy patches which are actually fun to cross.By late July things will be pretty much melted out,but thats monsoon season so be prepared for thunderstorms each afternoon.

 

[lonman1]

I am planning a trip through Durango on Memorial day weekend. Is this too early for Telegragh or Colorado trails?

 

[rcharrette]

Colorado Trail

The Southern San Juans have gotten pounded this year with snow. I doubt the trail will passable by Memorial Day.

 

[TerryHowe]

Telegraph and the rest of Horse Gulch, Phils World and maybe some middle altitude stuff will be open by Memorial. Right now, snow pack is a little light on Coalbank and South, but I'd guess pretty normal to heavy North of that.

 

[zrm]

http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/snow/site/current/daily/maps_graphs/basins_point_swe.html

This will give you an idea of current snowpack

 

[DirtRoadie]

I am planning a trip through Durango on Memorial day weekend. Is this too early for Telegragh or Colorado trails?

Colorado Trail- Yes, very likely too early to ride the high elevation portions (barring unusually warm and dry spring weather). But no problem riding from the Durango trailhead which is at about 7000 feet. No telling how far you might be able to get before running into too much snow. There is a very good possibility of being able to reach the first high point @~10 miles, 9600 feet ( 37.386916°, -107.960909° ) but beyond that point all bets are off.

Telegraph Trail (and all Horse Gulch trails) is all lower elevation (practically in town) - no problem. Its highest point is roughly 7500 feet.

 

[chuck80442]

FYI, Taos is just south of your route to Durango (about a 90 minute detour), and we've had a big bad drought of a winter. South Boundary might still be snowed in, but there will be plenty of other rides dry as a bone around here Memorial Day weekend.