I'm planning to spend 3 to 4 weeks riding in Colorado.
Part of me wants August. Better chance of good weather even at the high passes.
Another part of me says September after the kids are back in school.
Maybe I should split it.
Arrive mid August and head for home mid September.
But the thought of being on the roads Labor Day weekend is scary.

Have you been on a Colorado ride that time of year?
What are your thoughts?

 

I went out there from Nashville last September, mid-month, couldn't have asked for better weather

 

Mid August to mid Sept likely the best. Just find something else to do over the Labor Day weekend or go to an area that doesn't draw as many tourist.

 

We rode the Estes Park area the last week of August in 2017. It was beautiful weather all week. It only sprinkled one day while on Trail Ridge Road. The holiday traffic really wasn't that bad.

 

Be aware that the deeper you get into September, the more likely the chances of getting snowed on.
Be prepared for all 4 seasons of weather, maybe even on the same day.
Temps will range from near freezing in the mornings to boiling in the afternoons.
The likelihood of getting rained on is great in the mountains, it usually rains up there somewhere every day. The storms don’t normally last very long, but they can be intense with lots of lightning and the possibility of hail in every storm.
I’m not trying to scare you away, just be aware that the weather up there can be crazy.

 

It was a beautiful week!!!! I count myself as so fortunate! As much snow as is there currently it might be August before many of the high roads even open!

 

The later into july/ aug the greater the chances of smoke and fires. End of june jas been a good time for me

 

Been out that way often on adventures. Thats the time frame I go. QC is spot on. Great times, just be prepared.

 

I would wait until school starts. Otherwise you'll have so many RVs and vacationers that everything is packed. Road RMNP in July a couple years ago and it was bumper to bumper. If you do decide to go before school starts stay in the western side of the state.

 

A riding friend and his wife are there this week somewhere around Estes. All the lakes are still frozen over and he's posted hail videos 2 days in a row.