Aspen Forest Service official Tim Lamb worries about a potential influx of travelers this Fourth of July weekend into the high-alpine backcountry, which is still buried in as much as 10 feet of snow.
“It’s a problem,” said Lamb, who has been with the Forest Service in Aspen for 15 years. “I think this weekend could be the culmination of pent-up desire and unrelenting conditions in the backcountry.”
The Forest Service is not recommending travel yet to popular backcountry locations such as Conundrum hot springs or East and West Maroon passes. High mountain passes are still buried in snow and pose slipping risks and unfriendly hiking conditions for anyone climbing the steep slopes.
Conundrum hot springs, and many other backcountry hikes, entail a number of creek crossings without the aid of a bridge. Creek crossings where hikers might be used to risking wet hiking boots are now much more treacherous, and potentially deadly, with thigh-deep, rushing water. There have been at least two “close calls” recently where people attempting to cross Conundrum Creek on the way to the hot springs slipped and were nearly washed downstream, Lamb said. About half the campsites at the hot springs are still snowed in, Lamb added.
Up to 400 inches of snow fell on area mountains this winter and the epic snowfall is taking longer than usual to melt off. While most area rivers have already seen their stream flow peaks, the snowpack continues to be above average for this time of year at the top of the Colorado Rockies. While area whitewater rafters are licking their chops over what’s sure to be one of the best and longest rafting seasons in history, there is still plenty of snow that needs to melt off in the high country, Lamb points out.
“People are used to seeing things more open at this point,” Lamb said. “There are a lot of situations out there where people need to be more cautious, be less ambitious or change their plans.”
Wet trails can also pose a threat to the landscape, as some users may choose to avoid a snow-covered trail by stomping across wet tundra, thereby damaging the fragile terrain.
For those jonesing for a fix this weekend, Lamb recommended either taking advantage of day hikes — such as the Hunter Creek Trail — or lower-elevation backcountry such as the Avalanche Creek drainage or the Thomas Lakes area near the base of Mt. Sopris.
Many off-road Jeep trails are also impassible because of snow or washed-out roads, including Pearl Pass, Hagerman Pass and the Lead King Loop Lamb said.
To be sure, the Forest Service can’t stop anyone from heading out into the backcountry, and advanced hikers can probably handle hiking up snowfields. But as rangers in the Aspen office handling a never-ending stream of questions form people curious about backcountry conditions told people, it’s all about an understanding of risk and consequences.
curtis@aspendailynews.com
