Packages and Options

GENERAL CLIMATE – Most of Colorado has a cool and invigorating climate that could be termed a highland or mountain climate of a continental location. During summer there are hot days in the plains, but these are often relieved by afternoon thundershowers. Mountain regions are nearly always cool. Humidity is generally quite low; this favors rapid evapotranspiration and a relatively comfortable feeling even on hot days. The thin atmosphere allows greater penetration of solar radiation and results in pleasant daytime conditions even during the winter. This is why skiers at high elevations are often pictured in very light clothing, although surrounded by heavy snow.

The climate of local areas are profoundly affected by differences in elevation, and to a lesser degree, by the orientation of mountain ranges and valleys with respect to general air movements. Wide variations occur within short distances. The difference (35°) in annual mean temperature between Pikes Peak and Las Animas, 90 miles to the southeast, is about the same as that between southern Florida and Iceland. The average annual snowfall at Cubres in the southern mountains is nearly 300 inches; less than 30 miles away at Manassa in the San Luis Valley, snowfall is less than 25 inches. While temperature decreases, and precipitation generally increases with altitude, these patterns are modified by the orientation of mountain slopes with respect to the prevailing winds and by the effect of topographical features in creating local air movements.

As a result of the State’s distance from major sources of moisture (the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico), precipitation is generally light in the lower elevations. Prevailing air currents reach Colorado from westerly directions. Eastward-moving storms originating in the Pacific Ocean lose much of their moisture falls as rain or snow on the mountaintops and westward-facing slopes. Eastern slope areas receive relatively small amounts of precipitation from these storms.

Storms moving from the north usually carry little moisture. The frequency of such storms increases during the fall and winter months, and decreases rapidly in the spring. The accompanying outbreaks of polar air are responsible for the sudden drops in temperature often experienced in the plains sections of the State. Occasionally these outbreaks are attended by strong northerly winds which come in contact with moist air from the south; the interaction of these air masses causes a heavy fall of snow and the most severe of all weather conditions of the high plains, the blizzard. This cold air is frequently too shallow to cross the mountains to the western portion of the State so while the plains are in the grip of a very severe storm, the weather in the mountains and western valleys may be mild.

Occasionally, when the plains are covered with a shallow layer of cold air, strong westerly winds aloft work their way to the surface. Warmed by rapid descent from higher levels, these winds bring large and sudden temperature rises. This phenomenon is the “chinook” of the high plains and temperature rises of 25 degrees to 35° within a short time are not uncommon. Chinook winds greatly moderate average winter temperatures in areas near enough to the mountains to experience them frequently.

Warm, moist air from the south moves into Colorado most frequently in the spring. As this air is carried northward and westward to higher elevations, the heaviest and most general rainfalls of the year occur over the eastern portions of the State. Frequent showers and thunderstorms continue well into the summer. At times during the summer, winds shift into the southwest and bring hot, dry air over the State from the hottest weather of the year over the eastern plains, but such hot spells are usually of short duration.

Your comfort is of utmost importance to us and we offer the following suggestions to help ensure your maximum enjoyment during a tour. Our clothing list recommendations are designed to cover the wide range in possible weather conditions.

Wearing layers of clothing is one of the best ways to regulate body temperature and conserve energy. By dressing in several light layers instead of one heavy article, you will be able to comfortably meet the range in weather conditions we often experience. As the temperature drops, you can add layers, and as the day warms up, you can remove layers. Polypropylene, capilene, or similar synthetic fabrics work best to wick moisture away from your skin and keep you dry. Moisture causes you to feel colder if it is cold outside, and often times hotter if it is hot. Trapped moisture also causes friction, chaffing and blisters.

Luggage Requirements: How to Pack

Due to the space constraints in our vehicles and custom trailers, we ask that you pack reasonably, including limiting your luggage to ONE MEDIUM-SIZED piece and a small daypack. Soft-sided luggage or a duffel bag works great, or a larger backpack if you are on a camping trip. Please do not bring excessively large suitcases or hard-sided baggage. Clearly mark each piece of luggage with your name for ease in identification. Your daypack will be kept handy in the support vehicle and used for extra clothing, camera or other miscellaneous gear that you may need throughout the day.

We caution participants not to bring fragile or breakable items as the luggage can get bounced around in our support vehicle. Also, due to the type of roads and trails that we follow, it is not uncommon for baggage to get quite dusty.

Clothing:

1 A warm jacket, sweater, or fleece top
1 1 Long sleeved thermal shirts that insulate well even when wet. These can be used for layering in the morning when it is cool, and, also if the temperature drops later in the day.
1 Pair of non cotton, thermal bottoms, cycling pants, or sweat pants
1 Short sleeved shirts (one for each day of your trip is recommended)
1 Pairs of shorts for hiking and around town. Bring 1 quick-drying pair if your tour includes rafting.
1 1 Multiple pairs of wool or synthetic blend socks for hiking and biking.
1 1 Pairs of polypropylene or capilene liner socks for use while hiking. The number of pairs may be altered depending upon the number of days that you will be hiking.
1 1 Pairs of cotton socks for evenings
1 1 A Good waterproof rain jacket and pants. Items made from breathable waterproof fabrics such Gore-Texä are preferred. Do not bring plastic ponchos.
1 1 Wool or fleece hat
1 1 Sun hat or baseball cap
1 1 Full fingered gloves or mittens. These are absolutely necessary for any trips in mountainous regions as it can snow even in the summer. Many people just bring their winter gloves. (Mountain Trips Only)

1 1 Pair of water shoes/sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet to wear for stream crossings or rafting. For example Tevas or Chaco's.
1 1 Pair of shoes that you can wear if your other shoes are wet
1 1 A Swimsuit (Bring a towel if your tour includes rafting.)
1 1 Sets of evening apparel (Casual dress and jeans are the norm.)
1 1 Wind shell jacket and pants (optional)
1 1 Rock climbing shoes & long shorts (or pants) that have a gusseted crotch (only needed on tours that include rock climbing). If you do not have your own shoes, they will be supplied by the Outfitter.

Hiking Equipment:

1 1 Ankle-supportive lightweight hiking boots or cross training shoes that are already broken in are a necessity. Smooth bottomed tennis shoes are not recommended, as they are not comfortable for extended hikes.
1 1 Hiking daypack to carry items such as a camera, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and a jacket. Exterior pockets are great for easy access to water bottles. The World Outdoors can loan you a daypack at no additional cost. Just let us know several weeks before your trip.
1 1 At least two, 1 liter, water bottles or a Camelback. Camelbacks carry 70 or 100 oz. water bladders and larger camelbacks may double as a daypack.
1 1 Gaiters are especially useful