Hi Cathy, these photos were actually taken in August. 🙂 Generally, prime season for RMNP ~ early July to mid-September.

Even at the peak of summer,temps can be cool at night. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/weather.htm

Thanks Paul… I’ll look into IPW… I suspected that, with your generous nature, you had offered up some tips, but FYI, I don’t get notification that you reply to comments. If that is what you are hoping to happen. I decided to come back to see if you made an offering and you, of course, did. I’ll email you directly here on out if I got questions (which I do!).

Rather than RMNP, consider the nearby IPW. $5 for a permit vs $20, dispersed camping and no bear canister needed. Plenty of off-route possibilities, too. (No permit needed after Sept 15th)

I would not suggest the ‘shwack we did…good instruction session, probably not the best hiking. 🙂

Plus you could carry the BV500 horizontally which is nice. I’m reading over the details again in your blog post and studying some maps. I know I want to do a san-trail route this fall. Maybe I’ll do RMNP (it’s so OMG close) hard to beat.

It was a great hike. It does seem like it was ULA and GoLite dominant trip. 🙂 Being in guide mode, I took a Catalyst. Found it works well for overnight climbing trips and think I will make good use of it this winter, too. 🙂

I’m thinking about taking a bushwacking RMNP in two week, maybe I”ll find your tread.

Casey