Southern Colorado Trip
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Stage II
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Chandler,AZ
Southern Colorado Trip
Traveling from Ruidoso, MN to Durango,Co and then planning 4 to 5 days around that area. Will be late April. Will there be any problems riding the Mountians that time of year? Really want to travel to Ouray and Telluride. Any sugustiions or must do's?
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 60
From: Colorado Rockies
The thing about the Colorado mountains in April and May. Could be perfect...Could be hell on earth. Snow, rain, heat, cold all a possibility. Wind will be a certainty that is all I will gaurantee.
But nothing ventired.
But nothing ventired.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Herriman, Utah
My buddies and I were unable to make it over the Million Dollar Hwy a few years ago in late June due to snow. Could be an interesting trip for you. The ride on the other side of the mountain from Million Dollar Hwy 145 Dolores to Telluride is a great ride in the summer. If it is too snowy up high, you may want to point towards the four corners area to the southwest, that is all desert and should be mostly snow free.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
I wouldn't count on it, especially if you want to ride the Million Dollar Highway. I was up there in June a couple of years ago and still saw snow up around Silverton.
You wouldn't be too far from Monument Valley, though. That would probably be fine in April. Durango to Moab isn't a bad ride, either. At Moab you could check out Arches National Park.
You wouldn't be too far from Monument Valley, though. That would probably be fine in April. Durango to Moab isn't a bad ride, either. At Moab you could check out Arches National Park.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 562
Likes: 21
From: Arlington, TX
I've ridden all over southern Colorado but never that early. I would expect you'll have snow problems, especially around Silverton because it's at 9000 feet. Good luck. Ride safe.
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Denver
April is a little to early for riding in that part of the country. I have lived in Colorado all of my life and I would not do that at that time of the year.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
Time will tell, snow has been below average in the San Juan's and Sangre De Cristo mountains this year. You are really pushing it with late-April -- many years we get storms that drop well over a foot in late April above 9k. You will need to watch the weather closely. Also, one of the biggest problems during that time of year is sunny days which leads to snow melt and then icy conditions in the late afternoon and early morning when the temps are below freezing. Last year was a bit of an anomaly and riding in late-April and early May was okay. SJ Ron
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
Silverton is over 10,000 ft. and there could well be a lot of snow in late April, but it could be great too. It's kind of a crap shoot that time of year.
If you can't do the Million dollar Highway, there is 4 Corners Monument, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat, Utah, all within easy riding from Durango.
Personally, I'd wait until late May or early June at the earliest.
Bill
If you can't do the Million dollar Highway, there is 4 Corners Monument, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat, Utah, all within easy riding from Durango.
Personally, I'd wait until late May or early June at the earliest.
Bill