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.