Utah Weather/Temps
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Long Island, New York
Utah Weather/Temps
The wife and I are planning a week long tour of Utah. Likely I will ship my bike back and forth to Salt Lake City and do a counterclockwise tour. I will post another thread about my route later.
My question is when?
We were originally going to do two weeks and include Colorado, therefore we were going to make it happen in August to avoid potential snow on the mountain passes and deal with high temps in Utah. But she started a new job and one week is all we can make happen. Now I am thinking mid or late September, let all the kids and families go back to school and maybe the temps will be better.
What say you???? If you could go anytime this year (Spring already behind us) when would be the best time for one week in Utah?
Thanks in advance for the help.
My question is when?
We were originally going to do two weeks and include Colorado, therefore we were going to make it happen in August to avoid potential snow on the mountain passes and deal with high temps in Utah. But she started a new job and one week is all we can make happen. Now I am thinking mid or late September, let all the kids and families go back to school and maybe the temps will be better.
What say you???? If you could go anytime this year (Spring already behind us) when would be the best time for one week in Utah?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 497
Likes: 187
From: Dallas area
Earlier in Sept would be better. Weather gets unstable and temps are dropping at altitude later in the month.
Mountain passes are usually cleared by the last week of May but you still have to watch for late season snow. Check with the state's DOTs for conditions.
Enjoy the trip!
Mountain passes are usually cleared by the last week of May but you still have to watch for late season snow. Check with the state's DOTs for conditions.
Enjoy the trip!
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Michigan
It's hard for many of us in the eastern states to realize the difference in weather conditions out west and especially in the higher elevations.
From our trips west, I would suggest that if you're planning on riding on two wheels, in the higher elevations that you should consider going in the last half of July, in August, and perhaps the first week (or so) of September and even then you may get cold rain, sleet, or hail.
On two separate trips to Glacier Nat'l Park (in July) we've hit heavy rain in 42 degree temps, sleet in Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park (also in July) and we just missed snow by a few days (also in July) in Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
One thing I learned many years ago is to NEVER leave home without my leather jacket. Going west, the list is expanded to two pairs of leather gloves (medium and heavy), rain gear and a FF helmet ain't a bad idea neither!
From our trips west, I would suggest that if you're planning on riding on two wheels, in the higher elevations that you should consider going in the last half of July, in August, and perhaps the first week (or so) of September and even then you may get cold rain, sleet, or hail.
On two separate trips to Glacier Nat'l Park (in July) we've hit heavy rain in 42 degree temps, sleet in Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park (also in July) and we just missed snow by a few days (also in July) in Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
One thing I learned many years ago is to NEVER leave home without my leather jacket. Going west, the list is expanded to two pairs of leather gloves (medium and heavy), rain gear and a FF helmet ain't a bad idea neither!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Long Island, New York
It's hard for many of us in the eastern states to realize the difference in weather conditions out west and especially in the higher elevations.
From our trips west, I would suggest that if you're planning on riding on two wheels, in the higher elevations that you should consider going in the last half of July, in August, and perhaps the first week (or so) of September and even then you may get cold rain, sleet, or hail.
On two separate trips to Glacier Nat'l Park (in July) we've hit heavy rain in 42 degree temps, sleet in Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park (also in July) and we just missed snow by a few days (also in July) in Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
One thing I learned many years ago is to NEVER leave home without my leather jacket. Going west, the list is expanded to two pairs of leather gloves (medium and heavy), rain gear and a FF helmet ain't a bad idea neither!
From our trips west, I would suggest that if you're planning on riding on two wheels, in the higher elevations that you should consider going in the last half of July, in August, and perhaps the first week (or so) of September and even then you may get cold rain, sleet, or hail.
On two separate trips to Glacier Nat'l Park (in July) we've hit heavy rain in 42 degree temps, sleet in Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park (also in July) and we just missed snow by a few days (also in July) in Yellowstone Nat'l Park.
One thing I learned many years ago is to NEVER leave home without my leather jacket. Going west, the list is expanded to two pairs of leather gloves (medium and heavy), rain gear and a FF helmet ain't a bad idea neither!
I am glad I posted this, for some reason I had it in my head that Utah was going to be lower in elevation then Colorado, not sure why I thought that. Yes all high elevations. Maybe I need to go back to Labor Day week and just deal with the families. Thanks fellas.
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Central Nebraska
Utah weather
Your post did not give a route or general location of interest. But if you are riding mid to southern Utah the cool mornings and nights will be a relief from the day temps in July and Aug. Check Weather Spark website for general weather information in the area of interest. I have a New Mexico, North Arizona, Utah and Colorado ride scheduled this year in last week of June 1st week of July. Plan it and enjoy the ride. But pack your gear.
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From: Carlsbad, CA
InRoute navigation tool is a great planning tool. Once you plot a route, it has options to show elevation, curves, and precipitation & temperature averages on a per mile basis.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 60
From: Colorado Rockies
September sucks in the mountains! Don't come! Locals only allowed!��
It is our hidden little secret. Thunderstorms are over, tourist season is over, no wind and the colors! Absolutely the best time to visit the southern half of the Rockies. A little less perfect the farther north you get but Colorado and Utah are awesome. My favorite time to ride.
Sure it is a bit cooler and there can be a rogue snow storm but it will only shut you down for a day or two as it melts. But i can't rave enough about fall riding.
It is our hidden little secret. Thunderstorms are over, tourist season is over, no wind and the colors! Absolutely the best time to visit the southern half of the Rockies. A little less perfect the farther north you get but Colorado and Utah are awesome. My favorite time to ride.
Sure it is a bit cooler and there can be a rogue snow storm but it will only shut you down for a day or two as it melts. But i can't rave enough about fall riding.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 7,936
From: Long Island, New York
September sucks in the mountains! Don't come! Locals only allowed!��
It is our hidden little secret. Thunderstorms are over, tourist season is over, no wind and the colors! Absolutely the best time to visit the southern half of the Rockies. A little less perfect the farther north you get but Colorado and Utah are awesome. My favorite time to ride.
Sure it is a bit cooler and there can be a rogue snow storm but it will only shut you down for a day or two as it melts. But i can't rave enough about fall riding.
It is our hidden little secret. Thunderstorms are over, tourist season is over, no wind and the colors! Absolutely the best time to visit the southern half of the Rockies. A little less perfect the farther north you get but Colorado and Utah are awesome. My favorite time to ride.
Sure it is a bit cooler and there can be a rogue snow storm but it will only shut you down for a day or two as it melts. But i can't rave enough about fall riding.