What is the better time of year to ride through…

[R Doug]

I have the ability to take a road trip through Utah (Monument Valley, Arches Park, North Rim), Western Colorado (Gunnison, Million Dollar Highway), New Mexico (Santa Fe), and northern Arizona (Jerome, Flagstaff) next year.

My two options to pull this off would be mid July or early October of next year.  My concern about July is the potential of forest fires which could alter my routes and high temperatures (mostly in the lower elevations).  My only concern with going in October is cool to cold temps in the higher elevations (Flagstaff, North Rim, Gunnison, etc…).  I would much rather dress for cool weather riding than hot.  So, have I answered my own question?  

What say you peeps with experience in these areas?

Thanks.  
 

[Scratch33]

My concern about July is the potential of forest fires which could alter my routes and high temperatures (mostly in the lower elevations).

Yep, we ran into all of that.  When we do it again we'll be doing it just after Labor Day.

[Snowdog]

I was in the same sort of areas in late June into July '04, Temps were quite bearable in mesh gear but I froze over Vail Summit heading to Denver to return the rental bike. I didn't encounter any fires.

[R Doug]

Since you guys didn't vote, are you supporting October or July?  

[Baz]

I voted October for you as I was through their in July and just about died from heat exposure in my air conditioned cage.

(Of course I am Canadian and struggle with Temperatures anything above 32 F   )

[stromgal]

My own preference is for May.  I'd vote October, as the kiddies are back in school and fewer RVs are about.

[Snowdog]

I have no experience of October in the area, but the kids being back at school is an unbeatable argument.

[Stargzrgrl]

Of your 2 choices, I'd say October would be more ideal.

MacGyver and I found the weather to be bearable to almost perfect late August, early September last year when we did our moto trip through AZ, UT, and CO.  Temps. were in the upper 80's - 90's maybe a few 100's some days but dry and not stifling.  Evenings were always mild and cool.  

[R Doug]

Thanks for all the feedback and votes to date.  

I was leaning towards October for several reasons.  But, there is a slight perk to doing it July and that perk is where my bike would be shipped and where the trip would begin.  

I don’t have the time to ride from home to the areas mentioned in my original post in 10 days time (the amount of vacation I could commit to such a trip).  BUT, there is a local company here in Winston-Salem, NC which does about 12 trips per year to different parts of the country.  A week prior to the trip, they haul your bikes out to the planned destination and all you have to do is fly out and pick up your bike.  The company also promotes guided tours, but they’ll allow you to pay for the shipping only and do you own thing.  FWIW, the round trip cost of the bike is less expensive than renting a bike.  And I would rather have my own bike.

The company’s July trip is to Jackson Hole, WY and the October trip is to Las Vegas, NV.  For me, the perk to the Jackson Hole trip in July is I would be able to include Yellowstone into my 10 day journey.

The other big problem with July is our 20th wedding anniversary will fall the week of the 2013 Jackson Hole trip.  I don’t believe that would be a good week for me to be away.  

[stromgal]

There's a number of rental places in Moab.    Hope you find the right 'fit' and get to do the ride.

[Tombstone]

Kids being back in school is a very valid point, but...I would go in July, warm temps be dammed. I would be more concerned about the cold in the higher elevations in Oct.
On the other hand the changing leaves would be nice to see.
Not really a bad choice here, maybe I should go with you, you know, just to see how it all works out.....

[R Doug]

There's a number of rental places in Moab.    Hope you find the right 'fit' and get to do the ride.

Thanks, I've looked.  But, for me there's nothing better than having your own bike.  Plus, the cost to ship my bike out and back (including gear) is cheaper than renting a bike for the same period of time (10 days).  And, it's much less expensive to fly into Las Vegas than trying to get into the Moab area.  

[R Doug]

Kids being back in school is a very valid point, but...I would go in July, warm temps be dammed. I would be more concerned about the cold in the higher elevations in Oct.
On the other hand the changing leaves would be nice to see.
Not really a bad choice here, maybe I should go with you, you know, just to see how it all works out.....

As I get closer, let's talk.  If anything, road advice would highly be appreciated... especially off road riding, which I plan to get in every day.

[Eric308]

I vote July. I've traveled all those areas in July and never had a problem. You'll encounter freezing temps and below in SW Colorado even then. You will also encounter snow in the higher elevations such as SW Colorado in October. The North Rim closes on 10/15 weather permitting. I was out there in late September a few years back and 67 was closed due to snow.

[bikerfish1100]

if those are your only 2 choices, it has to be July. "cool" would not be the likely operative word for October- "cold" would be more predictable at elevation.
October could be great- but you could also get 2 feet of snow on any high mountain pass. for example- Trail Ridge Rd thru RMNP is usually already closed by then. i would expect that Going to the Sun is also shut down, tho that may be farther north than you were intending. this has been a horrendous year for forest fires, much worse than usual. in fact, in 8 years living here, its the first year that i have had to consider alternate routes due to fires.
September would be best, but you did not option that choice.

[motormike]

I voted July.  I've elk hunted near Vail, Colorado around 8,000 feet in October and snow is always a possibility.

[Justin]

I voted October, assuming you will be riding during the days. Can get really cold even in Oct at night in the mountains. But it will be perfect during the days. And if you hit snow, deal with it an re-route - will be part of the adventure.

[sfarson]

FWIW, most historical major fires in Colorado are April, May, June following a dry spring.  Around mid-July the monsoon settles in.

[Tombstone]

As I get closer, let's talk.  If anything, road advice would highly be appreciated... especially off road riding, which I plan to get in every day.

I'll give all the (free) advice  you're willing to listen to, but it'll be worth about what you pay for it.   If the timing is right I could probably show you around a little.
I've ridden the pavement quite a bit in most of those areas, but as for off-road...can't help you much there, but I can give you a link to some folks who can.
http://my2wheels.com/forum/cmps_index.php
Good bunch of folks there, someone or three will be able to tell you about dirty trails.

[CanadianBird]

Sept would be best, imho. However, I prefer cold to heat. You can gear up for the cold,(Gerbing) and since I'm a Canadian, we just put our feet down when it snows. But, as stated, many mnt passes close in Oct. or earlier depending on the weather. Have fun.

[R Doug]

Again, thanks for all of the replies!  This is exactly what I'm looking for.

As far as timing, the company's Las Vegas trip hasn't been scheduled yet.  Lately, he's done it the first week of October.  But, in years past, he's done it in late September.  

When reading about the weather out there, October is a key month as the average temps drop 20-25 degrees from the first to last week of that month.  Nowhere else in the Continental US do temps fall that quickly.  So, I can appreciate the comments about cold (not cool) and snow.  

As follows are my indicative daily routes.  Let me know if you see any problems.

Day 1

http://goo.gl/maps/zgHb

for some reason, Google maps will not allow me to go across Rt. 14 through the Dixie Nat’l Forest to get into Cedar City, UT.  

Day 2

http://goo.gl/maps/I5zO

Day 3

http://goo.gl/maps/BjFm

Day 4

http://goo.gl/maps/Wo0sL

Day 5

http://goo.gl/maps/K33jW

Day 6

http://goo.gl/maps/DnG9L

Day 7

http://goo.gl/maps/nho4

Day 8

http://goo.gl/maps/iaFV

[Tombstone]

The last I heard 14 was closed due to a slide.

[Tombstone]

As follows are my indicative daily routes.  Let me know if you see any problems.

Only one problem, I hope your brain can handle "good road overload"..... Nice routes all!  

[bikerfish1100]

The last I heard 14 was closed due to a slide.

you need to turn up the volume on your hearing aid. full closure was about 3 weeks ago, and was cleared in a matter of a day or 2.
this is current-
"CO 14 Eastbound/Westbound West of Cameron Pass near Gould (Milemarker 63) (through
August 2012)
24 Hours- There will be one lane alternating traffic for rock slide repairs 24/7. Flaggers will be present 7a-7p MO-FR
and a traffic signal"

[bikerfish1100]

RDoug-I took a look at your daily specifics. Be aware that your ~400 mile days in the CO/UT mountains can be a bit "optimistic", unless your plan is to spend nearly all day on the road, riding. you might want to scale back just a tad- especially on those back-to-backers, or at least have some alternate end ponts identified. then again, you might be jsut fine with it.
yeah, you've got some real goodies in there.

[R Doug]

RDoug-I took a look at your daily specifics. Be aware that your ~400 mile days in the CO/UT mountains can be a bit "optimistic", unless your plan is to spend nearly all day on the road, riding. you might want to scale back just a tad- especially on those back-to-backers, or at least have some alternate end ponts identified. then again, you might be jsut fine with it.
yeah, you've got some real goodies in there.

Good feedback, thanks.  Is your concern more with traffic holding me up or due to a slow average pace due to twisties (or both)?  

I am OK with doing 350-400 mile days in the Appalachian mountains on twisty little back roads all day long.  My typical riding day is kickstand up by 8AM and hit my final destination by 5-6PM.  I like 9-10 hour days and I don't "stop to smell the roses" all the much.  About every 100-120 miles I stop to get off the bike whether I need to for gas, bathroom, or just to stretch.  My typical “pace” is 5-10 over the speed limit at most times except for going through towns.

[R Doug]

PS... a co-worker, who has ridden in the area before on his HD, said he thought my miles per day was too high and couldn't believe I wouldn't take more time to spend say 1/2 a day in Zion or hiking around Arches.  I told him when I ride, the ride for the roads.  The side attractions are just that... side attractions.  I'm sure I'll be blown away by Zion with its breathtaking beauty.  But, I don't mind looking at it for 10 minutes and saying, "wow, this is beautiful.  time to roll on."  

When I'm out riding and see something worth spending more time, my wife and I will plan a vacation to that place together and become more intimate with it then.  

[bikerfish1100]

impossible to do Zion or Arches in 10 minutes. neither is a riding road (hell, even RMNP, with Trail Ridge Rd, is not a riding road). i'd say on those either plan to spend an hour or so, or just blow it off entirely.

my concern was ability to manage time on slower twistes, as you will get traffic, whether its July (lots) or October (less so)- and even with  a blitzkrieg style of passing, your opportunities for getting by the touristas on many of these roads can be limited.

but it sounds like you have the general concept implanted, so should not be too much of an issue.

[Tombstone]

Good feedback, thanks.  Is your concern more with traffic holding me up or due to a slow average pace due to twisties (or both)?  

I am OK with doing 350-400 mile days in the Appalachian mountains on twisty little back roads all day long.  My typical riding day is kickstand up by 8AM and hit my final destination by 5-6PM.  I like 9-10 hour days and I don't "stop to smell the roses" all the much.  About every 100-120 miles I stop to get off the bike whether I need to for gas, bathroom, or just to stretch.  My typical “pace” is 5-10 over the speed limit at most times except for going through towns.

You won't have any problem logging those miles.
Zion NP, and highway 12 et al are 'slow' roads, but 89 and others are 55+ roads.  
With your intended pace and hours in the saddle you'll be fine.
One caution:  watch your speed through the towns, google "Springdale Cash for tickets" and you'll see what I mean. Like anything else the few bad ones get the attention, but there are some quirky towns in Southern Utah.

[Justin]

One caution:  watch your speed through the towns

Pretty much the rule of the west. Slow down to the posted speed limit when approaching any town.

[JonS]

September is the best month for weather and temps. I'm going to do an overnighter, from our house, off 191, to Ceder City and back.  I froze my butt off in October, going through the Dixie Nat Forest. It was beautiful with the leaves being in a brilliant stage, but the sleet  on my face shield kind of got in the way. You never know, when dealing with mountains.

[Clovis]

I've had some of my best rides in early/mid October. As long as you get out in the first half of October you should be fine.

July works well too. Wild fires are fairly uncommon but this year Colorado had a ton. The main issue with July is the heat (not really an issue at higher elevations but definately a concern at lower elevations) and summer traffic.

Last October a budy and I rode 1000 miles down to Toas and through the New Mexico national parks. It was the best trip ever. No cars, no cops, lots of twisty roads! East of Toas we had an entire national park to our selves. We saw maybe 5 others cars total, it was unbelievable. We did that trip around October 14-15.

[UHOH]

I've been down there over many yrs during the months of April, May, November.  

I have studiously avoided mid-June thru Labor day, so
I would suggest the early fall period of the two you're considering...

[Tombstone]

Todays paper reports that SR 14 (closed since Oct 2011) is now open. There are still minor delays due to ongoing construction.
Looks like you can put that one back on your route.

[bomber]

My own preference is for May.  I'd vote October, as the kiddies are back in school and fewer RVs are about.

^This, all day!

[R Doug]

Thanks for the updates!