What is the best month for a Colorado ride. June or August?

[MstrJim]

I am planning a ride to Colorado this summer and have a choice of either June or August.  Which would be best weather wise?  Also, with your high mountain passes, would they be open in June especially with the storms you have had this year already.  I am coming down from Calgary and have been reading the suggestions for roads to ride.  Good information guys and thanks.

[Willie G]

When I lived elsewhere, I always rode Colorado in August - usually going to or coming from Sturgis.  I have seen temps dip into the Low 40s around Kremmling during that time, which can cause problems if you're only dressed for summer in the lower 48.

Coming from the Frozen North, that shouldn't be a problem for you.  

Knowing what I know now about the danger from summer lightning storms, I'd probably choose June over August, before the storms get prevalent.  But that's just me.

You'll enjoy the trip regardless.  

Come on down!  

[slinger5150]

I'd go with August.  A few years ago Independence Pass didn't even open until the 4th of July weekend.  A least your passes should all be open, and most of the winter gravel cleared from the rodes.

[birdrunner]

Some of the passes don't open till June.  Naturally if you're headed there, you'll want to hit the Beartooth by Yellowstone.  It's usually open 2nd week of June.

The mountain roads Stateside aren't like we have here.  The elevations make Roger's Pass look like a speedbump.  (eg Beartooth @ 3337 m (11,000 ft) vs Roger's @ 1300m (about 4300 ft)

OTOH,  June can be DAMN hot in southern Colorado.  It was over 100 F the day I was heading up to the "high country". I can only imagine what Aug. would be like.

There's one obvious advantage to June,  there's less traffic...........except for those annoying West Coasters heading to the Nat'l meet.

[Clair]

Both June and August have pros and cons to them.

June:  Cooler temps, relatively speaking, particularly for the lower lieing areas.  Spring flowers blooming, mountains all green.  Downside is that depending on winter/spring snow, higher passes may still be closed and/or you may run into snow going over a pass.

August:  Roads open, yay.  Southern parts of state and the lower elevation area hot as hell tho.  Rain may be more common in the latter afternoons, particularly going over the passes.

I rode from Salt Lake to Durango the first week of June last year.  We baked our asses off on the ride down through the Utah desert (temps near 100) and Durango was in the high 80's once we arrived.  We did the clockwise loop over to Silverton and came down Hwy 550.  Weather was perfect up high, but chilled off as the sun set behind the mountains.  No snow for us during this ride.  Awesome scenery.

Two years ago we did a Central Colorado ride in July.  Again, baked our asses off getting to GRand Junction (temp 103).  NExt day we baked again during the morning and early afternoon, then got caught in the afternoon rains over all the passes.  We had heavy rain and sleet going over Independence Pass and a downpour riding through Aspen.  Suffice it to say that by mid afternoon on we had bundled up and had rain gear on.

It'll be a crap shoot either way.  August will be better to insure the roads are open,but you may encounter rain/sleet/snow in the higher passes.  We're heading back down to Durango in early June again this year.

[blakebird]

The mountain roads Stateside aren't like we have here.  The elevations make Roger's Pass look like a speedbump.  (eg Beartooth @ 3337 m (11,000 ft) vs Roger's @ 1300m (about 4300 ft)

Come see Independence Pass at 12,095 ft.

Either June or August - snowy passes could be an issue in June, it's a crapshoot. Watch the snowfall for the high country and make your decision as late as you can.

[Eric308]

Some of the passes don't open till June.  Naturally if you're headed there, you'll want to hit the Beartooth by Yellowstone.  It's usually open 2nd week of June.

The mountain roads Stateside aren't like we have here.  The elevations make Roger's Pass look like a speedbump.  (eg Beartooth @ 3337 m (11,000 ft) vs Roger's @ 1300m (about 4300 ft)

OTOH,  June can be DAMN hot in southern Colorado.  It was over 100 F the day I was heading up to the "high country". I can only imagine what Aug. would be like.

There's one obvious advantage to June,  there's less traffic...........except for those annoying West Coasters heading to the Nat'l meet.

Beartooth opens (conditions permitting) the last weekend in May. I was the first vehicle ('86 Nighthawk S) in May '95. There was plowed snow 25 ft. high along the road up top. Snowmobiles were passing me on top of the plowed areas! Pretty awesome. I don't think it matters much re: June or August....just get there and enjoy it. Don't miss Unaweep Canyon area (CO-141-145).

[bikerfish1100]

August is the slightly safer bet, IMO. don't worry so much about the temps in the lowlands- you don't want to be riding there anyway.
of course, the very bestest month is all summer.

[JimWilliamson]

I'd vote for just after kids enter school - fewer people on the road. Late Aug / Early Sep.

[sfarson]

Gonna cast a vote for June.  Only downside really is a pass like Independence could be still closed... but crews really work to get all passes and Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park opened by Memorial Day weekend.

Have been all over the state, up high, even a month earlier in May and never thwarted.  If there is a snow, it's a wet and brief one, melting quickly.  Things just seem fresh, gorgeous, and vibrant in June.  The peaks are loaded with snow, wildflowers are vibrant and not fading, the grass is green.  Traffic is less.  Temps are perfect.  There isn't the Augustal monsoons.  Man, late summer it can seem as though every day one is dodging thunderstorms -- to no avail.

[RickC1957]

Went thru Beartooth Pass last year July 4th weekend....talked to a few riders that had done it the day before...they said they encountered sleet and snow showers. When we rode it...it was partly sunny and I think 54F, snow some places up to 8 feet high...but no where near the rode surface. I'm planning doing Colorado in June...I'm expecting some roads to be closed and cool/cold weather, but because of working commitments, it will be the only time I'll be able to have a 2 week ride, I'll hit the nationals on the way back. Jim when you have nailed down the time of your ride PM me and maybe we'll try to meet up somewhere along the way.

[slinger5150]

Will agree on dodging many t-storms in August, though they seem to last only 10 minutes or so.

[STArnie13]

I would go in late June.  Most everything will be open by then.  That is the peak amount of daylight so you can get in more riding.  If you go the week before the 4th of July week crowds will be lighter since many will be waiting for the big holiday.  

[MstrJim]

Yeah, I am kind of thinking June but I don't want to be there to early in the month.  Our highest pass at 7200' opens in mid June but usually still has snow in the shade at least.  Traffic would be less too of course and that would be a good thing.  I am planning 10-12 days but have to leave for work on the 26th so, it might be early.  August probably would be better.  Thanks guys, great site and good info.  I am using the ride site for ideas on good roads to run.

[RickC1957]

Yeah, I am kind of thinking June but I don't want to be there to early in the month.  Our highest pass at 7200' opens in mid June but usually still has snow in the shade at least.  Traffic would be less too of course and that would be a good thing.  I am planning 10-12 days but have to leave for work on the 26th so, it might be early.  August probably would be better.  Thanks guys, great site and good info.  I am using the ride site for ideas on good roads to run.

Jim...people have been sending their route suggestions and routes on this thread I started...check it out

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,2762.msg62305.html#msg62305

[forester]

August is better.  

[MstrJim]

Well, the consensus is August so I will go with that.  Now comes the planning.  Lots of good info on the roads so Maps and Streets will get a workout this Spring.  I have approximately 2 weeks but have to meet my lady in GreatFalls on the 14th of August.  2 weeks will have to do this time.  Thanks guys.  Great site.

[bikerfish1100]

So SteveF, maybe we can offer him a group ride on the Sat before he leaves (ride on the 11th)?

[Thundergod]

I would vote for August if you plan on staying in the mountains. Like it has been stated before, low elevation Colorado- both east/west slope gets VERY hot during August.

Not Humid hot-- More like Microwave Hot.
You can ride in the August Heat--but bring a large camelback full of icewater, vented gear and lots of sun block.

Two years ago, I rode west from Colorado, and dropped off of the final plateau into Utah-- where temps hit 110. Miserable knowing I had 200 miles to the hotel....riding into the sun all the way. Ride early, ride late, but don't ride from Noon to 4pm....

[bikerfish1100]

yes, it's a dry heat. like an oven.
but typically, if it's cooking in the 90's in the lowlands (mind you, that's 5,000 ft to you E or W coasters) it will be a delightful 70's in the mntns. and why would you want to be riding anywhere else? I've found that daytime riding is perfect- but drink LOTS of water. 1)-you rarely feel yourself sweating, so don't realize that you're losing water, and 2)- it will help protect against altitude sickness. and you might have to dodge an afternoon t-storm (2-4 pm is most likely) that can be pretty strong, but rarely last very long (15-30 mins)- and are likely to be "highly isolated". i've had it begin raining on a ride, turn around, and i'm out of it in minutes and remain dry- as long as i don't go over that particular pass.