First trip to Colorado
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Carbondale, IL
First trip to Colorado
I am heading to Colorado/Utah this Saturday. I will be staying in Cripple Creek, then to Grand Junction, and onto Cortez. I hope to pop over into Utah while in Grand Junction and Cortez. Does anyone have a weather update for me this time of year in the high elevations?
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 471
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From: Salt Lake City, UT
It depends on location. The high desert can be around freezing at night but up to the mid-80's during the day. It's actually the perfect time of year to explore places like Arches, Canyonlands & Natural Bridges.
I was camping in Great Basin NP on Sunday night at the Wheeler Peak campground...it sits at about 9800 ft. The campfire & whiskey kept us warm. The funny thing was, at about 7:00am, the temps were probably around 45-50 degrees. When we got down into the valleys between GBNP and Ely, NV, there was quite a noticeable drop in temperature. Moral of the story = elevation does not always dictate the lowest temperatures.
PS - If you've never been to Mesa Verde National Park, don't miss it while you're down in Cortez, CO. It's a great 22-mile ride down to the ancient cliff dwellings. Also, the campground has almost 400 spots...they say it's never been full. If you are tenting it, stay in the Pueblo Loop B or C - those are the ones that don't allow RVs or generators! Oh yeah, they have free showers, too! Have a great ride!
I was camping in Great Basin NP on Sunday night at the Wheeler Peak campground...it sits at about 9800 ft. The campfire & whiskey kept us warm. The funny thing was, at about 7:00am, the temps were probably around 45-50 degrees. When we got down into the valleys between GBNP and Ely, NV, there was quite a noticeable drop in temperature. Moral of the story = elevation does not always dictate the lowest temperatures.
PS - If you've never been to Mesa Verde National Park, don't miss it while you're down in Cortez, CO. It's a great 22-mile ride down to the ancient cliff dwellings. Also, the campground has almost 400 spots...they say it's never been full. If you are tenting it, stay in the Pueblo Loop B or C - those are the ones that don't allow RVs or generators! Oh yeah, they have free showers, too! Have a great ride!
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 494
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From: Colorado Rockies
Been in the 30's every morning in the high country, but very nice during the day. From September 1 on, you could see anything from spot on gorgeous to a bloddy blizzard!!! It will be gone in a day or so if that happens but it can happen. Air looks pretty stable in Western Colorado and Eastern Utah for the next week or so.....
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/product.php?...n=1&glossary=1
Have a great time out here!!!
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/product.php?...n=1&glossary=1
Have a great time out here!!!
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Carbondale, IL
Thanks
Thanks for the information. I have been watching the weather for a couple days. I don't mind the rain or cold, but snow and ice is a pain in the azz. I am looking forward to Pikes Peak and Independence Pass. These are where the snow and ice might get me. I will hit Arches, Monument, Million Dollar, Mesa Verde, etc. with hopefully less chance of bad weather.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: nw Kansas
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 586
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From: Falcon, CO
Perfect time to come to Colorado. The Aspens are changing and will be close to the peak when you are here. You should have great riding weather during the day! Its been dry here.
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