Colorado Rockies-Eisenhower Tunnel Weather
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 2
From: USA
Colorado Rockies-Eisenhower Tunnel Weather
I am trying to plan a ride in October from California to Colorado that will take me over the Rockies on I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel. I’ve driven the route a few times and the weather wasn’t great but that was over 10 years ago and I can’t remember what months it was in.
Can I make that ride the 2nd week of October? When does it start snowing? I’ve read that it is possible for snow to fall 12 months out of the year but I was hoping someone more familiar with the area can give me better advice.
My plan was to play it by ear and worst case go around south through Albuquerque and then up through Colorado Springs and Denver but I’m not sure what the snow will be like there either!
Any help would be appreciated.
.
Can I make that ride the 2nd week of October? When does it start snowing? I’ve read that it is possible for snow to fall 12 months out of the year but I was hoping someone more familiar with the area can give me better advice.
My plan was to play it by ear and worst case go around south through Albuquerque and then up through Colorado Springs and Denver but I’m not sure what the snow will be like there either!
Any help would be appreciated.
.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
ANY ride from California to Colorado in October is a crap shoot. Can be wonderful, can be snowing. I've been snowed on at the tunnel on the 4th of July! Coldest I've ever been on a motorcycle.
Even going across I-10 means you have to go over Raton Pass at the CO/NM border (7,800'+). Keep an eye on the weather channel. Make sure to have a smart phone or computer for up to the minute weather info. And, be prepared to wait a day or two if needed. Odds are good it will be gorgeous, but we pack shorts and a parka 365 days a year in CO.
Even going across I-10 means you have to go over Raton Pass at the CO/NM border (7,800'+). Keep an eye on the weather channel. Make sure to have a smart phone or computer for up to the minute weather info. And, be prepared to wait a day or two if needed. Odds are good it will be gorgeous, but we pack shorts and a parka 365 days a year in CO.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Take I 40 from Barstow through AZ to I 25 to Denver if you are in a hurry.
If you have time, pm for the scenic route include your destination.
If you are stuck taking I 70 here's a list of webcams:
http://www.dickgilbert.com/I-70cams.htm
tunnel 1/3rd way down
Mike
If you have time, pm for the scenic route include your destination.
If you are stuck taking I 70 here's a list of webcams:
http://www.dickgilbert.com/I-70cams.htm
tunnel 1/3rd way down
Mike
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 283
From: Green Country Oklahoma
You just have to check Weather.com and make sure check hourly conditions every day you are on the road for those days, it could be perfect could be the worse weather you will ever see.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 314
Likes: 7
From: Greeley Colorado
Yes, Late September on through winter is a roll of the dice. Been that way multiple times every winter for kids hockey and it has been all conditions in less than 75 miles on the same trip. Sunny and 60 East of the tunnel, went through the tunnel and it was snowing and 30 on the West side. Kind of late in the year to plan that trip on a bike.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
2nd week of October could go either way. We could have sunny and mid 70s or a couple inches of snow. probably worse in the mountains.
Keep your eye on the weather forecast, and don't be ashamed to turn around.
Keep your eye on the weather forecast, and don't be ashamed to turn around.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 1
From: Rockies
jas... Chances are you will be fine, but who knows. An excellent site for the latest road conditions is at CDOT. The map here provides live cams and live videos, including at the Eisenhower Tunnel...
http://www.cotrip.org/roadConditions.htm
http://www.cotrip.org/roadConditions.htm
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
I've been through that tunnel a few times, I've seen it snowing at the west portal and sunny at the east portal. The tunnel is at about 10,200' anything can happen at that elevation any time of year. I'd plan a more southerly route as a backup. ABQ and Colorado Springs have much milder climates, I wouldn't worry too much about those, but I-70 that time of year could be a big gamble.