HI Everyone,

So I'm flying into Colorado Springs Feb 2010 to climb Pikes Peak. Can anyone offer any advice on the Crags TH? During Feb, how deep is the snow typically, are crampons needed, etc?

Thanks in advance
Jonathan

you'll get much better info from the locals, but here is my trip reportfor 17 March 2007. There are photos that show the conditions.

Hard to say on specific conditions, but unless you have a storm right before going, you should be fine in hiking boots and maybe gaitors. The trail is almost always packed down enough that snowshoes are useless. Off the trail, you will probably be in deep snow. Once above tree-line, the snow is almost always wind packed or blown away completely. I have never used crampons or an axe on that side of the peak. Avy danger is pretty much non-existent. (FYI, I live about 25 minutes from the trailhead and have climbed Pikes multiple times in every month of the year. )

BTW, Matt's pictures look like they were taken during a bit of a dry spell. I would expect more snow above tree line than that.

The first time I went in winter it was a dry winter. I slogged through waist deep snow drifts where the trail wasn't broken but I was on the Barr Trail. Depending on recent snow and wind it might be a better idea to bring snow shoes but it's usually pretty windpacked so you should be ok in boots.

Hi Guys,

Thanks so much for the information. How far is the drive from the airport to the Crags TH? I am getting in on a Friday so I am hoping to drive straight from the airport and start hiking. Set up camp on the way up and (weather permitting) summit on Saturday.

Thanks again
Jonathan

It will take just under an hour and a half from the airport. It could be pretty windy and cold.

skorpeo wrote:It will take just under an hour and a half from the airport. It could be pretty windy and cold.

I second the windy and cold comment. The high today in Colorado Springs at 6,000' is unlikely to top 40 degrees. They are calling for a rain/snow mix tonight so the peak might get hammered.

jspears0001 wrote:Hi Guys,

Thanks so much for the information. How far is the drive from the airport to the Crags TH? I am getting in on a Friday so I am hoping to drive straight from the airport and start hiking. Set up camp on the way up and (weather permitting) summit on Saturday.

Thanks again
Jonathan

If you are going to camp along the crags trail, don't get too high. As you are going up, you will cross creeks twice on bridges. After that, you will cross the creek (from the south side to the north side of the creek.) If you go much higher than that, you will have a hard time finding a tent site until you get well above tree line where you will be exposed to the winds. You can go a little ways above the creek but once the trail curves left and starts climbing, it stays steep.