silly prairie boy

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May 9, 2008 | 03:14 PM

CTB

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silly prairie boy

Being a prairie boy I'm not to familiar with mountain weather - but I wondering what the weather is like over the mountain passes in June - particularly the smaller highways of northern Colorado, Utah and Idaho.

Thanks

May 9, 2008 | 03:27 PM

drfeelgood

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From: Salt Lake City, Utah

RE: silly prairie boy

Utah: Usually all roads which have been closed for winter are re-opened by the end of May. Temps probably average around 60-70 degrees during the day, evenings can become chilly 30s-40s. Always plan on a rain storm or two.

Idahois similar or even a bit colder.

Overall it really depends on what passes you are referring to. Obviously some are worse than others due to elevation.

May 9, 2008 | 07:13 PM

coastrider

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RE: silly prairie boy

Be prepared for anything. Not unheard of to have snow at higher elevations that time of year. Not common but not unheard of.

Ride Safe.

May 12, 2008 | 02:04 AM

doc_cj

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From: Windsor, CO

RE: silly prairie boy

Quote:

ORIGINAL: CTB

Being a prairie boy I'm not to familiar with mountain weather - but I wondering what the weather is like over the mountain passes in June - particularly the smaller highways of northern Colorado, Utah and Idaho.

Thanks

A former prairie boy myself ... two things I'd add to this thread:

1) Layer -- As noted, the weather can change quick, and the dry air will not hold heat like you may be used to. So a nice 70+ degree afternoon can turn into 40 degree chill by evening.

2) Elevations can change quickly. Salt Lake City is a good example. The metro area is around 4300 feet in elevation above sea level but there are areas (such as Grandview Peak) which top 9400 feet. You can literally go from high desert to alpine forest in a 30 minute ride. A dramatic change in elevation can bring dramatic change in temperature as well.

The Utah Department of Transportation maintains a fairly up to date road condition website, so if you have 'net access on the road keep this link ...

http://www.sr.ex.state.ut.us

Most passes will be open in June, but there are exceptions from time to time.

May 12, 2008 | 10:05 AM

kiltiemon

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From: Boca Raton, Florida

RE: silly prairie boy

I've encountered a snow storm in the Big Horns in August! About 50 foot visibility for a while (I was on foot and on a fire trail so it really wasn't a problem, but it's always best to be prepared for almost anything in the mountains). This can get unforgiving VERY fast!!!

Jim aka kiltiemon

May 12, 2008 | 11:05 AM

CTB

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RE: silly prairie boy

Thanks for the info guys - as of now I plan to head down from the Canadian prairies through the Black Hills down to Laramie - over into Utah on Colorado Hyw 40 and then turn south to Las Vegas (for a night on the strip) likely on Utah highways 191, 24, 12 or something like that. Straight up through Nevada on 93 into Idaho and Missoula and then east back into North Dakota. Generally I like to stay off the InterStates and take the back roads so if any knows of any must travel roads along the route I'd appreciate suggestions.

Thanks

May 12, 2008 | 11:36 AM

drfeelgood

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From: Salt Lake City, Utah

RE: silly prairie boy

Definitely do the 24and the 12 in Utah. Just south of Laramie, WYis the Rocky Mountain NP which is another option.

After leaving Hwy 12 in Utah you could head south and do a loop around the Grand Canyon, then over to Vegas.

If you were to turneast off of the 93 in Shoshone, ID you could tour Yellowstone NP and go over the Beartooth Hwy into Red Lodge, MT. Going through the Big Horn's in WY is another great option while heading east.

I don't know how much time you have for your trip but Glacier NP is a little over 200 miles north of Missoula.

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May 12, 2008 | 11:12 PM

doc_cj

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 1,600

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From: Windsor, CO

RE: silly prairie boy

Quote:

ORIGINAL: CTB

Thanks for the info guys - as of now I plan to head down from the Canadian prairies through the Black Hills down to Laramie - over into Utah on Colorado Hyw 40 and then turn south to Las Vegas (for a night on the strip) likely on Utah highways 191, 24, 12 or something like that. Straight up through Nevada on 93 into Idaho and Missoula and then east back into North Dakota. Generally I like to stay off the InterStates and take the back roads so if any knows of any must travel roads along the route I'd appreciate suggestions.

Thanks

Now you're talking my part of the country ... Highway 12 is a GREAT ride. My favorite part is Boulder, Escalante, and Tropic ... but there is LOTS to see no matter where you are.

Be sure to include some time for Bryce Canyon National Park and Red Canyon state park. Both are along Highway 12.

Once you get to the 89 intersection then cut back north to Panguitch then back west on Highway 143 toward Panguitch Lake. That road will also take you to Cedar Breaks National Monument and Bryan Head resort. Then connect with Utah 14, which runs back into Cedar City. Here's a couple pics for you from the Highway 14 and Boulder area on Highway 12 ...

Highway 14 overlooking Zion National Park to the south (this is about 15 miles east of Cedar City, UT, and between I-15 and Utah 89).