I’m reluctant to do it, but it’s time to start trading in my ski boots for hiking boots and store away the memories of the past adventurous winter. The snow is quickly melting in the lower elevations, so it’s time I turn my attention to summer hiking and backcountry fishing.
Here in the Vail Valley, trails become hikable in May. But how far you can travel depends on many factors – the most of important of all being how well prepared you are for early summer conditions. I’ve noticed that more and more people are taking to the trails earlier each season, and they are eager to push ever higher into the alpine life zone. But doing so comes with some ethical and risk management issues that we should all be aware of.
First, let me paint you a picture. In early summer as we start at the trailheads and move into the higher elevations — the changes in the terrain, vegetation and snowpack are evident. Terrain tends to be steeper and more committing as we go higher. Vegetation in the lower elevations has had time to take root and be more resilient to weather and human impact. But then the snowpack increases as we move higher. Shadowed drifts at first, then deeper and more extensive patches of old snow, and finally areas still completely covered from last season’s accumulation.
Now let’s put that into the perspective of actually moving through this terrain and the variable snow conditions you’ll encounter traveling from 8,000 to 12,000 feet or more. Early summer hiking is generally a wet and muddy experience that may require some additional and different gear than hiking in later summer.
Although the valley floor may be dry, it is still “mud season” in the mid-elevations. Muddy trails are vulnerable, especially at this time. People often choose to walk around muddy spots — braiding the trail and forming multiple paths instead of one. To avoid most of this trail degradation I wear gaiters and footwear that can hold up to wetter hiking. With the right gear, I’m not hesitant to keep hiking in the main vein of the trail. I also pack an extra pair of socks.
As you move higher into the alpine and snow packed terrain, it is important to assess slope angles and the consequences of a slip and fall. It’s tempting to hike in shorts, but I’ve seen enough people get a scouring snow rash from a slip and fall. Consider a comfy pair of lightweight synthetic pants.
Early summer snow tends to be compacted and a fall can lead to an out of control slide. Caution may be the best choice, but consider wearing a hiking boot with a stiffer sole for edging (softer trail shoes provide little or no grip for edging). Hiking poles can help on moderate snowfields, but carrying an ice axe (and knowing how to use it) is the best tool for avoiding what I call an early summer “slide for life.”
These early summer tips follow an old guide adage… The 5 “P’s”: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. We can get lulled into starting a hike on a warm sunny day with a dry trail and be prepared only for that. Then we find ourselves on a ridge top in the wind with a steep early summer snowfield blocking our descent. Be prepared and use the tools available for safer mountain hiking.
–Donny Shefchik is the Field Director for Paragon Guides.
