I'm looking to do a speed trip to CO in May, fly to Denver climb a mountain, fly home. I was just browsing around and I really like the look of Snowmass but can't find much information on conditions in May. Has anyone been there that time of year? Or any suggestions for good mountains that time? They would preferably be in that area just for time reasons.

Try fourteeners.com for more info. I havn't been to the Elks that time of year, but I would guess the aproaches for most of those peaks like Snowmass would all be snow travel, including the trail portions.( Depends on snow year) Also you are looking at a 4/5 hour drive from Denver. there are 14ers that are much closer, and easier to climb. By easier I mean not multi day excusions. Quandary, sherman, Grays, Torries, Evans, Shavano,and Pikes are all good early season climbs.

Good luck!!

If you are looking for a "speed" trip then I certainly wouldn't recommend the Elks. They are pretty far from Denver. Snowmass is one of the longer 14ers by the standard route and is going to be especially time-consuming in May when you might run into rotten snow depending on the year. Regardless, it will almost for sure be all snow once you get past Snowmass Lake (11,000 feet). It's a tough day even in the summer and almost for sure a 2 day trip in May. I second Pyerger, do Quandary or Grays/Torreys or Bierstadt or one of the Front Range peaks. Much closer to Denver and much shorter trips anyway....