Our shared misery has bonded us in a way that 4 days of sunshine never could. What we've found in the Elks is a miracle, one witnessed only when the sky bursts open after days of rain. Weather patterns change quickly. Summer weather is usually dry, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Daytime highs range from the 50s to the 80s, and nighttime lows from the 20s to the 40s, depending on elevation.
Snow can occur in any month at higher elevations.
Trails and passes often are not free of snow until mid-July. The wilderness area has 100 miles of trail and nine passes higher than 12,000 feet. The route we took ranges from 9,500 feet at the trailhead to four passes higher than 12,400 feet. If you're coming from sea level, spend a night or two in a nearby town before your hike to begin acclimating. Plan to hike fewer miles per day than you would at lower elevations.