Why Shoulder Season Hiking is My Favorite Time of the Year

Most people put away their hiking boots after Labor Day and don’t pull them out again until Memorial

Day. But for me, those months in between—the shoulder seasons of fall and spring—are my absolute

favorite time to be on the trail.

When the summer crowds fade and the wildflowers give way to frost, you’ll often find yourself

completely alone on trails that were packed just weeks earlier. Shoulder season is when Colorado’s

mountains feel wilder, quieter, and more personal. But with that solitude comes the need for a little

more planning, preparation, and respect for the unpredictable conditions.

Solitude on Popular Trails

During summer, a hike up a Colorado 14er like Quandary or Bierstadt can feel like a parade. But in

October or April, you might have those same trails nearly to yourself. There’s something powerful about

standing on a ridge with nobody else in sight, hearing nothing but the wind.

This is the reward of shoulder season hiking—popular destinations without the crowds.

Be Prepared for Unpredictable Weather

The biggest trade-off for that solitude is the weather. Shoulder season in Colorado means conditions

can change in minutes. What starts as a sunny morning can turn into snow, rain, or 40-mph winds by

mid-afternoon.

That’s why planning and gear matter so much more this time of year. My packing list always includes

hats, gloves, layers, microspikes, and extra food and water—because in shoulder season, you might

encounter three seasons in a single day.

Trail-Specific Shoulder Season Tips for Colorado 14ers

Not all 14ers are created equal in shoulder season. Some remain relatively accessible with only light

snow or ice, while others quickly become winter ascents requiring technical gear and skills. Here’s a

quick breakdown:

Best Choices for Shoulder Season (Class 1 & 2):

• Mount Bierstadt (West Slopes): Usually one of the last 14ers to hold deep snow.

• Quandary Peak (East Ridge): Boot pack often in place year-round, but winds can be brutal.

• Mount Sherman (Fourmile Creek): Shorter mileage and gradual terrain make this a good option.

Proceed with Caution:

• Grays & Torreys Peaks: Saddle holds snow/ice early—traction required.

Mount Elbert: Northeast Ridge ices quickly, especially above treeline.

• Mount Yale: Windswept ridge becomes harsh by mid-fall.

Best Avoided Until Summer Returns:

• Longs Peak: Even light snow makes this a technical climb.

• Capitol & Pyramid: Exposure + snow/ice = extreme risk.

• Snowmass Mountain: Loose rock + ice make it very dangerous.

Shoulder Season Hiking Packing Checklist

Essential Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layer (avoid cotton)

• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or puffy jacket)

• Waterproof/windproof shell

• Warm hat & gloves

• Gaiters (if snow is present)

Footwear & Traction

• Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners

• Wool socks (extra pair)

• Microspikes or crampons

• Trekking poles

Gear & Safety

• Backpack with rain cover

• Map & compass / GPS app (offline maps)

• Headlamp with fresh batteries

• First aid kit + emergency bivy

• Extra food & 1–2 liters of water

Planning Essentials

• Check recent trip reports

• Watch the weather window

• Have a strict turnaround time

• Tell someone your plan

Why I Love It

At the end of the day, shoulder season hiking combines the best of both worlds. You get the quiet, raw

experience of winter hiking, but without the deep snow and extreme cold. You get the trails you love in

summer, but without the crowds.

Yes, it takes more preparation. Yes, you have to be okay with turning back. But to me, that’s part of the

beauty. Shoulder season hiking asks for more respect, but in return, it gives back the solitude and

authenticity that drew me to the mountains in the first place.