What is the best starting time and place to begin a thru-hike?
Northbounders: Many CDT thru-travelers begin at the Mexico/New Mexico border in March or April when the air is cooler and water sources are more readily available. On average, CDT travelers take one month to make it through the Land of Enchantment. Yet, entering Colorado too early in the season means CDT travelers may encounter high snow levels, avalanche, and high spring run-off along Colorado’s high mountains. Southbounders: Fewer CDT thru-travelers start at the Canada/Montana border, but for those that do, many attempt to get started in mid-June. Mid-June may be summer in some parts of the world, but in Glacier National Park, spring has barely begun. If you begin too early, you will run into deep snow pack and dangerously high river crossings. Stay in contact with the rangers at Glacier as your are obtaining your required backcountry permits. They can help you determine the best time to start for that particular season.
