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I'm just thinking over gear to bring with me next year and was wondering about snowshoes. Of course it will greatly depend on how winter treats CO but what's the general consensus, snowshoes or no snowshoes? I will be up in late May and will be likely sticking to the front range peaks due to time (I only have a few days) but who knows. Also where is a good spot to rent them if need be? I have a feeling it would be cheaper to rent them then add more to my bags going through the airport. Plus my brother might be coming and he will need to rent a thing or 2 he doesn't have. I will be landing in Denver.

My personal opinion on snowshoes in late May in the Colorado Front Range: Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

By getting a very early start, you may avoid needing snow shoes in the AM / during the bulk of your ascent. But once the snow has warmed...my gosh, I've seen people full-body post-hole in May. It can get pretty messy.

Up your chances for success and maximize your flexibility by bringing snow shoes.

My two cents. I hope others will chime in as well!

PS: Enjoy your visit!

Sarah is right that it will increase you chances for success. I very rarely take my skis unless my goal is skiing (snowshoes haven't left the garage in 10 years). I usually stay above tree line where it is very rare that you will need either, but it's a different story when you get in the trees. For example, I have spent over a half hour traveling 50 feet on a solo trip, and well over an hour going a couple hundred yards with two of us to break trail because of deep snow. Both of those occasions were going down fairly steep hills.

Of course, if it doesn't start snowing soon you won't need them. I went most of the way to the top of North Star yesterday in cross-trainers and never got my feet wet. (Turned back because it was just a quick hike after skiing and it was going to get dark soon.)

Yea I was kind of leaning toward bringing them. Better to have and not need then to want and not have! Any suggestions on gear rental shops? My brother doesn't have snowshoes.

The REI flagship store in downtown Denver rents snowshoes (as do most REI stores.) I can also get you the name/number of a place in Fairplay, if that is close to where you are headed. (Can't recall it right now, but I have his card in my car.)

The one in Denver will probably be easy for us (at least with a map from the airport :p). Thanks for the help!