Indian Heaven conditions?

[pricklypear]

Anyone been up to Indian Heaven in the past week? How are the mosquitos?

[drm]

Here is what the FS website says:

07/28/2023: The Wilderness has some trees down on a few trails, but has been mostly cleared and is snow free. Mosquitos are present in low to moderate numbers at this time. Mosquito repellent recommended.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/gifford ... conditions

[poppacouch]

Can anyone offer a recent mosquito report for Indian Heaven? Planning to visit the NE corner shortly with friends and kids. Hoping their experience will be enjoyable!

Any guesses if the coming heat wave this week will help or hurt bug counts?

[drm]

It really varies too much this time of year. Even if somebody told they had a bug-free experience, it can change quickly. Your best sign really is the weather. Go when it is colder or breezy esp., like it is supposed to be after this heat wave.

The heat wave may make them worse briefly, but at this time of year it fries the current population and dries things out too much for the next generation (they seem to thrive from the small meltponds more than the lakes). Early heat waves definitely make it worse, but it's different in August. So right after the heat wave will likely be your best shot for an unmolested trip.