Colorado High Country Weather

[OR Archer]

Never have hunted above 8k feet nor in Colorado. What kind of temps can be expected the first week of September at 10K plus?

[Rob P]

Weather can change fast up there. It will be anything from snow and thunderstorms to sun beating on your face. Google Historical weather data for the area you will be hunting near to get a better idea. Be prepared for everything. It's an awesome experience.

[Rob P]

Another thing to be prepare for is the effect that the elevation will have on you. You may be in shape but you definitely get winded a lot faster up there.

[OR Archer]

Yep the elevation is definitely going to be a factor. I live at 500' so it will take a day or two to get acclimated.

[SDbowhunter]

It is hard the first couple of days up hight but the longer you are there the easier it becomes, just take it slow the first couple days. Hike up high and then camp a little lower and then hike high again and then camp as high as you can w/o exposing yourself to bad weather. Its been my experience that if you sleep higher up your body adjustes faster. starts to make more red blood cells to carry smaller amounts of oxygen.

[OR Archer]

We plan on giving ourselves a day to hike in at an easy pace so not to burn out the first day. Going to let the binos do the walking.

[rocky mt addict]

last year in northern CO, i was in pracitcally a blizzard at 10k + ft on August 30. Sleet, hail, snow, 50 mph winds, and cold. it was well worth it, though. the elk went crazy the next day.

[Liv2HntBigBullz]

Invest in a cheap piece of painter plastic. This stuff is lightweight and when that unexpected rainstorm comes, stertch that baby between a couple rocks/trees and have lunch while staying dry. It will likely be cool in the mornings and warm up. But I have also seen snow, sleet and rain that high in late August.

[In God We Trust]

If you use the layering system when you hunt up high you will be fine. Last year durring Sept. I was glassing in a t-shirt and 5 minutes later getting dowsed with rain and a cold wind. Make sure you have a good set of rain gear.

[OR Archer]

Yep rain gear is a must for hunting here in Oregon haha. I own a few sets but will be packing my UA rain gear on this hunt.