The trail near Fruita, CO.

While it’s still way too early to backpack in the Colorado high country, right now is the perfect time to hit the lower elevation trails in canyon country. The western part of the state near Grand Junction and Fruita is dry and quite pleasant this time of year and offers up some incredible desert scenery.

Joe Wiggins posted his take on backpacking Colorado canyon country on Examiner.com and it’s a good read if you’re serious about finding a good spot to hike and camp. Wiggins points out this time of year offers up great weather plus water sources are more readily available now than in the summer. Even if you plan on getting in high country trips later this year an early season trip to western Colorado can help you shake down your gear and get acclimated for climbs about 12,000 feet. Ain’t Colorado great?