SummitPost.org

I'll be in Denver on business around 22-28 January. To you locals: What are my chances of being able to hike up some Boulder-area peaks (Green Mountain, Bear Peak, South Boulder Peak, etc.) with no winter gear around this time?

Thanks...

I would say that it is highly likely you could make it up any of those mountains as long as you have warm clothes. The trails are used by runners all year.

Could be some ice up high, I don't know, I'm returning there in a few days and will be able to see firsthand.

Thanks, I will keep checking the forum for updates. I plan to hike in the area on 25-27 January.

I'd say there's likely ice up high but probably not enough as to be a major hindrance. Some slopes in Boulder are clear of anything, but there are snow patches and areas down in Boulder town, and shady areas like forests probably have significantly more. Nederland is pretty damn cold and icy, with the only places without snow up here due to the crazy freaking winds.

On those mountains, most any time bringing out winter gear like ice ax or crampons would be considered overkill though. Bear Peak with ice isn't a big deal, and even if you fall you're going to slide a whole 10 feet and hit a...tree. You'll survive.

For anyone interested, today I climbed Dinosaur Mountain and Bear Peak. I approached the former via its southwest slopes, which were totally dry. I approached the latter via the Fern Canyon Trail, which was very icy. But I made it to the summit, with running shoes and no winter gear. Thanks again to the forum.