Rocky Mountain National Park timing/

[dreemrider]

Mrs. Dreem and I are considering flying in to Denver and renting a bike to run up ad see RMNP some weekend this fall. Those of you that know, what is the latest that you would consider doing this to avoid weather issues?

Thanks,
Mark

[rocker59]

First week of October. Give or take. (and it will be COOL at Fall River Pass!).

US-34 (Trail Ridge Road) closes in the winter, once it starts snowing good...

[kantuckid]

Columbus day is the average date to close. Also consider that there are other directions like S around the park and more...IMO, don't go towards CS,CO & stay with RMNP, especially if it's a 1st time.

[dreemrider]

"Columbus day is the average date to close. Also consider that there are other directions like S around the park and more...IMO, don't go towards CS,CO & stay with RMNP, especially if it's a 1st time."

Kantuckkid,

This would be my first time to RMNP... and I have no idea what you are saying!

It looks like you're saying that instead of going into the park on Rt , that you are telling me to go south around the park.(?) I do not know what CS and CO are. Help!

Never been in the State of Colorado except for a job interview at Durango a few years ago, so any input on great rides of 3-4 days roundtrip from Denver would be great. Thanks for all help!

Mark

[dreemrider]

Also, anything on lodging or restaurants would be nice.

[mrxinpa]

I'm guessing he's saying to stay up in the Northern Co area's around RMNP and Not to go South as CS= Colorado Springs? There is plenty to do and see up North between RMNP and Ft. Collins.

As a former 9yr resident of Longmont Co, RMNP was my playground for many years. Most years the park service tried to get Trail Ridge Road open by Memorial Day Weekend and the gates Closed the Monday after Labor Day Weekend. I have seen it say open into October but on Rare Occasions. Most years you will start to see some significant snow accumulations in the High Country by the first week of October. Trail Ridege Road is No Place to be during a white out!!

enjoy...

[eakins]

anytime in sept. on a weekday is ideal.

[JaiDee]

Originally Posted by dreemrider

Mrs. Dreem and I are considering flying in to Denver and renting a bike to run up ad see RMNP some weekend this fall. Those of you that know, what is the latest that you would consider doing this to avoid weather issues?

Thanks,
Mark

Like others have said, sometime around mid-October the weather generally gets unfit for all but the most hardy riders. Unfit to me means cold and rainy above 9000 feet. If you regularly monitor the weather conditions of Granby or Grand Lake (both towns are south of RMNP) you'll usually be able to see when the weather is starting to deteriorate in that general area. Having said that though, the weather just west of the Continental Divide can change VERY quickly from day to day or even during the day. Often times though, if the weather is bad in the high country it's still fine on the eastern slope. Not as exciting riding, but there are plenty of fun rides there anyway.

As to where to stay, there are plenty of places both south of the park and also to the east. My preference would probably be south of the park in Grand Lake or, if you're more concerned about budget, in Granby. I used to live in Grand County (just south of RMNP) between Granby and Winter Park though so I'm a little biased.

If you hit the weather right there are tons of beautiful rides in the area. Go on out and have a ball.

-JD