Colorado in September??

profdant139 wrote:
Don't go there in September. The trees turn weird colors, like this:


Click For Full-Size Image.

Those mountains are the Maroon Bells. The rock is kind of maroon color, but they don't look like bells at all, so it's a fraud.

Worse yet, the whole scene looks even weirder by moonlight:


Click For Full-Size Image.

Seriously, all kidding aside, if you have never been to Colorado in September, you are missing a world-class treat. Cooler weather, somewhat fewer tourists than in summer, many fewer bugs, and those funny-looking trees all over the place.

We spent the whole month of September there, and it was time well-spent. Here's a blog link -- I hope it is useful -- there are four posts in all -- this is the first:

Part I -- RMNP

^^^^^^^LOVE THOSE FUNNY TREEs^^^^^^^^

Don't go there in September. The trees turn weird colors, like this:


Click For Full-Size Image.

Those mountains are the Maroon Bells. The rock is kind of maroon color, but they don't look like bells at all, so it's a fraud.

Worse yet, the whole scene looks even weirder by moonlight:


Click For Full-Size Image.

Seriously, all kidding aside, if you have never been to Colorado in September, you are missing a world-class treat. Cooler weather, somewhat fewer tourists than in summer, many fewer bugs, and those funny-looking trees all over the place.

We spent the whole month of September there, and it was time well-spent. Here's a blog link -- I hope it is useful -- there are four posts in all -- this is the first:

Part I -- RMNP

Best time of year... Back in the 70s before we moved here we would always call in sick and drive all night to Estes Park, Colorado to spend a couple of days enjoying the fall colors. Stupid principals never could put two and two together.

Just make sure to go anywhere but Estes Park and RMNP. The crowds and gridlock will ruin the experience. We lived there for 31 years. We moved to Buena Vista to escape the crowds. Come see us. No big crowds and beautiful colors.

fanrgs wrote:
What part of Colorado are you interested in visiting? The answer will determine how many campground and RV park vacancies you will likely find.

Since you will only need AC at a few low-elevation campgrounds in the fall, you may be able to get along with no electric hookups or only 15-20 A power to run the fridge and furnace. That helps broaden the number of sites available to you. You might even consider boondocking in USFS or BLM dispersed camping areas, which are often located in the most scenic parts of the entire state.

If you absolutely must have hookups, try the State Park campgrounds in the area you are planning to visit. Weekends may be booked, but you can often find available electric sites on weeknights. That's how we manage to camp without reservations throughout Colorado in the fall.

^^^^^^Good Advice^^^^^^

What part of Colorado are you interested in visiting? The answer will determine how many campground and RV park vacancies you will likely find.

Since you will only need AC at a few low-elevation campgrounds in the fall, you may be able to get along with no electric hookups or only 15-20 A power to run the fridge and furnace. That helps broaden the number of sites available to you. You might even consider boondocking in USFS or BLM dispersed camping areas, which are often located in the most scenic parts of the entire state.

If you absolutely must have hookups, try the State Park campgrounds in the area you are planning to visit. Weekends may be booked, but you can often find available electric sites on weeknights. That's how we manage to camp without reservations throughout Colorado in the fall.

We are headed to Colorado the end of this month for a long trip. What surprised me the most was finding places to stay as most all RV parks were booked solid with a date here and there open, but no 3 - 6 day straight stays available. We ended up finding a NF CG that had 2 sites left and snapped up one of those. Yes, good time to visit, but everyone seems to have figured this out too. Best bet may be trying USFS campgrounds and hope for the best.

For suggestions on routes, sightseeing, and inexpensive campgrounds in Colorado, see my blog HERE. I have lived in Colorado for 55 years, my wife is a native, and fall is our favorite camping season in the Rockies!

Don't know about northern colorado but the southern Rockies are awesome from mid September through mid October. Just keep an eye on the weather which can change in a heartbeat and enjoy Colorado/New Mexico at their very best.

For the record we have done three, 2 week trips in the last 2 years during this time and had far better weather {not much rain} compared to the four trips we took during the summer months of June July and August.
Enjoy!

:B

We really like CO and NM in late August, Sept and into October. Just remember that may RV parks and facilities at higher altitudes probably close by Oct 1. But expect great weather, lots of tree color, and wonderful food!

Likes to tow wrote:
Is September a good time to visit Colorado???? How about crowds and cammp site availability in September??

Short answer: Yes!

A lot depends on latitude and altitude.

Camping is still quite good in September and into October. Kids are back in school, so family outings are reduced, particularly during week day trips. Weekends can still be a challenge, with the Weekend Warriors still heading out for that last gasp of camping season.

And campgrounds start to close down in September. For example, in RMNP, Glacier Basin CG closes shortly after Labour Day. Never figured out why, they could stay open longer, but that's just the way it is. Moraine Park begins shutting down loops in September/October depending on weather and conditions. B loop is open year round.

USFS CGs also start to shut down in September. Mid-September for higher elevations, and those in the northern area of the state. A bit longer, generally speaking, for locations in the southern portion. But again, everything is altitude and weather dependent.

For commercial campgrounds/RV parks, you'll find the season can run longer. For example, in the Estes Park area, there are places that stay open until the end of October. This to accommodate the folks coming up for the elk bugling in Rocky, and to squeeze out the last bit of seasonal income. And some places in southern Colorado will also have extended seasons, but again, altitude and weather dependent.

You can experience quite nice warm days, and crisp nights in Colorodo in September. You can also experience significant snow as well. It's all about altitude and latitude.