Colorado in early October

yellowdog00 wrote:
My only concern is the potential for bad weather that late in the year. I think it is probably doable as long as I am flexible and give myself enough time.

Flexibility is key. The good news is that the roads typically still have a lot of heat stored in them, so even if it snows, it clears up in a day or two after it is plowed. Your route is a good route with Monarch Pass the only real high point.

Most NFS CG's in CO are closed by that time of year. Even some of the private ones are closing by then. The NPS has a few campsites open around Blue Mesa Reservoir (Curecante NRA). If it's still open, we like Cimarron CG. Of course Black Canyon of the Gunnison has a CG open all year, but you're almost at your destination by then

I agree that you could get any kind of weather on your trip. Get the Weather Channel app and check the cities on your route. The 10 day forecast is reasonably accurate and as you get down to 4 or 5, very accurate. If it goes below 32 degrees you should disconnect and store your water hose so it does not freeze. Use your water tank at night.

There will probably be snow in the high country, but Colorado DOT is well versed in getting the roads cleared.

You might consider taking the Interstate through the tunnel rather than crossing over Monarch that time of year.

October anything can happen. Just watch the weather reports and see.