Anyone been up in this area lately? Especiall from the west. Looking for snow conditions or lack there of.

I was thinking of doing the Venable-Comanche Loop this weekend so I called the ranger office down there and I was told the snow is still pretty deep in both valleys and there is "no way you're getting anywhere near the Phantom Terrace."
For what it's worth.

Thanks for the info, sounds like they are referring to the east side which usually holds a bit more snow.

Chris, snow level is around 10,500 in trees. If your thinking North Crestone TH, I bet you can get up to the NorthFork junction without snow. The SW ridge of Venable will be typically be dry this time of year. Water will obviously be running high.

BTW, I wouldn't do anything in tha San Isabel drainage at this time of year. The trail in there is barely maintained and doesn't get much foot traffic. The first mile of that trail crosses the creek 5 times, all of them with no bridge. With high water it would totally suck. The Rito Alto Drainage is much deeper inset, and has a lot more trees compared to the N Crestone drainage. I think your looking at a snowlevel in there around 10,000-ft. I wouldn't do it this time of year. We took a trip of the Rito Alto the 3rd week of June last year and I remember the upper tree covered areas close to Rito Alto Peak still showing intermitant snow.

Kane

Thanks Kane, that's about what I figured. Was looking to hike up to North Fork and camp for a few days. Maybe getting in venable/spring/comanche one day and poss Eureka/Rito the next. Wasn't really expecting it to be easy.

A buddy of mine took some shots at Comanche last weekend.

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