Re: snow in the canyon in May --the canyon did receive a couple of snow falls that lasted for the day, but conditions were not conducive for video - strong wind and snow fall. Going thru Silverton on May 23 en route to Chama for engine 315 prep, conditions were so bad that lingering would likely have made it impossible to get over Molas and Coal Bank passes. As it was, CDOT had posted chain law on the Purgatory side as we passed (in four wheel drive)
Re: climbing to the Animas canyon rim - this one does not involve a heroic approach - it is pretty easy to do in about 20 minutes from Highway 550 (as long as one does not step into snow covered ponds). Other canyon view points are a lot more challenging, particularly the ones closer to Elk Park.
Here are two more shots of 476 on May 30, 2019